Home » Posts tagged 'shoe'
Tag Archives: shoe
Quoted Micro 17 August 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Gledhow Investments (GDH) has received commitments for a £400,000 subscription at 1p/share, which was more than double the market price at the time. It is also acquiring Penina Resources in return for 21.9 million shares, and this bring £219,000 in cash. Penina Resources directors are Sam Quinn and Cameron Pearce, and they will join the Gledhow Investments board. That cash will be used to repay £219,566 of convertible loan notes. Tavira has been appointed broker, and the company will change its name to Panina Investments. There will be a greater focus on natural resources.
Ethry (ETHY) has agreed to a merger with Dunbar Energy to create a US-focused energy and digital infrastructure company. This is a 50/50 merger with Dunbar Energy shareholders potentially earning an additional 15% depending on performance. There will be a warrant rationalisation to simplify the capital structure. Dunbar Energy brings gas assets in Pennsylvania, and this is intended to be used to power data centres, while Ethry has similar plans for solar powering data centres. Access to affordable power is important for data centres.
Tomahawk Metals (TMHK) says satellite interpretation has identified three distinct prospect areas at the Saturn gold project in Western Australia. There are historical workings not shown in records. Rock chip samples have been sent for analysis. The assay results will help to assess potential and identify drill targets.
B HODL (HODL) has signed a non-binding letter of intent with Zeus Wallet to connect its Lightning Network routing to Zeus’ node infrastructure.
Falconedge (EDGE) has added 0.1514 Bitcoin during July, taking the holding to 21.2338 Bitcoin.
Marula Mining (MARU) says site works have begun at the Tonto Tshipi and Derdepoort manganese mines in South Africa. Talks continue with potential offtake partners. Delivery of copper from the Kinusi mine has been delayed.
Digital asset mining company Sterling Digital (ASIC) says two 2MW natural gas generators are producing electricity. These systems are being tested. The power will then be used for digital mining.
A person associated with IntelliAM AI (INT) chief executive Tom Clayton bought 10.966 shares at 81.5p each.
ASSET MATCH
Byotrol (BYOT) reported flat full year revenues of £4.3m, despite not having a contribution from IP income. The loss was reduced from £1.05m to £802,000. There was £457,000 in cash at the end of March 2026. Current trading is ahead of the previous year.
Fastjet (FJET) has received an indicative offer from majority shareholder (92.7%) Solenta Aviation Holdings. The offer is $22/share.
VP Fintech (VPF) has completed the acquisition of crypto payment gateway developer GlblNexus Inc in a share deal valued at £10m. This is based on a VP Financial valuation of £418.8m.
AIM
Retailer Mothercare (MTC) says 2025-26 net worldwide system sales fell 22% to £180m and the company’s revenues slumped 42% to £22.4m. System sales continue to decline due to uncertainty in the Middle East, the reduction in the number of stores and clearing old stock. A new franchise partner should be announced in the UK. Net debt was £5.7m at the end of March 2026 and the pension deficit is £35m. This year the loss is forecast to rise from £2.6m to £3.2m before a small reduction next year. Net debt is expected to rise.
Video games art outsourcing services provider Winking Studios (WKS) grew interim revenues 21% to $23.5m with organic growth of 9%. Building up the North American operations and investment in AI is hitting margins and holding back profitability, but the benefit should show through next year as new business builds up. All the growth came in art outsourcing division, while game development services were flat. That trend is expected to continue into the second half. SP Angel has trimmed its full year forecast revenues to $47.9m due to timing issues and most of the second half contribution is already in the order book. Continued investment will hit gross margins and lead to a full year loss of $6.6m. Growth should accelerate next year, and gross margins recover to past levels as new staff start generating income.
Security technology provider Thruvision (THRU) says a partner in Asia has won a contract worth more than £3m. The customers are a number of airports in south east Asia and the equipment will be used for “airport worker screening and insider-threat mitigation”. This is the largest ever Asian order. Delivery should be in the six months to March 2027. The Lang family has reduced its stake in the company from 9% to below 3%.
Automotive connection systems supplier Strip Tinning (STG) has been awarded a DRIVE35 grant of £3m from Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK to help to scale up its manufacturing and develop the cell contacting system technology. This will fund the business beyond 2027.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) says cash generation has been better than expected and £3.5m will be returned to shareholders via buybacks. Cash was £7m on 25 July 2026 after strong July trading. Pre-tax profit forecast is unchanged at £500,000, but net cash at the end of September 2026 has been reduced from £13.1m to £11.4m, reflecting the full buyback.
