Home » Posts tagged 'KR1'
Tag Archives: KR1
Quoted Micro 3 November 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) is planning a move to the Main Market. A prospectus has been published, and the switch is expected on 25 November. There are also plans to raise money from a placing programme of up to 125 million shares if it is agreed by shareholders at a general meeting on 20 November. This will broaden the shareholder base. KR1 chairman Rhys Davies has been paid a bonus of 580,000 shares. NAV was 50.9p/share at the end of September 2025.
Valereum (VLRM) says COINGT, the infrastructure tokenisation project representing the Interoceanic Corridor of Guatemala, will be listed on tokenisation venue VLRM Markets. The token represents a project to create a logistics and trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific.
SulNox Group (SNOX) generated record second quarter revenues of £679,300, which is 30% above the first quarter. Fuel emission reduction additive volumes were 39% higher. So far this year, revenues are 173% ahead at £1.2m. Cash was £1.36m at the end of September 2025.
WeCap (WCAP) holds 806,022 shares in WeShop, which intends to join Nasdaq, as well as a 23.5% stake in a company that owns 2.08 million WeShop shares. The other investment is waterway cleaning technology developer Bio2pure. The 10% stake is valued at nil. WeCap had net assets of £6.77m at the end of April 2025.
Healthcare IT developer DXS International (DXSP) improved full year revenues from £3.31m to £3.47m and the loss was reduced from £4.95m to £175,000. Slow NHS decision making is holding back progress. Even excluding the previous year’s asset impairment of £4.38m the loss is lower. Turnover is expected to be flat this year and there will be another loss.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) says it is extending the loan to investee company Trans-Africa Energy to 31 January 2026.
Igraine (KING) has received £3.91m of fundraising money and is still waiting for the other £3.24m.
UTXO Management GP has belatedly stated that it has reduced its interest in The Smarter Web Company (SWC) from 26.6% to 12.99%.
Adnams (ADB) interim chair bought 1,650 B shares at 1805p each, while finance director Andrew Driscoll bought 500 A shares at £10 each.
There will be a 150-for-one share consolidation at Nyce International (NYCE) on 3 November.
Unigel Group (UNX) is paying an interim dividend of 2.5p/share.
IntelliAM AI (INT) is switching to the Apex segment of Aquis.
ASSET MATCH
Zytronic (ZYT) has disposes of all assets except for the freehold property in Blaydon. Completion of the sale has been delayed. An environmental survey will be received later in November. The estimated return to shareholders is still 48p/share to 58p/share.
Greenshields Agri (GAH) says draft accounts for 2024-25 show a swing from a loss of £317,000 to a profit after tax of £2.68m. NAV is 158p/share.
AIM
Empire Metals (EEE) is raising £7m at 40p/share. The cash will be used to finance work on the Pitfield project in Australia. This includes metallurgical test work, resource expansion and commencement of pilot production of Ti02 product samples for end users. This will initially be for the titanium metal supply chain. A listing on ASX is being considered for 2026.
Kromek (KMK) says interim revenues will be at least £14.5m, up from £3.7m. This includes revenues from Siemens. There is still underlying growth of 70%. An interim pre-tax profit is expected.
Belluscura (BELL) is appointing an administrator.
Shareholders did not agree to the proposed fundraising by Anglesey Mining (AYM) and management is preserving cash as it seeks alternative forms of financing. Without that the company will go into administration. Alumni Capital had agreed to offer equity funding of up to £2m.
Conygar Investment Company (CIC) is selling its 203-acre brownfield land at Rhosgoch in Anglesey to Rhosgoch Property, a subsidiary of Stena Lin. The net proceeds will be £18.3m, compared with a valuation of £2.5m. NAV was £63.8m (107.5p/share) at the end of March 2025, but since then there has been a £750,000 loss on the sale of a Virgin Active gym. Premier Miton trimmed its stake from 13.9% to 12.8%, while First Equity has cut its interest from 13.2% to 12.8%.
European Green Transition (EGT) has entered an exclusive six-month option agreement to sell the Pajala copper project in northern Sweden to Recovery Metals Cyprus. Historical drilling confirms copper mineralisation. Recovery Metals Cyprus will fund due diligence during the option. Copper prices are moving towards record highs.
Caledonian Holdings (CHP) has entered an agreement with Mousdale Investment and Nevis Investments which will each swap 250,000 AlbaCo shaes for 6.25 million Caledonian Holdings shares at 0.004p each. This will take Caledonian Holdings’ sake in new smaller company focused bank AlbaCo to 5.47%.
One Health Group (OHGR) has made a positive start to the financial year. Surgical procedures jumped 16% and interim revenues were 17% higher at £15.5m, which is 10% ahead of forecast. EBITDA is expected to be higher than the previous year. Cash is £10.8m. There have been delays in building the surgical hub, but it should still be open by the end of 2026.
Specialist cleaning services provider React Group (REAT) says full year revenues were 21% ahead at around £25m, which includes an initial contribution from 24hr Aquaflow, which was acquired last October. Dowgate edged up its 2024-25 pre-tax profit from £2.1m to £2.2m. Strong fourth quarter trading meant that net debt was higher than expected at £5.2m.
Cancer treatments developer ValiRx (VAL) is raising £750,000 at 0.25p/share and a WRAP offer could raise up to £300,000 more. The offer closes on 3 November. All subscribers get one warrant exercisable at 0.5p each with every new share. The cash will fund R&D, including the preclinical development of potential breast cancer treatment Cytolytix.
Construction disputes and professional services provider Diales (DIAL) expects a 2024-25 operating profit of at least £1.3m on slightly lower revenues of £42.6m, due to weaker Asia Pacific business. Pre-tax profit should also be £1.3m. Net cash was £3m at the end of September 2025. There is a strong pipeline of disputes business.
ABCrescent Cooperatief U.A. has sold 8.22 million shares in Pulsar Helium Inc (PLSR) at 38p/share. ABCrescent, which is associated with Pulsar Helium director Brice Laurent, still has a 4.81% stake plus 15.5 million warrants. Brie Laurent owns 17,570 shares. This follows the proposed acquisition of Hybrid Hydrogen, which owns mineral rights to 6,742 acres in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, for $80,000 in shares.
Great Western Mining Corporation (GWMO) says soil sampling at the Huntoon copper project in Nevada shows elevated levels of tungsten, copper and zinc. The soil geochemical anomaly has been extended to more than 2.8km. The consistency of anomalies suggests a larger than anticipated mineralised system. Further analysis will help to design a new drilling campaign.
Resources explorer 80 Mile (80M) says its US joint venture partner has announced that an independent report confirms the world-class potential of the Jameson Land Basin in eastern Greenland. This estimates more than 13 billion barrels (P10) of gross unrisked recoverable prospective oil resources. 80 Mile has a 30% post earn-in share. It has a free carry on the initial drilling planned for the second half of 2026. March GL is earning up to 70%. This followd an announcement that 80 Mile has revised the terms of its acquisition of Hydrogen Valley, which operates a biofuel site in Italy.
Versarien (VRS) has signed heads of terms with a UK quoted company for the sale of Total Carbide and the other remaining assets for £100,000 in cash and £100,000 in shares. The buyer will also take responsibility for £5.7m of loans plus interest. Versarien can operate with the support of creditors until the end of November. If the transaction goes ahead Versarien will become a shell.
MAIN MARKET
Cindrigo (CINH) has completed the acquisition of an 85% stake in a company that is developing three geothermal projects in the Upper Rhine Vally in Germany, and this enabled it to return to the Main Market. Cindrigo raised £2.06m at 12p/share and £9.3m of convertible loans have been converted into shares at an average price of 17p/share. At the placing price, the market capitalisation was £40.1m.
Georgina Energy (GEX) has gained drilling approvals for the Hussar prospect in EP513 in Western Australia. There was cash of £112,000 at the end of July 2025 and since then £1m has been raised.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) had cash and liquid resources of $1.8m at the end of September 2025. There have been good results from the Harts Range rare earths project. The NWQ copper project is also progressing.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 September 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
HRC World (HRC) joined Aquis on 26 August. The data centre facilities provider is already traded on Nasdaq First Copenhagen. The plan is to expand the network of sites outside of Malaysia. It is also assessing sustainable electricity generation potential.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised a further £3.66m at 193p/share and there are 2.59 million shares still available for subscription. The company has bought 2,440 Bitcoin and the total cost was £201.1m. Net cash available to invest in Bitcoin has fallen to £600,000. PKF Littlejohn has replaced Adler Shine as auditor.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has agreed terms for the acquisition of 74.75% in the Paguanta copper gold project in Chile. If the deal is completed thee is an initial payment of $50,000 in cash and $100,000 in cash. Progress with the project will trigger further payments.
Vault Ventures (VULT) has sold its Bitcoin assets, and it retains its other digital assets. A subsidiary has entered a strategic partnership with Quaint Insight, and this will provide access to data to help assess digital assets.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 49.38p/share at the end of July 2025, up from 40.69p/share at the end of June. Aggregate income during the month was £419,630.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has raised £1.5m at 1.25p/share and this will provide working capital for drilling at the Red Setter Dome gold target.
Lord Bethell has been appointed as a non-executive director of biotech Cardiogeni (CGNI). He is a former health minister. Another director, Ajan Reginald, bought 10,001 shares at 20p each and 2,000 shares at 10p each. He owns 22.1% of Cardiogeni.
Amazing AI (AAI) raised £72,000 at 1p each.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) director Jonathan Hives has sold 350,000 shares at 5.085p each. EDX Medical (EDX) chief executive Dr Michael Hudson bought 65,000 shares at 10.65p each.
ASSET MATCH
Zytronic (ZYT) expects to sell all its assets by the end of September, and shareholders should receive between 48p and 58p for each share they own in October.
AIM
In the year to February 2025, continuing revenues of online retailer boohoo (DEBS) fell 12% to £790.3m, but Debenhams brand gross sales were one-third higher. The adjusted loss was barely changed at £43.4m. Management says that the brands are trading at a positive EBITDA. There were a raft of exceptional costs, including an impairment provision of £47.9m. The carrying value of the investment in Revolution Beauty (REVB) has been reduced by £16m and boohoo is backing the refinancing and the return of the founders. Total exceptionals increased from £98.1m to £198.7m. Founder and executive director Carol Kane bough 6.86 million shares at 14.5p each
Fiinu (BANK) has been readmitted to AIM following the acquisition of Poland-based foreign exchange brokerage Everfex. The initial payment of £8m was satisfied by the issue of 80 million shares at 10p each and the rest will depend on performance and be payable via up to 20 million shares at 20p each. The share price rose 49% to 19p.
Fire safety products supplier LifeSafe Holdings (LIFS) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM. It has raised £700,000 at 3p/share and a retail offer, which closes on 5 September, can raise up to £500,000. Disappointing sales mean that LifeSafe requires more working capital. Overoptimistic expectations from the company have led to the share price slumping from the 75p placing share price in July 2022. It costs £300,000 each year to be quoted and management says that it has prospective investors that can only invest in private companies and are willing to invest at higher valuations than the current valuation. Executive chairman Dominic Berger acquired 1.37 million shares at 1p each, taking his stake to 5.85%.
Empire Metals (EEE) has made a breakthrough in process development at the Pitfield project in Western Australia. Recoveries are 77% at the rougher stage and 90% at the cleaning stage. Leach results achieved 98% titanium dissolution. Overall titanium recovery is 67% and this is expected to improve. This is a high purity product.
Transport software and services provider Tracsis (TRCS) says full year revenues edged up from £81m to £82m, while EBITDA was slightly lower at around £12.6m. Trading improved in the second half. Cash was £23.4m at the end of July 2025.
Brain health software developer Cambridge Cognition (COG) is raising £1.12m at 27.25p/share from key shareholders and management following the interim figures. Changes to the board mean that Rob Baker becomes senior executive director, Alex Livingstone-Learmonth is chief commercial officer, and Ronald Openshaw becomes head of finance and corporate development. Interim revenues fell from £5.6m to £4.3m and the loss increased. Cash fell to £400,000. The order book was £16.4m at the end of June 2025.
Thor Explorations (THX) announced further drilling results from the Guitry Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire. There have been 3,000 metres of drilling and the latest assays include thee with significant gold showings, including one showing 8 metres at 14.54g/t gold. The drilling shows mineralisation is open at depth. There are soil anomalies that have not been tested.
Advanced engineering materials developer Versarien (VRS) says that the sale of its remaining subsidiaries is near completion. The Chinese strategic investor has withdrawn from the investment process because of the UK national security review process only approving a restricted joint venture.
Logistics Development Group (LDG) had net assets of 26.7p/share at the end of June 2025, up 8.67% over the quarter. Since then, £15m has been invested in a company that has taken a 78.3% stake in Alternative Parcels Company.
Synthetic binders developer Aptamer Group (APTA) has launched a biomarker discovery service. Biomarkers are molecular indicators of physiological states, including disease presence and enable targeted drug development. The service will use the company’s own Optimer technology in combination with proteomic analysis and it can generate the binding molecules. This is a fee for service model.
Oriole Resources (ORR) says the number of gold bearing intersections at the Mbe gold project in Cameroon to 285, equivalent to one intersection for every 21 metres. A mineral resource estimate is expected before the end of the year.
MTI Wireless Edge (MWE) improved revenues by 8% to $24.1m, but pre-tax profit was flat at $2.3m. Share buybacks helped earnings to increase, but net cash fell to $5.1m at the end of June 2025. Antennas revenues grew strongly and there was a doubled profit contribution. This offset lower profit from other parts of the business.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) has already flagged up weaker trading. Interim revenues were 13% ahead at £146.6m, which was an organic decline of 1%. Pre-tax profit was one-third higher at £7.9m. The interim dividend is unchanged at 0.96p/share. Manufacturing operations performed better than distribution, which should improve its performance in the second half.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 2 June 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Probiotic ingredients developer ProBiotix Health (PBX) reported that it had a strong first quarter in 2026 with growth of 50%. This was at the same time as reporting a 13% increase in 2024 sales to £1.883m. Gross margins are more than 50%. There is £1.65m in the bank after a cash outflow of just over £1m. The cost base is broadly in line with requirements so the majority of additional revenues should drop through to profit. New deals have been signed with Kemin China and TopHealth in South Korea. There are also new product launches in the second half. This should help revenues to grow this year. Currently, North America dominates revenues. There are already 24 customers and more than 100 leads. The target is revenues of £10m in 2028 and that should produce £2m of EBITDA. Chief executive Steen Andersen bought an initial 125,450 shares at 7.83p/share and chairman Adam Reynolds acquired 50,000 shares at 7.88p each.
In the year to March 2025, café chain Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) increased revenues by 49% to NZ$7m, including an initial contribution from Dairygold cafes in Ireland. Total franchise stores sales were one-third higher at NZ$79.6m. Cooks Coffee and a regional partner have acquired two Black Goo cakes and food stores. The target remains 300 stores by 2034.
AIM-quoted RiverFort Global Opportunities has completed the acquisition of the healthy snacks businesses of Aquis-quoted S-Ventures (SVEN) and changed its name to Tooru (TOO). S-Ventures becomes a cash shell and may decide to distribute the Tooru shares received in the deal to its shareholders.
Sundae Bar (KNDR), which was formed by the merger with Ora Technology, plans to move to AIM. The company is developing a platform that will be a marketplace for AI agents. There is a conditional fundraising of £2m at 8p/share. The expected admission date is 3 June.
Helium Ventures (HEV) has signed a strategic deal with NewQube Holdings to establish a Bitcoin treasury function. There has been £1.2m raised at 2p/share and this will be invested in Bitcoin. The company name will be changed to VaultZ Capital.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) is also planning to become an investor in digital assets, and it will change its name. Disposal proceeds from the existing portfolio will be invested in Bitcoin.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 47.79p/share at the end of April 2025, down from 52.16p/share at the end of March 2025. The digital assets generated income of £394,091 during the month.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) grew 2024 sales by 3% to £68.1m and the loss was reduced. The only part of the business that declined was retail. Contract work helped the brewing and distillery operations. Net debt edged down to £15.3m and asset disposals will enable further reductions. The business will try to offset rising costs.
Flow batteries supplier Invinity Energy Services (IES) reported a fall in full year revenues from £22.1m to £5m, but the loss was lower and the increased number of shares in issue meant that the loss per share fell from 14.7p to 5.3p. Net cash is £32m. Revenues should rebound this year, and the loss fall again. Breakeven is possible in 2026 and net cash could still be £7m at the end of 2026.
Coinsilium (COIN) has raised £2.5m from a placing at 6p/share and more will come from a retail offer. The cash will be invested in Forza (Gibraltar) for Bitcoin-based treasury activities. It currently owns 10.0021 Bitcoins at an average purchase price of £81,696.90.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had a small dip in interim revenues to £404,000. The NAV has fallen from 87.32p/share to 74.27p/share at the end of February 2025. General economic uncertainty led to the decline in valuations.
Smarter Web Company (SWC) has increased its Bitcoin holding to 83.24 and the average purchase price was $78,567 for each Bitcoin. Andrew Smith has increased his stake from 8.6% to 11.2%.
Residential property developer Zentra Group (ZNT) has completed the sale of five properties in Eccleshill and along with freehold land generated £1.19m. This cash will go towards acquiring a site in Manchester. The value of the 30% stake acquired in One Victoria in Manchester has been raised from £3m to £4.1m. Zentra will generate fees for development and sale of the properties.
Valereum (VLRM) says VLRM Markets has gone live. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with Blubird Global Inc, which operates a platform that administers more than $55bn of token assets. Valereum will have access to Blubird tools, and it will promote Valereum to selected customers. There is also potential for Valereum to offer the Blubird suite under its brand. Valereum has entered a tokenisation partnership agreement with football team Club Deportivo Futbolistas Asociados Santanecos.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) investee company Trans-Africa Energy hopes to agree a cash injection by the end of June and the loan has been extended by a further month.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has received an income boost from recoupment of Bitcoin rewards. There are approximately five Bitcoins that will be added to assets.
Shares in File Forge Technology (FILE) returned from suspension after the acquisition of Amirose London and a 24-for-one share consolidation.
Marula Mining (MARU) has terminated its subscription agreement with AUO Commercial Brokerage. Instead, an unsecured debt facility will be put in place. As part of the deal 50% of the shares issued to AUO will be cancelled, so 27 million shares will be issued. A company associated with chief executive Jason Brewer bought 16.5 million shares at 3.75p each.
IntelliAM AI (INT) chief executive Tom Clayton bought 10,962 shares at 82p each.
ASSET MATCH
In 2024, brewer Wadworth and Company (WAD) grew revenues 6% to £41.3m, while pre-tax profit was 13% higher at £923,000. January and February were tough, but trading improved in March and April, and profit is improving this year. A refinancing is due by September.
C4X Discovery (C4XD) says a Euro8m milestone payment from Sanofi has been triggered by pre-clinical progress for the oral IL-17A inhibitor programme for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. So far Euro18m has been received out of a possible total of Euro414m of milestone payments and royalties.
AIM
Energy assurance and optimisation services provider Inspired (INSE) has received an indicative offer of 81p/share from HGGC managed funds. The Inspired board has indicated that it would be minded to recommend the bid at this level. Regent Gas Holdings is offering 68.5p/share in cash and says it wants Inspired to stay on AIM. That offer was rejected, and acceptances have been minimal.