Bravura Solutions Ltd (BVS), which recently joined AIM, increased underlying revenues by 10% to $282.6m and underlying net profit after tax of $63.1m. Recurring revenues are $165m. At the end of June 2026, cash was $50.3m, but there are unused debt facilities of up to $100m. A final dividend of 8.31 cents/share plus a special dividend of 6.69 cents/share.
Rent guarantee services provider Rentguarantor (RGG) reported interims in line with recently upgraded expectations. Revenues were 250% to £3.39m. Net cash was £2.4m at the end of June 2026. Full year pre-tax profit of £1.2m and that could nearly quadruple to £4.6m next year.
Gold miner Thor Explorations (THX) says second quarter revenues were $78m. EBITDA was slightly lower than forecast at $49m was hit by higher operating costs. Net cash is $219m. Drilling continues to extend the resource at the Segilola gold mine. Full year production guidance is maintained at 75,000-85,000 ounces of gold. A final investment decision for the proposed Douta mine is expected in the third quarter.
Window components Titon Holdings (TON) says that mechanical ventilation systems projects have been delayed into the next financial year. Shore has cut forecasts revenues from £18.3m to £17m, up from £15.8m last year, and there will be a full year loss. Cash was £2.2m at the end of July 2026.
AgTech and fire prevention technology provider Light Science Technologies (LST) interim revenues rose 26% to £3.73m, although the loss increased from £160,000 to £800,000. Net cash was £1.38m at the end of May 2026. The growth in revenues came in AgTech. Building regulation delays hit fire protection income in the first half. The company is still on course to breakeven this year.
Alien Metals (UFO) says further assay results for the Elizabeth Hill project includes further significant intersections and this will feed an updated JORC mineral resource estimate in the fourth quarter. Alien Metals owns 30% of the Elizabeth Hill project and 8.7% of West Coast Silver.
Distil (DIS) has received its first order for Blavod Black Vodka through its new US distribution partner. The first shipment will be in the quarter to December 2026.
MAIN MARKET
Fandango Holdings (FHP) plans to buy 50% of the Canyon silver, lead and zinc mine in Idaho. If the deal goes ahead Fandango will move to AIM.
Ashington Innovation (ASHI) is acquiring World Metal Group through a share issue. This will take the company into the metals recycling sector.
GRIT Investment Trust (GRIT) has called off the planned acquisition of Planet Scan.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 18 May 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Valereum (VLRM) is raising £1.05m at 2p/share. This cash will fund the scaling up of VLRM Markets.
Hong Kong-based seafood wholesaler Supersearch Plus (SSP) has launched a drone delivery service for freeze-dried seafood.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says M3 Helium has secured two further leases for land in Fort Lodge, Kansas. They are near to the existing Bleumer and Enlow leases. Each of the new leases could have two production wells.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has announced a fuel additives distribution agreement with Performance Products and Services, which is focused on southern India and Sri Lanka. It has industrial and commercial clients.
Falconedge (EDGE) says incremental Bitcoin growth was 0.2187 Bitcoin, taking the holding to 20.497 Bitcoin.
Delta Gold Technologies (DGQ) was included in the launch episode of The Innovation Report, which is a documentary series focused on breakthroughs shaping emerging industries. It will be released on ADVFN platforms.
Fenikso Ltd (FNK) has received a $799,000 payment reducing the loan to $32.4m.
Edison Investment Research has published a report on Ajax Resources (AJAX).
B HODL (HODL) chief executive Freddie New bought 56,100 shares at 7.13p/share. BWA Group (BWAP) managing director James Butterfield bought 54,500 shares at 0.495p each.
JP JENKINS
Engineer Industrial Technical Holdings (ITHL) improved 2025 revenues from $7.01m to $7.41m. There was a small loss after impairment charges. Cash was $867,000 at the end of 2025. Earlier this year the order book was worth $5.6m.
AIM
Dotlines Global (DOTL) joined AIM last Tuesday after completing the reverse takeover of Main Market company Ikigai Ventures. Dotlines and Audra Solutions were acquired for £55.7m in shares and the enlarged share capital was valued at £57.9m at the issue price of 9.5p/share. Dotline;s Sohoj platform is a digital lifestyle offering for B2C and B2B2C customers with a focus on migrant populations in Malaysia. There are plans to expand the platform into the UK and Saudi Arabia. This generated 2024 revenues of £20.5m and pre-tax profit of £998,000. The latest interim revenues are £10.3m, while pre-tax profit was £713,000. The share price was suspended at 42p and started trading on AIM at 10p. The share price improved to 13.5p, but that was still 67.9% lower than the last Main Market price.
Recruitment firm Gattaca (GATC) has sparked an upgrade with its latest trading statement, which suggests that it is outperforming its rivals. Contract recruitment is doing better than expected and cost have been kept under control. Defence, energy and infrastructure sectors have been strong. Panmure Liberum has raised its 2025-26 pre-tax profit forecast by one-third to £6m.
Telematics company Microlise (SAAS) is focusing on direct business as renewals from OEMs are suffering pressure on pricing and the loss of contracts. Direct annualised recurring revenues were 16% higher, despite delays to some contracts, but this was partly offset by a 13% reduction in the OEM figure. Pre-tax profit slumped from £6.5m to £2.6m. Net cash increased to £16.7m. Capital investment will be sharply higher in 2026 and 2027 and that will use up some of the cash. The final dividend was raised from 1.24p/share to 1.3p/share. Pre-tax profit could recover to £3.3m this year.
Vossloh has launched a recommended bid for Cordel (CRDL). The 12.4p/share cash offer values the transport infrastructure analytics technology provider at £29m. The share price has not been that high since the beginning of 2022. Vossloh is involved in the rail sector and wants to provide digital services as well as move into the US market. Cordel and Vossloh are working together in Europe.
Zinnwald Lithium (ZNWD) is recommending a bid by AMG Critical Materials, which already owns 29.3%. The offer is 5p in cash and 0.001577 of an AMG share for each Zinnwald Lithium share. This is estimated to be worth 10p/share and values the lithium project developer at £57.2m.
Metals One (MET1) has expanded the agreement to treat uranium waste dumps with DISA Technologies. This covers the Uravan Belt uranium vanadium project in Colorado that is 100%-owned by Metals One. There are eight uranium mine waste dumps. DISA will start exploration work and seek permits. One will be paid a gross revenue share of saleable uranium and other minerals.
Fishing tackle and equipment retailer Angling Direct (ANG) reported 2025-26 figures broadly in line with expectations. Revenues were 14% ahead at £103.9m, while pre-tax profit improved from £2.1m to £3.2m. Net cash was £10.9m at the end of January 2026.
Mercantile Ports and Logistics (MPL) has appointed former US government and CIA administrator Marty Martin to the board and Karanpal Singh has stepped down. The company believes that Marty Martin will help with the ongoing legal process in relation to try to regain control of the Karanja Terminal & Logistics subsidiary. Mercantile says it can repay the related debt, but the proposal was rejected by the consortium of banks. They prefer an alternative plan from Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited and that has been approved by the courts. The company has appealed and a further hearing is due on 8 June.
Galileo Resources (GLR) has entered into an unsecured convertible loan funding facility of £600,000 with Sanderson Capital Partners. This has a conversion price of 1p/share. The initial arrangement fee of 7% is payable in 5.42 million shares.
Zanaga Iron Ore (ZIOC) has raised £5.7m at 4p/share, which is more than originally sought. This will finance the development of the Zanaga project, including earthworks and sampling.
TheraCryf (TCF) says clinical trial enabling work for the Ox-1 blocker for treating substance use disorders is ahead of plan. Manufacturing has been scaled up, and dosing is complete in the rodent toxicology study. The remaining activities should be completed in the third quarter enabling the move to a phase 1 study in human volunteers. An application for a phase 1 clinical trial is expected to be submitted this year.
Toys and hobbies supplier Character Group (CCT) improved interim pre-tax profit by 15% to £2.4m on 9% lower revenues of £48.3m. Net cash was £13.7m at the end of February 2026 and there is a potential warehouse sale could raise £9.8m. Panmure Liberum raised its full year pre-tax profit forecast to £5m.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) reports interim revenues 12% lower at £62.9m. Although gross product margin improved due to currency movements and lower container costs, overall gross margin was hit by high fixed store costs. The interim loss doubled to £5.3m. The size of the distribution centre is being reduced following store closures. A full year loss of up to £2m is still expected.