Reduced frequency of services hit the ongoing business of cleaning services provider React (REAT) hit ongoing interim revenues. There were also two paused contracts. In the six months to March 2025, revenues rose from £10.6m to £12.1m, but that was after a £2.8m contribution from 24hr Aquaflow Services, which was acquired in October last year. It also helped gross margin improve from 27.1% to 32%, which should be sustainable because contracts have been in cost increases from higher National Insurance rates. Admin expenses have increased ahead of growth and because of running two systems at LaddersFree while business is transferred to a new online platform. Underlying interim pre-tax profit was flat at £1.1m, excluding acquisition costs of £220,000.
Video games publisher Frontier Developments (FDEV) published a trading statement showing revenues ahead of expectations. There was 3% growth in the second half and Panmure Liberum has raised its forecast revenues from £85.9m to £90m, compared with £89m the previous year. A loss had been expected, but this is now a pre-tax profit of £3.3m, although that includes a £3.5m gain on the sale of rights to one of its games.
Engineering company Avingtrans (AVG) revealed in an unexpected trading statement that has led to a profit upgrade. Although forecast revenues are unchanged at £161m, the pre-tax profit estimate has been raised from £6.5m to £8.1m due to the product mix and cautious forecasting.
IG Design (IGR) has sold its American division to a company set up by Hilco Capital. The upfront payment is a nominal $1 and 75% of any proceeds from sale or realisation of assets after the disposal, after agreed adjustments. There may be no additional consideration, especially if the business is not sold. Money owed by the American division will be assigned to the buyer for $1. This business had net assets of $245.4m at the end of September 2024, but it has fallen into loss since then. There will be a considerable write-down of this asset value in the 2024-25 accounts. The risk of further losses is avoided. New financing is being arranged.
A surprise trading statement from contract research business hVIVO (HVO) reveals two contracts have been cancelled, including one large human challenge trial, and one has been postponed, triggered by fears about drug pricing in the US. Contracted revenues are still £47m, but Cavendish expects a loss this year.
Poolbeg Pharma (POLB) has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA in the US for POLB001 for treating cytokine release syndrome caused by T cell engager bispecific antibodies. This is a side effect of cancer treatments. POLB001 is ready for a phase 2 study. The status provides seven-year exclusivity after US approval, plus tax credits for development spending. This is a $10bn market. There is potential for securing a partner for clinical trials.
Synthetic binders developer Aptamer (APTA) has signed a second deal with Unilever for the to develop a panel of Optimer binders for an additional biological pathway associated with body odour formation. This is a fee-for-service deal that will be worth a six-figure sum. On-person trials are planned for the previous programme should commence later this year.
Diagnostics company Angle (AGL) increased 2024 revenues by 31% to £2.9m, although the product mix and early discounts to pharma customers meant that gross margins declined. The loss was reduced by 29% to £14.2m after cost savings. Net cash was £10.4m at the end of 2024 with £2.3m of tax credits due, of which £1.4m have been received. The cash should last until the first quarter of 2026. There is uncertainty about timing of new deals that will help to further improve revenues.
In the first quarter of 2025, Arrow Exploration (AXL) produced 4,100 barrels of oil equivalent/day. Colombia production declined, but Canada more than made up for that. Production should grow further after a second drilling rig arrives in early June. Up to four wells will be drilled. Net cash was $24m at 1 May. Cash generation will contribute to the $50m of capex in 2025. There is a two-year crude pre-payment agreement with an energy company to market the oil in Colombia.
Cyber security company Smarttech247 (S247) has secured renewals and a new contract worth a total of €3.7m. The three renewals are in a range of sectors and the new customer is a US industrial business. Two of the contracts are for three years. This helps to underpin an improvement in full year revenues from €13.2m to €14.2m, rising to €15.3m in the year to July 2026.
Environmental technology supplier Metir (MET), formerly Microsaic Systems, currently has cash of £151,000 and the company is dependent on timely collection of receivables. The Qatar project payment of £228,000 is not expected until after June, which is later than anticipated because of technical changes. If most of this is not paid in the third quarter, then additional finance may be required. Trading is better than expected. Management believes that Metir can be EBITDA positive in the second half of 2025.
Logistics Development Group (LDG) had net assets of 24.6p/share at the end of March 2025. Following the recent tender offer, the figure has increased to 26.1p/share.
MAIN MARKET
Shipbroker Braemar (BMS) reported a dip in full year pre-tax profit from £14.6m to £13.4m on revenues 7% lower at £141.9m. The dividend was reduced by 46% to 7p/share, but there is a £2m share buyback. The company fell into net debt of £2.5m. There was a one-third drop in tanker charter revenues, but other parts of the business grew.
Seed Capital Solutions (SCSP) plans to acquire 4DM, the developer of AI imaging diagnostics for the veterinary market, for shares valued at £33.3m at 1.75p each. A fundraising will be required. Trading in the shares is suspended.
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 7 April 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Automotive electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) has secured a £5m cash injection from Caterpillar Inc via convertible loan. This has an annual interest charge of 10% and lasts until the end of March 2029. The conversion price is the lower of 3.125p and 80% of the average trailing 30-day share price. There is also a development agreement for electric drivetrain products. This concludes the strategic review. An agreement with wave energy technology company CorPower Ocean will generate £650,000 for the first phase of the development of a generator and SiC (silicon carbide) inverter system to accelerate the commercialisation of the wave energy equipment.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has reached agreement to proceed with the LODES project, which is a 21MWh VS3 system co-located with a solar array. The total cost of the project is £20m. Planning permission has to be adjusted before the project can commence construction and the project could be completed and operating in the second half of 2026. There should be some revenues recognised in 2025. A loss is still forecast for this year despite a jump in forecast revenues to £35.5m.
Samarkand (SMK) is asking for shareholder approval to leave Aquis. The ecommerce technology provider has adapted its strategy to focus on its own brands and is less dependent on the Chinese market for growth. The costs of being quoted will be saved. The plan is to leave on 7 May and move to a JP Jenkins matched bargains facility. Even before the announcement, the lack of liquidity meant that the board does not believe the share price reflects the value of the business.
AIM-quoted drug discovery company ImmuPharma (IMM) has agreed to extend the period of warrants in Aquis-quoted skincare technology developer Incanthera (INC). The 7.27 million warrants are exercisable at 9.5p each – the current share price is 9p – and they will be extended until the end of September. ImmuPharma will pay Incanthera a profit share of 30% of the difference between exercise and market prices. Incanthera has agreed to pay creditors £380,000 in shares at 8.5p each.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 58.2p/share at the end of February 2025. During February there was £462,000 of income generated from digital assets.
Consumer and beauty products supplier Silverwood Brands (SLWD) reported revenues of £9.28m in the six months to December 2024, compared with £6.88m in the previous six months. Excluding acquisitions the performance was flat compared to the second half of 2023. There was a £359,000 loss compared with a £263,000 pre-tax profit. There was cash of £3.08m at the end of 2024. The new financial year end is June 2025. The Balmonds Skin Salvation product is available in Boots.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) is not going ahead with the UK FCA lending application process and is no longer focusing on US loan book acquisitions or adding to licences. The existing US lending operations will be the focus, helped by AI. A confidential introducer agreement has been secured with a large UK consumer finance group for introducing its products around the world.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has sold sheet metal fabrication company Aftech for £1. This will stop the cash outflow. There will be a £718,000 goodwill write down. Vulcan Industries is in discussions with secured creditors concerning obligations that are due in the second quarter of 2025. The remaining asset is the Lincoln battery energy storage project.
Ride video capture technology provider Visum Technologies (VIS) has extended its contract with the Children’s Day Foundation Linnanmaki in Finland for a further three years. This should generate a total of £100,000 in revenues. In the six months to December 2024, revenues fell from £130,000 to £71,000. The loss was $325,000.
Oscillate (MUSH) has entered into non-binding heads of terms for a joint venture with Evolution Energy Minerals to develop the Chikundo copper, lead and zinc prospect, which is within the Chilalo graphite project.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) says farm-in partner White Energy has completed stage 1 of its spending commitment and earned a 51% interest in Specimen Hill. A further $1m of spending will earn a further 25%. White Energy can then pay $2m to buy the minority shareholding, although Tectonic Gold will retain a 3% perpetual net smelter royalty.
Ananda Pharma (ANA) has received approval from the Alfed Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee in Australia for its phase 1 pharmacokinetic study of the lead cannabinoid drug candidate MRX1. The first patient should be dosed in the third quarter of 2025. The data can support regulatory filings in other countries.
BWA Group (BWAP) says preliminary kyanite product specification test work at the Dehane heavy mineral sands project in Cameroon has proved highly satisfactory. Kyanite is used in refractory and ceramic products.
Marula Mining (MARU) has received the first revenues from sales of copper concentrate from the Kinusi copper mine in Tanzania.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says the option to acquire Kansas-based M3 Helium has been extended to the end of June 2025.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals Corp is going to drill test a pipeline of exploration targets at the Golden Rose project that has been optioned by Eldorado Gold Corporation.
Jonathan Neame bought 4,000 shares in Shepherd Neame (SHEP) at 490p each. Richard Oldfield acquired 20,800 shares at 485p each and 5,000 shares at 484p each. Newbury Racecourse (NYR) chairman Dominic Burke bought 7,500 shares at 503.36p each.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) has launched a share buyback programme of up to 2% of the shares in issue.
ChallengerX has changed its name to Nyce International (NYCE).
ASSET MATCH
Asset Match has secured a strategic partnership with financial services provider Monex Europe, which will help companies with their foreign exchange requirements.
Engineering and technology firm Marshall of Cambridge (MCH) has sold its business distributing Thermo King transport temperature control systems to Trane Technologies, the owner of Thermo King. Trading was tough last year, and Marshall of Cambridge lost money. This loss was made worse by write-offs on legacy contracts and delays to the sale of ex-RAF C-130s. The total order book had improved to £663m by the end of 2024. Disposals enabled a return to a net cash position. There are plans to sell the composites business by the summer. The company also has a 900-acre property at Cambridge airport and it is assessing options. A catch-up dividend payment is possible this year.