Hospitality group Coppa Collective (COPC) interim revenues edged up 1% to £25m. Coppa Club like-for-like sales were 3.2% ahead. Gross cash is £2.6m following the acquisition of Linwood pubs. A full year loss of £2m is forecast.
MAIN MARKET
Cindrigo Holdings (CINH) says government funding eligibility has been extended for the Eich and Worms geothermal licence areas and the Weinheim licence has gained eligibility. The current government funding model provides 50% of pre-development costs up to a maximum of €2m. A second module can provide grants of up to 40% of eligible project costs up to €100m. Eich is progressing a study that could make it eligible for the second module. Exploration work continues.
Digital asset investor KR1 (KR1) has launched new activities in the convergence of AI and decentralised technologies. It has made an investment in Venice, which is a privacy-centric AI inference platform. This provides exposure to the user and agent-facing layer of AI. KR1 has acquired 60,000 Venice tokens and has commenced staking activities. KR1 also has an interest in Gensyn and it is building up a strategic holding plus evaluating potential partnerships.
Kelso Group (KLSO) has raised £650,000 at 3p/share. This is the same price as the previous two fundraisings.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 27 April 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Silverwood Brands (SLWD) has published delayed results for the 18 months to June 2025. There were delays in consolidating the Japanese subsidiary accounts and the company intends to improve its financial reporting capability. Full year revenues were £23.9m and the reported loss was £18.3m. That was predominantly down to impairment charges. Cash was £3.07m at the end of June 2025, but net debt was just over £11m. The latest interims show a small dip in revenues to £9.2m, which was held back by movements in the Yen.
Purebond has increased its stake in Delta Gold Technologies (DGQ) from 3.1% to 3.7%. An issue of shares after the exercise of warrants at 30p each raised £71,000.
Valereum (VLRM) has agreed terms of a definitive exclusivity agreement with Quorium Global Photonics SPC. The existing $200m medium term loan notes with VGOLD-CORE tokens valued at $279.5m. These will be released at $13.975m each quarter over five years. Valereum has settled its dispute with Blubird and will receive 504,524 shares in Blubird (5.66%), plus two BLU tokens over two years.
Oscillate (SRVL) shareholders approved the move to AIM.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has had the exclusivity agreement for the purchase of the Paguanta project in Chile extended to 15 May.
Shortwave Life Sciences (PSY) has raised £215.000 at 1.5p/share and is planning to move to AIM. Ut has options over antimony gold and polymetallic licences in Slovakia and the Saturn gold project in Western Australia. Keith Coughlan, a director of European Metals Holdings, has replaced Ron Lipsky on the board. Steve Xerri owns 6.4%.
Adam Back is investing £585,500 in Connecting Excellence Group (XCE) at 1.75p/share. He will own around 8%. The company has bought ten Bitcoin for £585,000.
M3 Helium, which Mendell Helium (MDH) has an option to buy, has secured a trailer to deliver helium from the Rost 1-26 well.
S-Ventures (SVEN) raised £9,382 from its retail offer at 3.5p/share and issued 428,571 shares to new joint broker Oberon Capital. The retail offer takes the total raised to £310,000.
Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) says that earlier in April, a subnet operator withdrew from the Bittensor network and liquidated a substantial part of their holdings, leading to volatility. This led to a decline in value of some subnet tokens. Astrid was not materially impacted at an operational level.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has been granted a patent in Hong Kong for an improved demulsification methodology.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) raised £1.1m via a placing arranged by Marex Financial at 26.35p/share. Every two shares come with a warrant exercisable at 40p each. A rig has been mobilised for the Red Setter project.
Falconedge (EDGE) shares have started trading on Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Roundhouse Digital (ETHL) has entered into a loan agreement with Payward Oceanic for $350,000 at an interest rate of 9%. This is secured against Ethereum holdings.
S-Ventures (SVEN) raised £9,382 from its retail offer at 3.5p/share and issued 428,571 shares to new joint broker Oberon Capital. The retail offer takes the total raised to £310,000.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has appointed AlbR Capital as corporate adviser. Ut had a NAV of 85.5p/share at the end of February 2026.
ASSET MATCH
Asset Match has been approved by the FCA to operate a trading venue in the PISCES framework.