Brewer Wadworth and Company (WAD) says it should report a 15% increase in EBITDA for 2024. January and February have been tough. Planning permission has been granted by Wiltshire council for the scheme on the old brewery site.
Football club Tottenham Hotspur (TTNM) reported a rise in revenues from £549.6m to £528.2m in the year to June 2024 and it reduced its loss to £26m, helped by a £82.3m gain on player trading.
Shares in RA International (RAI) moved from AIM to Asset Match on 2 April.
AIM
Online gaming company Gaming Realms (GMR) improved underlying pre-tax from £6.4m to £9.6m on revenues 22% ahead at £28.5m, and the momentum continues. Net cash increased to £13.5m. A £6m share buyback programme has been announced. The expansion into new countries and launching new games has helped Gaming Realms to grow. North America is doing particularly well and generates more than 50% of licensing revenues.
Automotive and battery connectors supplier Strip Tinning (STG) is expecting a lower than forecast loss in 2025 because of strong trading in the battery division. This is a higher margin part of the business, and it will help to reduce the EBITDA loss from £1.6m to £900,000. The anticipated lifetime value of an existing US battery connectors client has been raised from £43m to at least £56.8m. The overall market remains difficult, though. A £520,000 R&D tax credit should be received in April and another payment of £250,000 should be received in the second half of 2025. Strip Tinning is on course to make a pre-tax profit in 2027. A grant is being applied for from the Automotive Transformation Fund. Strip Tinning will require more cash to fund growth.
Plant-based polymers developer Itaconix (ITX) reported a dip in 2024 revenues from $7.9m to $6.5m because of the loss of a low margin contract, but underlying revenues are higher. The pre-tax loss increased from $1.2m to $1.8m. Cash was $6.7m at the end of 2024 and this is enough for the current requirements. Cleaning, hygiene and beauty ingredients are all growing revenues with a good start to 2025.
Cyber security hardware and software provider Corero Network Security (CNS) increased annualised recurring revenues by 15% to $19.5m. This is a good indication of the progress being made. Recognised revenues were 10% ahead at $24.6m in 2024 and that enabled a move from loss to a pre-tax profit of $600,000. Net cash is $5.3m. The position in Latin America has been enhanced by an expansion of the partnership with TechEnabler in Brazil. This year has started well.
Automotive brake discs developer Surface Transforms (SCE) has received total cash advances of £8m and help from its customers and it has also increased the price of discs. Long-term supply agreements are being discussed. Gross cash is currently £1.2m. Manufacturing yield remains inconsistent.
Currency services provider Argentex (AGFX) reported full year figures showing positive momentum in the second half and into the new financial year. The outcome for 2024 was better than expected. Cash generated from operating activities improved from £13.6m to £16.7m. However, Argentex still fell into loss for 2024 and may not return to pre-tax profit this year. The new digital infrastructure should be launched in the second half. This should help to grow long-term profit.
Executive search firm Norman Broadbent (NBB) is performing well in the tough recruitment market. The additional fee earners are beginning to boost the figures, although income has declined in the past year. Full year net fee income fell by 11% to £9.3m with international business holding up with the decline happening in the UK. The company slipped into a loss of £158,000. The figures were still better than for 2022 and 2023 was a strong year.
Ceramic and fragrance products supplier Portmeirion (PMP) still finds trading difficult. In 2024, revenues fell from £102.7m to £91.2m, while pre-tax profit slumped from £3m to £1.1m. Net debt is £12.1m, while the dividend has been slashed from 5.5p/share to 1.5p/share.
K3 Business Technology (KBT) intends to return £29m – equivalent to 64.8p/share – to shareholders via tender following a recent disposal and it is consulting with shareholders about whether to remain on AIM. The software company will still have £6m in cash and remaining software businesses that are a Microsoft Dynamics fashion industry partner and a supplier of software to IKEA.
Zinnwald Lithium (ZNWD) says the Saxony state government has recognised the company’s eponymous lithium project as a project of outstanding importance. The company recently published a pre-feasibility study showing a pre-tax NPV of €3.3bn with a mine life of 40 years.
Minoan Group (MIN) says trading in the shares is likely to be suspended because it does not have enough cash to complete the audit of its accounts to October 2024. The suspension is expected on 1 May, but it may come earlier because of the lack of cash. Minoan has not been able to extend the secured loan, totalling £1.19m, provided by DAGG. A proposal from DAG includes the conversion of the loan into shares and an additional £4.44m cash injection in return for shares. Some members of DAGG would also write off £1.1m they are owed. DAGG wants to nominate management to take the company forward.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) returned from suspension during the week after creditors agreed to the company voluntary arrangement and a £300,000 subscription at 0.034p/share. The company liquidated its operating subsidiary and is seeking a new business to acquire.
MAIN MARKET
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) reported results from the geophysical survey for the Harts Range heavy rare earths, uranium and niobium project in Australia and drilling should commence in April. New Frontier Minerals owns 85% of the project, where 46 priority targets have been identified, of which 18 are priority one targets. The results exceeded expectations.
Cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) revealed the progress it is making towards commercialising its expertise. The plan is to integrate AI and the Social Cyber product, and the enhanced product will be launched in the summer. This will be the platform to develop a SaaS-based Software Supply Chain Security offer. Narf is seeking partners with direct customer bases.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 3 March 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
In the six months to November 2024, Field Systems Designs (FSD) improved revenues from £8.8m to £13.1m and pre-tax profit recovered from £84,000 to £853,000. There is cash of £4.4m. The mechanical and electrical engineering services company has benefit from increasing activity under the AMP7 programme for the water sector. The AMP8 programme will begin in April 2025. There are secured orders worth more than £22m, but the start of AMP8 is likely to see a slowdown in spending before it ramps up again.
Hydrogen Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) improved full year pre-tax profit from £236,000 to £350,000. There was £610,000 of cash generated from operations. Cash was £2.46m at the end of October 2024. A second interim dividend of 13p/share has been declared, taking the total to 26p/share.
Zentra Group (ZNT) has completed the sale of 19 out of 24 units at the One Meadow development in West Yorkshire to a registered housing provider for £3.96m. This will pay off the development finance facility. There are five units to sell privately.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has invested £75,000 in cross border payments company Endor Group, which trades as Universe Payments. Endor chief executive Tony Quirke was finance director at Equals.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) is acquiring Credit Canary, which specialises in AI and software developer and provider of credit services, for £4m in shares at 12.5p each. The brand will be retained.
KR1 (KR1) reported an end-January 2025 NAV of 77.5p/share, down from 77.8p/share the previous month, and has generated income of £721,233 during the months.
Having raised £7.4m from a placing at 180p/share healthcare procedures provider One Health Group (OHGR) has raised a further £200,000 through a retail offer, where shares worth up to £500,000 were on offer. Existing shareholders have the chance to take up shares in a one-for-38 open offer of up to £500,000 ahead of the move to AIM. which is expected to happen on 20 March.
Audit and assurance services provider Adsure Services (ADS) has signed a contract with K10 Vision to implement its audit working paper software. This will enhance the efficiency of subsidiary TIAA and integration is already underway.
Rogue Baron has changed its name to Richmond Hill Resources (SHNJ) and adopted an investment strategy in the natural resources. Trading in the shares recommenced on Wednesday 26 February.
Former Daniel Stewart boss Peter Shea has been appointed as a director of Good Life Plus (GDLF) and John Taylor has stepped down from the board.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has signed an exclusive agency agreement for Greece and Cyprus with Technava SA. The focus will be the maritime market for the company’s fuel additives.
EDX Medical Group (EDX) founder and executive director Professor Sir Chris Evans acquired 60,000 shares at 12.97p each and 30,000 shares at an average share price of 13.49p each.
Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) director Bryan Coyne bought 1.06 million shares at 11.22p each. Cardiogeni (CGNI) executive chairman Darrin Disley has bought 152,205 shares, mainly at 22p/share, although 50,000 of these shares were acquired at 15p each.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) has appointed Allenby as corporate adviser.
Inteliqo Ltd (IQO) will leave Aquis on 14 March.
ASSET MATCH
Chaarat Gold Holdings (CGH) decided to withdraw from Asset Match and the final auction was on 28 February. The last auction share price was 0.14p. The mining company left AIM on 16 August 2024.
Agricultural land and farming activities company Greenshields Agri Holdings (GAH) reported a decline in revenues from £6.18m to £3.95m. Crop sales and other farming income declined. There was also a fall in contract income. There was a reduction in cost of sales, and that helped the loss reduce from £728,000 to £436,000. NAV was £22.7m at the end of June 2024, which is equivalent to 145p/share.
AIM
Online building materials retailer CMO Group (CMO) has reviewed its strategic options and decided that it should leave AIM because it cannot source the finance it requires. This should save £700,000/year. JP Jenkins will provide a matched bargains market. CMO joined AIM at the height of the Covid-related boom in DIY and its results have declined since then. The market is currently declining, although there are signs of improvement in February. CMO raised £45m at 132p/share when it joined AIM in July 2021.
Staffing firm Staffline (STAF) is selling its workplace training business PeoplePlus for up to £6.9m – £12m minus £5.1m deduction for advanced payments. The change in government has led to uncertainty concerning training and delays in client decisions. PeoplePlus was expected to make a 2025 pre-tax profit of £300,000, down from £1.3m in 2024. Panmure Liberum expects an £11.1m non-cash write down on the business. A share buyback has been launched. This could acquire up to £7.5m worth of shares.
Bezant Resources (BZT) is planning to sell Puna Metals, which owns the Eureka gold and copper mine in Argentina, to Main Market shell Ajax Resources (AJAX). It will pay $120,000 in cash and $100,000 in shares – which will be based on the price of a fundraising.