Harrogate Group (HGTE) has agreed to acquire Iceland-based Myntfund ehf, which “owns a blockchain based exchange and ecosystem which offers an opportunity for companies to access capital through tokenised shares”. The payment will be £9.3m in shares at 0.5p/share. That would be 92% of the enlarged share capital.
Brewer Wadworth and Co (WAD) increased its full year pre-tax profit from £923,000 to £1.25m. There has been a solid first quarter performance.
AIM
Helium projects developer Rift Helium (RIFT) joined AIM on Wednesday having raised £8.09m at 10p/share. The shares initially went to a premium but ended the first day at 9.75p but was back at 10p by the end of the week.
Concierge services technology platform provider Ten Lifestyle (TENG) reported interim figures in line with the recent trading statement and said that digital contracts won in recent months mean that profit will be better than expected next year leading to forecast upgrades. Interim revenues were 6% ahead at £33.7m, or 9% in constant currency. Underlying pre-tax profit improved from £1m to £1.6m, although that is before an £800,000 loss on foreign exchange, mainly from Latin American currencies, compared with a £100,000 gain in the corresponding period. Cash was generated after capitalised spending on technology. Net cash was £9.3m at the end of February 2026. Active members that use the service at least once in the year are 23% higher at 436,000. The focus has previously been on high net worth individuals. Investment in digital services will broaden the potential market.
Surgical instruments supplier Surgical Innovations (SUN) reported a slightly higher loss in 2025, but it expects a much lower loss this year. There has been a good start to the new financial year. New product launches and increased sales from distribution of third party products provide potential for the future. Manufacturing efficiency is improving.
Atome (ATOM) has raised £6.59m via a placing at 60p/share in addition to an £18m subscription by Casale, the EPC contractor for the planned Villeta green fertiliser facility, directors and existing shareholders. A retail offer raised £1m, which was double the original intention. Once shareholders approve of the share issues the final investment decision will be declared. Atome will have enough cash to take a 29.8% in the Villeta project. Atome will receive 100% of revenues until it has a 15% IRR on its $60m carried value in the project and after that 29.8% of revenues.
Oil and gas company Kistos (KIST) says pro forma production for the first quarter was 21,800boe/day, while full year guidance is 19-21,000boe/day. Net debt was $78m. There are plans to issue a $300m four-year senior secured bond to refinance the existing $282m. The acquisition of producing assets in Oman is near completion and this oil and gas is exported via the Arabian Sea and not through the Strait of Hormuz.
In content advertising technology developer Mirriad Advertising (MIRI) says trading conditions are difficult, and the US joint venture partner has performed below expectations. Costs have been reduced, but cash is running out. The board believes it may have to place operating subsidiaries in administration or liquidation if no new capital is raised. That would lead to a suspension in trading of the shares. Omar Ahmad has a 6.18% stake.
Microchip designer and supplier EnSilica (ENSI) has won two new space contracts and one could be worth more than $50m over its life. There should initially be $6,8m of non-recurring engineering revenues in the next three years and potential UK Space Agency funding of up to $3m on top.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) says trading conditions continue to be difficult because of the weak consumer market that has been made worse by concerns relating to the Middle East conflict. Guidance has been downgraded to a loss of between £1m and £2m for this year with another loss expected next year. Net cash should be £7m at the year end.
Health and beauty brands owner Creightons (CRL) is changing its name to Potter & Moore, which has always been the main trading name, as part of a corporate rebrand. Full year revenues were flat at £53.8m with problems at customers and reduced contract manufacturing business hampering the progress of the business. Gross margin was maintained as NI and other cost increases were offset by improved efficiency. Even so, pre-tax profit is expected to decline from £3.5m to £2.7m. Cash was £3.6m at the end of March 2026.
Billing and CRM software provider Cerillion (CER) reported an 14% dip in first half revenues to £18m, but new order intake doubled to £39.6m. This means that there will be an even greater second half weighting this year. Management believes it can still achieve the forecast full year pre-tax profit improvement from £21.8m to £23.2m. The interims will be published on 1 June.
Quicklime producer Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) is raising £2.5m at 1p/share. The cash will fund an increase in ownership of main subsidiary Limeco and help progress to exercising the final tranche of the Limeco option. Two more kilns could be brought online in the future.
Alien Metals (UFO) joint venture partner West Coast Silver announced a JORC compliant 2.79 million ounces mineral resource estimate for the Elizabeth Hill silver project. The cut off was 20g/t.