Sovereign Metals Ltd (SVML) says graphite concentrate produced at the Kasiya rutile-graphite project has met or exceeded specifications for use in flame retardants, gaskets, seals and brake linings. Demand for graphite is growing at 6%-8%/year. Sovereign Metals believe it can produce the graphite at an incremental cost of $241/t, while the recent price was $1,140/t. The information will be used for talks with potential offtake partners. Rutile continues to be the primary potential product of the project.
Photonics and optical equipment supplier Gooch & Housego (GHH) is improving efficiency and margins and is set to meet full year expectations. At the AGM, it was revealed that the order book has grown to £126.4m. Defence optics, medical diagnostics and subsea data networks demand is strong. Semiconductors and industrial lasers markets remain weak. Net debt was £19.2m, following the acquisition of Wales-based Phoenix Optical for £6.75m. This business is being integrated. Net debt could fall to £15m by the end of September 2025. Further bolt-on acquisitions are being sought. Trading is likely to be second half weighted. Cavendish forecasts a recovery in pre-tax profit from £8.1m to £13.3m.
EnergyPathways (EPP) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with a clean energy fund, which would be a cornerstone investor in an equity funding at higher than the current share price. This will provide cash for the development of the MESH energy storage project. A FTSE 100 constituent is interested in long-term storage capacity. The final concept engineering report has been submitted and a decision on the application for a gas storage licence is expected soon. The MESH project could be operational by the end of 2027.
Growth in the revenues of diagnostics developer Oxford BioDynamics (OBD) remains modest and the loss increased. Revenues moved up from £510,000 to £636,000, while the loss was nearly £12m. Since the balance sheet date £7.35m has been raised at 0.5p/share and Ian Ross appointed executive chairman. The company is seeking partners and collaborators to accelerate the take up of its EpiSwitch products.
Following the departure of its chief executive Wendy Lawrence and the loss of a NHS 111 contract healthcare services provider Totally (TLY) has renewed two multi-year contracts worth a total of £30m, including option extension periods. The original contracts had a similar annual value. David and Monique Newlands have been adding to their stake, and it has risen from 5.39% to 6.67%, while Trafalgar Capital increased its shareholding from 6.04% to 8.16%. Earlier in the week, Liontrust sold its 525% shareholding.
Retail software provider itim Group (ITIM) says that 2024 revenues were 5% better than expected at £17.9m thanks to contract wins in the second half. This enabled itim to move back into profit. Zeus forecasts a 2024 pre-tax profit of £200,000 and upgraded its 2025 figure to £500,000.
A June 2024 revaluation of the Mpac (MPAC) pension scheme shows an actuarial surplus of £21.1m. Back in June 2021the pension deficit was £28.4m. This should make it easier to transfer the scheme to a third party.
Asia-focused oil and gas producer Jadestone Energy (JSE) increased average production in 2024 by 35% to 18,696 barrels of oil equivalent/day. Revenues improved from $309.2m to $395m. The Akatara gas processing facility is up and running. Net debt was $104.8m at the end of 2024. This year production is expected to average 19,000-22,500 barrels of oil equivalent/day. Based on a Brent oil price of $70-$80/barrel Jadestone Energy believes it can generate $270m-$360m of free cash flow between 2025 and 2027.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) has reported 2024 revenues 4% lower and an organic decline of 8% due to lower volumes and prices. Pe-tax profit was 3% lower at £25m. The manufacturing operations increased revenues, although like-for-like sales were flat, and its profit contribution rose by 10%.
Cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) has reportedly been awarded a $6.8m contract by DARPA in the US. This is for the Intelligent Generation of Tools for Security programme. This is designed to assess vulnerabilities in systems and lasts 36 months.
Georgina Energy (GEX) says a scoping study has confirmed the viability of commercial gas production at Hussar. The NPV10 is estimated to be $1.64bn. Management is in discussions with potential offtake partners. There is a non-exclusive agreement with potential offtake partner Harlequin Energy covering helium, hydrogen and natural gas.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 6 January 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Global Connectivity (GCON) is investing £50,000 in PLUG Group, which is a 4% stake. PLUG is developing opportunities to extract decommissioned copper cables for South American telecoms companies. Livia Meyer has returned 32.5 million shares and paid £50,000 for the other five million shares subscribed for. Executive chairman Dr Keith Harris has paid the £200,000 he owes for shares he acquired. Barry Hersh has still not paid the £375,000 for the 37.5 million shares that he subscribed for.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) reported a rise in interim revenues from £136,000 to £440,000. The loss increased from £870,000 to £1.17m. There was £804,000 in the bank at the end of September 2024.
KRI (KR1) had net assets of 100.04p/share at the end of November 2024. Income of £771,347 was generated during the month. There is cash of £624,000.
Walls and Futures REIT (WAFR) maintained its NAV at 85p/share at the end of September 2024. There was a small reported profit after a £40,000 increase in property values. Management is hopeful that government plans for social and affordable housing will provide opportunities for the company.
Video technology company Visum Technologies (VIS) improved revenues from £63,000 to £130,000 in the year to June 2024. The cash outflow from operating activities was £133,000, leaving £49,000 in the bank. The focus is the leisure market, but the company wants to find other applications for its technology. Costs are being controlled.
Consumer finance provider Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) generated full year revenues of £455,000 and lost £247,000. There was cash of £101,000 at the end of June 2024.
Coinsilium (COIN) has entered into a strategic collaboration with Otomato Inc, a Web3 technology platform for autonomous agent-based solutions. The idea is to maximise the value of Coinsilium’s digital assets. The initial term is 12 months.
At the end of September 2024, Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) NAV was £698,000, including £342,000 in cash.
Supernova Digital Assets (SOL) has bought back 67 million shares at an average price of 0.2239p each. The buyback authority lasts until the end of 2025.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has been granted virtual asset service provider registration in Bulgaria. This is a step towards expanding in the EU.
Blue Sky Vision has exercised its option to subscribe for 20 million shares in Valereum (VLRM) at 10p each.
Three directors of Invinity Energy Systems (IES) bought shares at 14.85p/share. Chairman Neil O’Brien bought 135,000 shares, chief executive Jonathan Marren acquired 134,680 shares and finance director Adam Howard purchased 134,333 shares.
Evrima (EVA) has appointed Bowsprit Partners as corporate adviser.
AIM
Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group (PR1) joined AIM on 30 December following the reversal of the AI customer relationship technology company into Alteration Earth. The business provides AI tools to automate areas such as social media and governance for smaller companies. Spreadex has sold a 3.99% stake and retains voting rights through financial instruments of 0.75%. The share price declined by 24.1% from the placing price to 10.25p, although it is 18% down on the Alteration Earth suspension price of 12.5p.
Poolbeg Pharma (POLB) is in talks with potential bidder HOOKIPA Pharma (NASDAQ: HOOK) about an all-share offer from the Nasdaq-listed company. The indicated proposal is 0.03 of a HOOKIPA share for each Poolbeg share. Cancer and infectious disease treatments developer HOOKIPA intends to raise up to $30m. That will fund phase 2a trails for POLB 001 and trials of two other treatments. HOOKIPA shareholders would receive a contingent value right instrument entitling them to 55% of milestone payments made by Gilead for HB-400 and HB-500 programmes. This could be worth up to $407.5m. They are also entitled to 80% of the proceeds generated by the HB-200 programme.
SDX Energy (LSD) postponed the general meeting on 31 December. This was called to gain shareholder approval to leave AIM due the costs of the quotation and the greater potential flexibility as a private company. Potential investors would apparently prefer to invest in an unquoted company. The strategy continues to be to become a vertically integrated gas and renewable energy producer in Morocco. The general meeting will be rearranged.
Revolution Beauty (REVB) has come to a confidential agreement with Chrysalis Investments (CHRY) over the claims related to its investment in the company when it joined AIM in July 2021. Last year, Chrysalis Investments issued draft particulars of a claim £39m plus additional consequential loss of £6.2m. Chrysalis Investments will be paid a non-material amount of cash with out admission of liability.
Arecor Therapeutics (AREC) has signed an exclusive licence agreement for a formulation of liquid drug product AT351 for a large client. The use of the product is undisclosed. There is an upfront milestone payment with potential for further payments. The licensee will be responsible for further development and hopes to seek FDA approval within three years. Panmure Liberum has a target share price of 361p.
Marketing services provider The Mission Group (TMG) has completed its restructuring with the sale of AprilSix to US-based Marketbridge for up to £17.4m. The initial payment is £10.5m and reduces pro forma net debt to £17m. This will enable the company to negotiate an extension to its debt agreement. AprilSix generated 13.5% of 2023 revenues of £86.3m. A share buyback of up to £1.5m will be launched. There could be a dividend paid for 2025.
Cancer treatments developer Hutchmed (China) Ltd (HCM) has followed up the sale of its non-core 45% interest in Shanghai Hutchison Pharmaceuticals for $608m with news of the acceptance of a new drug application in China for savolitinib in combination with AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso as a treatment for lung cancer.
Cancer treatments developer ValiRx (VAL) has extended the exclusivity period with TheoremRx Inc on the sub-licence of VAL201 until the end of May 2025. This is the final extension, and it is due to TheoremRx Inc being involved in a transaction with a Nasdaq listed company.
Pulsar Helium Inc (PLSR) is raising up to $7.5m at 38 cents(30p)/share. A loan will be provided by University Bancorp Inc will provide a $4m line of credit to ABCrescent Cooperatief so that it can exercise 15.5 million warrants. The cash will finance exploration at the Topaz project in Minnesota and enable a decision to be made on a combined helium and CO2 production facility. Further drilling on the Jetstream #1 appraisal well will restart this week.
Restaurants operator Tasty (TAST) has received £2.5m from an insurer for breach of contract for insurance for losses in 2020. This will lead to an exceptional gain of £1.5m in 2024.
Huddled Group (HUD) acquired the 25% of Boop Beauty it did not own for £100,000 in cash.
Functional food ingredients developer Provexis (PXS) doubled interim revenues to £785,000. There was a reported loss, but a £17,000 cash inflow from operating activities. Cash was £478,000 at the end of September 2024.
MAIN MARKET
Power electronics developer for electric vehicles DG Innovate (DGI) is cancelling its listing in the transition category of the Main Market because of the difficulty in raising cash since floating on the now-defunct standard list via reverse takeover of Path Investments in April 2022. DG Innovate did raise £500,000 at 0.08p/share. This will help to support the joint venture with Indian electric vehicle manufacturer EVage Automotive for the production of DG Innovate’s Pareta e-drives and provide working capital until early February 2025. Much more cash will be required, though.
Roquefort Therapeutics (ROQ) is planning to sell Lyramid, which has a portfolio of antibody and mRNA based therapied that focus on cancer target Midkine, for a minimum of $10m. The business was acquired for £1m. This would mean that Roquefort Therapeutics would take a share stake in the buyer Pleiades Pharma. The deal replaces the previously announced licensing proposal.
Capricorn Energy (CNE) did not receive the final settlement payment of $22.5m from Waldorf Production UK for earnout considerations. As part of this deal, Capricorn Energy acquired a 25% stake in the Columbus field in the North Sea. Capricorn Energy is considering its options.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 2 December 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Incanthera (INC) has been accused of potential patent infringement in the formulation of its Skin + Cell skincare range. Even though Incanthera believes that there is no merit to the accusation, but the launch of the Skin + Cell range of products has been delayed. There is cash in the bank following a £2.6m subscription at 15p/share.
WeCap (WCAP) has converted £7.75m of loan notes in WeShop Holdings in return for 3.21 million shares, which is 1.33 million shares at 300p each and 1.875 million shares at 200p each. This increases the shareholding to 16.2%, including shares owned by 235%-owned Community Social Investments. WeCap says that the value of the shareholding is £24.6m, based on the last fundraising share price of 476p. WeCao has extended the discounted capital bond issued to Hawk Holdings for 18 months. The total owed is £6.18m.
Electric vehicle technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) increased full year revenues by three-fifths to £8.1m. Bus repowering revenues grew fastest, but this is labour intensive at low volumes. The loss increased from £5m to £9.1m. The cash outflow from operations declined from £9m to £6.29m. Costs are being reduced. There was £2.5m in the bank at the end of May 2024. A potential licensing agreement could provide cash flow over the next two years.
Water sector installation works provider Field Systems Design Holdings (FSD) improved annual revenues from £13.8m to £17.8m, with a small contribution from power generation. This enabled pre-tax profit to increase from £287,000 to £490,000. There was £2.59m in the bank at the end of May 2024.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 57.79p/share at the end of October 2024, down from 62.15p/share at the end of the previous month. There was nearly £600,000 of income generated from digital assets during the month.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) reported a fall in the full year cash outflow from operating activities from £171,000 to £55,000. Net debt is £86,000 at the end of June 2024. The sae of assets has raised $150,000, as well as a R and D tax inflow of A$173,000.
Inqo Investments (INQO) reported full year revenues improving from R7.37m to R8.2m. There was a movement from loss to profit.
Essentially Group (ESSN) has terminated its retainer with broker Clear Capital Markets.
In the year to June 2024, there was a cash outflow from operating activities of £375,000 at BWA (BWAP). Further exploration drilling is underway at Dehane and sample analysis results should be available in the near future. Chairman Jonathan Wearing has subscribed for 40 million shares at 0.5p each.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has appointed Fuelonomics Hydrocarbons Innovations as distributor of SulNOxEco fuel conditioners in Nigeria.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has received the initial order of Bitcoin miners and they are up and running in Nebraska.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) chairman and chief executive Sir Henry Angest has bought 116,000 shares at 900p each. He owns 58% of the voting shares. Barry Hersh has reduced his stake in Global Connectivity (GCON) from 6.97% to 5.96%. Newbury Racecourse (NYR) chairman Dominic Burke has bought 7,500 shares at 540p each.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has appointed Tony Moore as chairman and Jack Sun as finance director. Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has hired Adam Howard as finance director. He was previously at the National Walth Fund.
AIM
Frasers Group has taken a 6.4% stake in electricals retailer Marks Electrical (MRK). Frasers has a record of taking stakes in other retailers and it also has shareholdings in AO World and Currys. Canaccord Genuity has reduced its stake from 5.24% to 2.4%. Founder Mark Smithson still owns 73.8%. Rockwood Strategic (RKW) has built up a 4.54% stake in Kooth (KOO). This follows Canaccrd Genuity cutting its stake from 8.97% to 3.38%. River Global Investors recently nearly doubled its stake to 10.1%.
Bars operator Loungers (LGRS) has agreed a 310p/share cash bid from Fortress Investment, which values it at £338.3m. Irrevocable acceptances are 40.2%. Singer does not believe that this fully values the business and thinks 375p/share is a fairer value. Interim pre-tax profit grew 51% to £5.95m, while net debt was £12.2m. Like-for-like growth in revenues has been 3.9% so far in the third quarter.
Rare books dealer Scholium (SCHO) intends to leave AIM and believes this will save at least £75,000/year. In the six months to September 2024, underlying pre-tax profit improved from £43,000 to £221,000 on revenues that improved 30% to £4.97m. A matched bargain facility will be provided by JP Jenkins. The AIM cancellation is likely to be on 6 January. NAV is 74.6p/share.
In the six months to September 2024, TPXimpact (TPX) revenues fell from £41.6m to £37.8m, but underlying pre-tax profit improved from £600,000 to £1.1m. Most of the benefits from £3m of annualised cost savings will come through in the second half and next year. Net debt is £7.9m. The forecast 2024-25 revenues are already more than 90% underpinned by the current order book. Pre-tax profit should improve from £1.8m to £5.5m.
Trading at sustainable wood materials supplier Accsys Technologies (AXS) improved in the first half and full year figures will be better than expected. Interim revenues were 1% higher at €72.2m and there is also an initial contribution from the US joint venture of €1.9m. Arnhem plant volumes grew 5%. Underlying EBITDA rose from €1.6m to €4m. There was an exceptional charge of €20.8m due to the winding up of the Hull plant and the share of the joint venture loss jumped from €1.2m to €6.1m. Net debt was €40.2m at the end of September 2024. Full year EBITDA of €10m is forecast.
Gift wrap supplier IG Design (IGR) reported an 11% decline in interim revenues to $393.1m with North America still a problem area. Elsewhere, revenues fell at a slower rate. Stationery and party-related sales both fell by more than one-fifth. Higher sourcing and freight costs hit gross margins and there was a knock-on effect on operating margins. Pre-tax profit was 62% lower at $13.3m. The second half is the most important part of the year and even though full year revenues are set to fall, pre-tax profit is still forecast to improve from $25.9m to $32.7m.
Helix Exploration (HEX) reports that the Amsden formation at the Clink#1 well in the Ingomar Dome in Montana has sub-economic grades of helium. Amsden was always thought to be a small proportion of the potential resource. The more important Flathead formation at the same well had 2.5% helium. The company believes that there could be helium below the Amsden formation and there will be appraisal testing of the Charles formation.
Strix (KETL) says that the kettle controls market has weakened, particularly in higher margin markets in the UK and Germany. The positive signs in the first half did not continue. This is due to poor consumer confidence, while there are also cost pressures. Zeus has reduced its 2024 pre-tax profit forecast from £23.6m to £17.5m.
Nativo Resources (NTVO) owns 50% of Boku Resources, which owns the Tesoro gold mine. Boku has entered an agreement to sell vein material from the Bonanza mine to a local processing plant. It will receive the spot price minus 20-30%. Production is about to be built up and the cash from the deal will help to finance this.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) is placing its main subsidiary 3radical into administration after it failed to raise additional cash. The fall in the share price and apparent lack of liquidity before trading was suspended meant that the digital media business could not gain funding.
i-nexus Global (INX) intends to leave AIM. The cloud-based software provider says poor share price performance and liquidity has led to the proposal. There should be direct cost savings of £250,000. The business has been consistently loss making. There is a three-year growth plan. i-nexus Global raised £10m at 79p/share when it joined AIM in June 2018. The cancellation will happen on 27 December if shareholders agree.
Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) announced a maiden JORC compliant mineral resource estimate for the quicklime project in Zambia. This shows a near-doubling of the resource tonnes compared with the 2017 estimate. There is 145.2Mt at 95.7% CaCO3, including 11.8Mt in the measured category. This could provide more than 50 years of production. There is growing demand from copper and industrial clients.
Ultrasound simulators developer Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG) has court approval for the capital reorganisation that will allow distribution of cash generated by the AI technology sale. There is £39.6m in the bank. Ultrasound revenues have fallen from £8.4m to £7.4m in the period to 22 November. The rate of decline has slowed in the second half.
Mercia Asset Management (MERC) has unchanged NAV of 43.4p/share at the end of September 2024. Income more than covered costs before any investment valuation movements. The interim dividend is 0.37p/share, up 6%, and there is £46m in cash on the balance sheet. The strategy is to grow assets under management to £3bn, from the current level of £1.8bn.
In the six months to September 2024, Cloud-based services provider Iomart (LSE: IOM) reported flat revenues of £62m, with a like-for-like decline when acquisitions are excluded, and a slump in pre-tax profit from £7.6m to £4.3m. The dividend has been reduced from 1.94p/share to 1.3p/share due to the lower earnings. The £57m purchase of Atech broadens the range of services provided and deepens the relationship with Microsoft. Atech provides fully managed and security services for mid-market business and enterprise customers. Net debt was £29.8m, but it is expected to rise to £79m in March 2025 following the payment for Atech.