Professional services provider Diales (DIAL) says interim operating profit will be 43% higher at £1m on revenues up 10% at £23.7m. Cash was £3.9m at the end of March 2026. The interims will be published on 1 June.
Caledonian Holdings (CHP) is changing its investing policy and plans to consolidate 1,000 shares into one new share on 12 May. Caledonian Holdings intends to acquire financial services and payments company, and this requires the change in investing policy. Aspire will provide an operating and technology platform, which can be used to deploy products of investee companies.
MAIN MARKET
Motor dealer software provider Pinewood Technologies (PINE) reported 2025 revenues of £40.5m, up 30% year-on-year, while underlying pre-tax profit was £8.8m. Total contracted value is £64.5m. Implementations are taking longer than expected because of delays by customers. Zeus has trimmed its 2026 pre-tax profit forecast from £18m to £12m.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia waste management company RECYCLEE for the supply of waste feedstock in that country. The feedstock will be unrecyclable plastics and old tyres, and this will be used to generate energy in a planned facility.
Nanoco (NANO) increased interim revenues from £3.4m to £7.7m. There was an operating profit of £4.1m. This reflects recognition of part of the Samsung settlement. Net cash is expected to be £8.8m at the year end.
S and U (SUS) increased full year pre-tax profit from £24m to £31.8m even though revenues declined. The impairment charge fell from £35.6m to £13m. The dividend was raised by 12.5% to 45p/share. The main improvement was in the motor finance business, but Aspen Bridging also raised its profit after a lower impairment charge. Peel Hunt has a target price of 95p.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 19 January 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Bitcoin investor and wed development company The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has published its prospectus for the move to the Main Market. A general meeting will be held on 28 January to gain shareholder approval. The listing is expected to cost £1.5m. Management wants to use the listing to fund acquisitions and further purchases of Bitcoin. The share price recovered 42.5% to 57p. The April 2025 reversal into an Aquis shell was done at 2.5p.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) says drilling has commenced at the Eureka gold and copper project in Argentina. Initial results will be at the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Vault Ventures (VULT) has entered into post-quantum security infrastructure. The initial focus is post-quantum encryption at the application layer.
Falconedge (EDGE) has achieved incremental Bitcoin growth of 0.23526 of a Bitcoin during December, taking the holding to 19.509853 Bitcoin.
WeCap (WCAP) has fallen 16% to 1.575p on the back of a further decline in the WeShop share price to $67.17. The stake is still probably worth nearly 10p/share.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) has withdrawn resolutions 7 and 9 from its AGM. Revised authorities to allot shares and disapply pre-emption rights will be voted on at a general meeting. This is on top of the requisitioned general meeting to remove David Richards, Mark Horrocks and Sandy Barblett from the board and appoint Howard White and Nicholas Monson.
Zentra (ZNT) has formed a property management joint venture with Connor Moylan. Zentra will own 51% and continue with its own lettings and property management business. This deal will avoid adding fixed overhead to the group.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has gained a patent for emulsification for Heavy Sulphur Fuel Oils (HSFO) and Sulnox Eco™ Fuel Conditioners in Vietnam.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) has secured an agreement with Altarius Asset Management to establish and investment fund and two sub-funds investing in private debt and private equity. They should be established in the first quarter of 2026.
Ethtry (ETHY) has secured a partnership with the Liechtenstein Trust Integrity Network.
B HODL (HODL) has bought one more Bitcoin taking the holding to 159.295 Bitcoin costing an average of $83,103 each.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 304.54p/share at the end of December 2025.
BWA Group (BWAP) says St. Georges Eco-Mining Corp has disposed of its shareholding. Three directors bought shares and David Butler took a 3.52% stake.
JP JENKINS
The JP Jenkins-15 index rose 5.4% to 1209.1 by the end of trading on 9 January. This is a 21% increase over the first year. THG Ingenuity has been a strong performer. OPG Power Ventures has replaced e-therapeutics in the index.
ASSET MATCH
Regenerative medical devices developer Tissue Regenix (TRX) has undertaken a review of executive directors’ activities and uncovered potentially serious corporate governance concerns. Sufficient funding has been secured for the company to support commercial operations and further investigation.