In the six months to September 2024, thermal insulation and acoustic material manufacturer Autins Group (AUTG) was hit by a 17% drop in revenues, but gross margins improved. Underlying EBITDA fell 46% to £400,000. Net debt is £1.18m but there are more than £3m of available borrowing facilities.
Building services provider Northern Bear (NTBR) interims show a small improvement in revenues from £36.9m to £37.6m, but higher overheads meant that pre-tax profit dipped from £1.68m to £1.54m, although this was slightly better than expected. There was an operational cash inflow of £2.2m. Net debt is £1.4m. Hybridan forecasts a dip in full year pre-tax profit from £2.14m to £1.84m, although there is potential for an upgrade.
Cyber security services provider Shearwater (SWG) improved interim revenues by 8% to £11.3m and it is on course to be profitable for the full year. There has been an increase in demand for on-premises cyber security, which Shearwater can provide. Net cash should be £6.8m at the end of March 2025.
Quadrise (QED) has signed two long-awaited agreements. The deal with shipping company MSC and Cargill involves production of bioMSAR and MSAR fuels in Antwerp and will enable vessel trials on board the MSC Leandra. Cargill will supply feedstocks and sell the fuels to MSC. The trial should start in the first quarter of 2025. There is also an agreement with fuel supplier Auramarine to develop decarbonisation products in the marine sector. They will enable companies to comply with new environmental regulations.
Oracle Power (ORCP) has received the final batch of assay results for the drilling at the Northern Zone intrusive hosted gold project. These show high grades over an expanded area. A mineralisation report is expected by the end of November and then a mining lease application will be submitted. Cantor Fitzgerald has reduced its stake, and Mahfuz Chowdhury has taken a 3.72% shareholding.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) says revenues in the 10 months to October 2024 are 4% lower. This represents a steady performance in current markets with new business being won. Net dent is £4.7m. National Insurance and other budget measures will cost £1.5m/year.
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) reported a decline in NAV from 96.2p/share to 93.96p/share over the first quarter to September 2024. A foreign exchange loss offset gains. The S/£ exchange rate has strengthened, and the value of the portfolio has increased by more than the first quarter loss. Shares in NASDAQ-listed AST SpaceMobile more than doubled in value during the period. There was £24.9m in the bank.
Cardiff Property (CDFF) grew NAV from 2844p/share to 2931p/share. The dividend was raised from 22p/share to 23.5p/share. Net cash was £2m at the end of September 2024.
Motor dealer Caffyns (CFYN) improved interim underlying pre-tax profit from £259,000 to £452,000. The interim dividend is maintained at 5p/share. Net debt is £11.5m. There is £38.4m of property in the balance sheet at book value and there is unrecognised surplus of more than £10m on top of that. Caffyns is selling a property in Lewes for an amount that exceeds one-quarter of the company’s market capitalisation of £12.3m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 4 November 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Rebel shareholders failed to win any of their three resolutions, including the removal of the chief executive, at the requisitioned general meeting of ProBiotix Health (PBX). Broker Peterhouse said that major shareholder OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) was not allowed to vote its shares at the meeting because of the relationship agreement from the flotation of the probiotics developer. OptiBiotix Health owns 53.5 million shares, and the votes were lost by less than 36 million shares.
Surgical treatments provider One Health Group (OHGR) interim revenues were more than one-fifth higher at £13.4m. New patients increased by 29%. The second half is likely to better than expected. That means that full year EBITDA should be higher than £1.9bn. There was cash of £4.9m at the end of September 2024. A move to AIM is being considered.
Aquis Exchange (AQX) and Cboe Europe are assessing a joint bid to provide an EU consolidated tape of stock trades. The European Commission has decided to create a single entity to operate a real-time, trade consolidated tape. The European Securities and Market Authority will select the business to take on the role. The plan is for the two companies to set up a joint venture called SimpliCT, which will be based in the Netherlands, to bid for the role of equity consolidated tape provider.
Luxury prize draw organiser Good Life Plus (GDLF) has achieved £330,000 in monthly recurring revenues. There are more than 40,000 subscribers and churn has been reduced. In the six months to July 2024, revenues were £1.69m. There was a £2.21m cash outflow from operating activities. There was a fundraising after the balance sheet date. Richard Johnston has been appointed as finance director.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) investee company Vale Foods has repaid a £125,000 loan and this has been reinvested in shares in the latest fundraising of £430,000. A £100,000 loan has been made to another investee company.
Health IT provider DXS International (DXSP) has won its first NHS commercial contract for its AI ExpertCare Clinical Decision Support product. In the year to April 2024, revenues were 2% ahead at £3.31m, There was an impairment charge of £4.38m. Even without that write-down the company fell into loss. Chairman Bob Sutcliffe bought 50,000 shares at 1p each and 133,333 shares at 1.5p each. He owns 1.74% of the company.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 62.15p/share at the end of September 2024. The income from digital assets was £592,000 during September.
Social commerce platform investor WeCap (WCAP) says WeShop is considering a listing. If its convertible loans are converted into shares WeCap would own 16% of WeShop. The investment in Bio2pure of £100,000 has been written down to nil. At the end of April cash was £49,000 and net assets were £7.39m.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) says Sinju Japanese Whisky will be available in the US in the third week of November. The latest shipment of 800 cases has been presold.
Marula Mining (MARU) is stockpiling ore at the Kinusi copper mine. Samples have been sent to South Africa for test work and the results will help to design the first phase of the processing facilities. Three trial shipments are about to be sold.
Fenikso (FNK) is launching a share buyback of up to 49.3 million shares. A further $404,000 has been received in loan repayments. The remaining loan is worth nearly $39m.
Chris Akers’ stake in Oscillate (MUSH) has been reduced from 5.94% to less than 3%. Peterhouse Capital has also reduced its stake below 3%. Jonathan Neame has bought 7,000 Shepherd Neame (SHEP) shares at 569.5p each.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) raised £475,000 at 1p each and there is a broker option to issue up to three million more shares.
Unigel Group (UNX) is paying an interim dividend of 1.5p/share on 22 November.
First Sentinel has resigned as corporate adviser of Vulcan Industries (VULC).
AIM
Energy supplier and energy efficiency services provider Good Energy (GOOD) received an unsolicited bid from Dubai-based Esyasoft Holding Ltd. Esyasoft offers a range of products. They include the Smart Grid Suite, which is a cloud-based integration platform that manages workflow and communications between utilities and meters and an energy mobility business.
Payments technology developer Eckoh (ECK) is recommending a 54p/share bid from funds managed by Bridgepoint Advisers II. The bid values Eckoh at £169.3m. The share price has not been at that level since the end of 2022, but it is the price indicated back in August. The bid values Eckoh at 20 times prospective 2025-26 earnings.
Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS) is spending some of its cash pile on Coleman Construction & Utilities, which is involved in civil engineering for water and marine sectors. This diversifies the business away from housebuilding infrastructure. The purchase will cost up to £4.4m and be immediately earnings enhancing – EBITDA was £700,000 last year. Trading is in line with expectations and the loss should be halved to £2.4m in the year to September 2024. A small loss is still expected this year.
Emmerson (LON: EML) says it filed an appeal against the unfavourable recommendation for its ESIA application for the Moroccan potash project, but the regional authorities say that they cannot examine the ESIA submission again. Emmerson subsequently notified the Moroccan government of an investment dispute and argues that the government is violating an agreement between the UK and Morocco. The dispute can be submitted to the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. Prior to this, the company is seeking cash compensation from the government. Emmerson is trying to reduce its cash burn, but that will mean that there will be no progress with the development of the project. Two non-executive directors are stepping down and the two remaining non-executives will take fees in shares, while the chief executives pay will be reduced by two-fifths.
Construction dispute and expert witness services provider Diales (DIAL) says that there will be a small improvement in revenues and profit in the year to September 2024. Pre-tax profit will be at least £1.1m, up from £1m. The cost base has been reduced. Net cash is £4.3m. Diales is pulling out of the US. It will still have a Canadian operation, and South America is handled from Spain.
MicroSalt (SALT) has received an initial purchase order for 50,000lbs of low-sodium salt from a major food and drink manufacturer for one of its product lines. Annualised volumes should be 200,000lbs and there could be orders for two other products. There is also a follow-on order from a B2B customer and the 63,860lbs will be delivered in January. Two other B2B orders have been won.
Tlou Energy (TLOU) is seeking shareholder approval at its AGM to leave AIM. The shares will still be traded on the ASX and the Botswana Stock Exchange. Interest in the company has dwindled and the departure will save money. UK shareholders are offered the chance to transfer their holding to the ASX depositary in exchange for ASX-listed shares at no cost. Tlou Energy released a first quarter update indicating progress with the Lesedi CBM gas-to-power project in Botswana. First electricity sales are expected in the middle of next year. There was an operating cash outflow of A$800,000, plus A$1.7m of capital investment in the period.
Cleaning services provider React (REAT) has made the earnings enhancing acquisition of 24hr Aquaflow Services for £5m plus contingent payments of up to £2.4m. It will still be enhancing after a £1.1m placing at 81p/share. 24hr Aquaflow Services is a drainage and plumbing services provider. This adds to group services.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) generated $7.2m from 43,500 ACCRUFeR prescriptions in the third quarter, which was slightly lower than forecast. The average net selling price is $167, and this could rise to $192 in the fourth quarter. Total nine-month revenues are $20m and the 2024 figure should hit $31.5m. Management admits that more cash will be required, and costs are being reduced. Sallyport is providing a $15m facility, up from $10m previously, and AOP Health has agreed to subscribe $10m for shares at 4p each.
Prospex Energy (PXEN) says third quarter gas production of its Italian interests, where it has a 37% stake, was 76,910scm/day. Prospex Energy’s net revenues for the quarter were €1m, which is a record. There should be a further increase in gas production in the fourth quarter.
Deltic Energy (DELT) says wireline logging and fluid sampling confirm the gas discovery at Selene in the North Sea, where it has a 25% working interest. The reservoir quality is better than expected, but it is deeper than anticipated which means that recoverable gas volumes of 131bcf are lower than previous estimates of 320bcf. This should still be economically viable. Further work is required, though.
Transport technology services provider Microlise Group (SAAS) has been hit by a cyber security incident. This has disrupted services, and they are currently inactive. Cyber security specialists have been appointed.
MAIN MARKET
Tin projects developer First Tin (1SN) has raised £8m at 6p/share. The cash will go towards the Taronga project in Australia and funding the enhancements highlighted in the definitive feasibility study. This could increase the project NPV to A$400m. The environmental impact statement will be completed so that initial project work can commence. There will also be cash to progress permitting at the Tellerhauser project in Germany.
Mears (MER) says trading is strong and margins are improving. The 2024 figures will be better than expected with revenues of £1.13bn and pre-tax profit of at least £60m.
A general meeting has been requisitioned at nanomaterials developer Nanoco (NANO) by Milwood Fund, which wants two of its employees to be given board seats. It appears Milkwood may want to sell assets and turn Nanoco into a shell.
Motor dealer Caffyns (CFYN) is selling its freehold premises in Lewis to Lidl for £4.65m, which is equal to book value. The pension fund will receive £2.4m and the rest will reduce debt. The Lotus dealership will be relocated.
Critical Minerals (CRTM) is making progress with the Molulu copper cobalt project in the DRC and is on course to start delivering ore. Two additional mineralised zones have been identified. Terms of a new offtake agreement have been secured with OM Metals following good copper grades from ore testing. Since the balance sheet there has been a £455,000 investment by NIU Invest.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 7 October 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Prize draw operator Good Life Plus (GDLF) has increased the number of paying subscribers by 90% to more than 40,000 in less than a year. Management says that it might exceed expectations for the current financial year. Good Life Plus is raising £2m at 2.5p/share. Earlier this year, £2m was raised at 2.25p/share. The cash will finance customer acquisition and signing up new partners.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) grew full year revenues by 4% to £172.3m and underlying pre-tax profit improved from £7.6m to £7.9m. NAV is 1217p/share, while net debt is £80m. Like-for-like retail sales were 4.9% ahead with the growth dominated by drinks offsetting a fall in accommodation income. Beer volumes declined 12% with own-brewed volume 17% lower. Brand refreshes are planned. Beer volumes continue to decline, while like-for-like retail sales for the initial 13 weeks of the new year are 3.8% higher.
Consumer brands company Silverwood Brands (SLWD) increased interim revenues from £5.85m to £7.08m and it moved into profit, but that was mainly due to exceptional gains.
CRUSHMETRIC Group (CUSH) increased interim revenues from HK$1.04m to HK$2.94m, although the loss was similar at HK$3.7m.
Talks with potential investors in Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) have been terminated. The documentation has not been signed and the potential investor did not pay the £200,000 towards costs that it promised. Trading in the shares will end on 30 October.
Voyager Life (VOY), which has an option to acquire M3 Helium, has changed its name to Mendell Helium. The admission document is being prepared and the option should be exercised by the end of January. The company had £163,000 in the bank at the end of March.
Aquaculture technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) reported a 16% decline in interim revenues to £1.5m because of a delay to a £350,000 order. The company continues to lose money. A forecast full year loss of £1.3m is similar to 2023, including a £150,000 benefit from cost reductions, and it could be halved in 2025 as the full benefit of cost savings show through.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 57.27p/share at the end of August 2024. The income in the month was £590,000.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC), which provides loans under the Mr Amazing Loans brand, is holding a general meeting to gain approval to raise up to £2.5m from share issues. Paul Mathieson is being replaced as chief executive by Marc Howells. Former director Sam Prasad is loaning £200,000 to the company, which replaces a previous £100,000 loan.
Recycling services provider Majestic Corporation (MCJ) narly doubled interim revenues from $13m to $25m and pre-tax profit was one-third higher at $900,000. The company has received Enterprise Investment Scheme status.
RentGuarantor (RGG) has increased third quarter revenues by 62% and average revenues per tenant by 8% to £606.
Gains on investments enabled Hot Rock Investments (HRIP) to move into profit in the year to March 2024. Net assets increased to £512,000.
An undertaking of EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) has provided additional funding of £2m to the Rayware Group. There is also a £1m contingent guarantee provided to third party lenders. EPE Special Opportunities still has £16m in cash.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has a commercial partnership with Deutsch-Pharm. It will use two of the company’s products (for cholesterol lowering and vascular health) under its own brand in the Ukraine. Commercialisation is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025.
One Health Group (OHGR) has appointed Panmure Liberum as corporate adviser and broker.
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) has declared an interim dividend of 13p/share.
AIM
AO World (AO.) is acquiring musicMagpie (MMAG) for 9.07p/share, which values the pre-owned products supplier at just under £10m. There are irrevocable undertakings and letters of intent totalling 54% to accept the offer. AO World believes that the two companies have complementary online models, and a technology trade-in service will enhance its product offering. AO World says that the musicMagpie disc media and books business should not require significant investment.
EMV Capital (EMVC) director Jonathan Robinson bought 25,000 shares at 52p each following the interim results announcement of the company that was previously known as NetScientific. Total assets under management reached £106.7m following the addition of the Martlet Capital portfolio. Net assets edged up from £17.1m to £18.5m. Nasdaq-listed investee company PDS Biotech announced a 36-month survival rate of 84.4% in locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with the company’s lead target drug Versamune HPV and Chemoradiation.
Tavistock Investments (TAVI) is raising up to £37.75m from disposals, which is more than treble the market capitalisation before the sale, with nearly £11m payable on completion and a further £11m from discharge of intragroup debt. The rest is payable based on performance. The two businesses made a pre-tax profit of £1.5m in the year to March 2023. The cash will be used for working capital and acquisitions. There could also be share buy backs. Chief executive Brian Raven bought 830,000 shares at 3.55p each.
Good Energy (GOOD) has acquired Lincolnshire-based solar installer Amelio Solar for an initial £5.5m. The focus of the business is the education and public sector. In 2023, revenues were £7m and pre-tax profit is £1.4m. However, there have been lower levels of activity in Good Energy’s existing installation business.
Packaging equipment and automation provider Mpac Group (MPAC) is making its second acquisition in recent weeks and this is by far the larger. Mpac is acquiring CSi Palletising for £47m, including £4.16m in shares, and the deal should be completed by the end of the year. CSi Palletising designs, manufactures and installs end-of-line packaging automation and robotics equipment and will enhance the geographic coverage. In 2023, CSi Palletising generated revenues of €71.5m and EBITDA of €7.3m. The latest interims show revenues of €44.4m and EBITDA of €6.8m. There is an order book worth €64.3m. A placing raised £29m at 400p/share and a retail offer to existing shareholders could add up to £1m to the figure.
Digital media publisher Digitalbox (DBOX) has commenced a strategic review, which could involve a sale of the company. This follows representations from a major shareholder disappointed about the level of the share price. Progress should be reported in November. Interim revenues were better than expected, but July and August were weak. Net cash is £2.2m, which is more than 50% of market capitalisation. A capital restructuring is underway to create positive distributable reserves.
Agricultural products supplier Wynnstay Group (WYN) says the second half has been hit by wet weather and weaker farmgate prices in part due to government policy uncertainty. Shore has reduced its 2023-24 pre-tax profit forecast by 35% to £7.5m and this will have a knock-on effect in the year to October 2025 where the profit forecast has been cut by 29% to £8.5m. Wynnstay should still have net cash, and the NAV is estimated at around 600p/share.
Payments technology company Bango (BGO) is making some progress towards regaining investor confidence and it is on course to make a full year profit. Interim revenues grew 19% to $24.1m. Annualised recurring revenues are 130% ahead at $12.9m. Net revenue retention is 159%.
Ceramic disc brake technology developer Surface Transforms (SCE) increased interim revenues by 58%, but growth is still not meeting expectations even though there is further growth in third quarter revenues. There are delays to installing additional capacity. Full year revenues are expected to be £11m, compared with previous expectations of £17.5m. There was £5m in cash at the end of June 2024. Odd Asset Management reduced its stake from 5.13% to 2.58%.
Graphene technology developer Versarien (VRS) has signed an agreement with Balfour Beatty to develop 3D-printable mortars for civil construction. It will formulate three types of mortar. This follows the disposal of AAC Cryoma for £550,000 payable in 15 instalments.
Oil and gas company Prospex Energy (PXEN) is applying for exploration licences in Poland. The licence awards should happen in the first quarter of 2025. Initial results from the Vlura-1B development well in Northern Spain are positive. Drilling intercepted significant gas shows and that confirmed the high quality reservoir. This well will be connected up and first production should be by November.
Battery and electronic components supplier Solid State (SOLI) is acquiring Gateway Electronic Components, which manufactures ferrite and magnetic components for £1.4m. These are used by electromechanical and Industrial Internet of Things businesses. The run rate pre-tax profit is £200,000, so the multiple is less than ten.
Surplus consumer products retailer Huddled (HUD) generated interim revenues of £5.3m and they continue to grow organically and via acquisition. Third quarter revenues will be around £3.5m. Management is investing in inventory and marketing. Warehouse functions are being centralised.
MAIN MARKET
Motor dealer software provider Pinewood Technologies (PINE) published its first results following the sale of the motor dealer business. In the six months to July 2024, revenues were 11% ahead at £16.1m. Major shareholder Lithia is taking up new licences in the UK. The US roll out is being planned.
The two board representatives of Kelso Group (KLSO) on AIM-quoted The Works.co.uk (WRKS) have stepped down. This will make it easier to sell its 6.3% stake if it wishes to. The average cost was 32p/share and the current price is 25.2p.
Andrew Hore