AIM
Pizza restaurants operator DP Poland (LON: DPP) gained momentum in the fourth quarter of 2025 and this has continued into this year. System sales were 14% higher on a constant currency basis and 22% on a reporting currency basis. Full year system sales were 8% higher at £16.4m on a constant currency basis. The growth rates in Poland and Croatia were similar. Group EBITDA rose from £4.8m to £6.3m. Cash was £1.6m at the end of 2025. Consolidation of commissary and dough production in a single facility should be completed in the first half. There are 135 Domino’s and 75 Pizzeria 105 locations. Panmure Liberum forecasts a reduced pre-tax loss of £300,000 in 2026, down from £500,000 in 2025.
Caledonia Mining Corporation (CMCL) has increased the offering of 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2033 from $100m to $125m. The initial purchasers have an option to purchase a further $25m for 13 days after the issue of the notes. The offer should close on 20 January. Net proceeds will be around $120m, or $144m if the option is fully taken up. There will be $12m spent on the cost of capped call transactions. The rest will fund development of the Bilboes gold project in Zimbabwe.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) reported 2024-25 results in line with the October trading statement, but Zeus has reduced its expectations for this year. Full year revenues fell 8% to £149.1m due to store closures and reduced footfall. Online sales did increase. Higher wage costs meant that pre-tax profit dropped from £10m to £2.4m. This year’s pre-tax profit forecast has been cut from £4.5m to £1m on a further fall in revenues for £145.8m.
Semiconductor wafer products supplier IQE (IQE) gained positive momentum in the second half of 2025 due to defence business. There was also strong photonics demand and higher sales of wireless products. Revenues will be full year revenues of around £97m and EBITDA at least £2m due to operational gearing. HSBC has provided a waiver for the EBITDA covenant test. Cash was £15.6m at the end of 2025. There is a strong order book. The board is negotiating with potential buyers of all or part of the business.
Online fashion retailer Sosandar (SOS) increased third quarter revenues 10% higher at £13.4m and gross margin improved. Sales from the company’s own site were 27% ahead, but the Marks & Spencer business is still being affected by the cyber incident. Net cash is £9.7m. Trading is in line with expectations of a full year pre-tax profit of £400,000.
Western Australia focused explorer Artemis Resources (ARV) plans to cancel its AIM quotation and concentrate of the ASX listing. Liquidity has been limited. There is an opportunity for each Depositary Interest holder can become a registered shareholder on the Australian share register. This is expected to happen on 13 February, which is three years after joining AIM. The introduction price was 3.75p and the share price has fallen by more than 90%.
Cyber security company Corero Network Security (CNS) says 2025 EBITDA was ahead of expectations. Revenues rose 4% to $25.5m instead of the anticipated dip and this meant that there was not a loss and instead it was positive EBITDA of $1m. Annualised recurring revenues are 23% higher at $23.9m. Net cash was $4m at the end of 2025. Zeus has maintained its 2026 EBITDA forecast of $1.4m and pre-tax loss of £1.3m. This will be reviewed when the full year figures are announced in March.
Distribution Finance (DFCH) has grown its loan book to £846m at the end of 2025, ahead of guidance, and it is targeting a figure of £1.5bn by 2030. New loan origination was more than £1.8bn in 2025. Full year underlying pre-tax profit will be at least £17.5m, up from £14.4m. Tangible net assets are at least 75p/share. The
Tern (TERN) has been notified by the general partner of SVV2 that Tern has ceased to be a limited partner in the SVV2 partnership because it has been classed as a defaulting investor. Tern’s interest has been transferred to other partners, and it is unlikely to receive any compensation. The general partner is also seeking default interest and costs of £40,000 and indemnity from consequence of default of £184,000. Tern is taking legal advice.
Virtual product advertising Miriad Advertising (MIRI) says 2025 revenues fell from £1m to £400,000. It expects a much stronger performance in 2026 with positive signs for February and March. There are joint venture discussions for emerging markets. Cash was £1.2m at the end of £1.2m and the monthly cost base is £220,000.
Eqtec (EQT) is broadening its strategy to gain exposure of critical and precious metals, while continuing with the core waste to energy technology business. They are viewed to be complementary segments of the energy transition sector. Lenders are supporting the move.
After trading problems for capital equipment supplier Mpac (MPAC) earlier in the year, the 2025 outcome is set to be in line with expectations. Helped by previous acquisitions’ full contributions, revenues grew from £122.4m to £170m, while pre-tax profit should be £13.5m. The order book is worth £92m and covers 50% of 2026 forecast revenues. Some orders were delayed.
Toys and games supplier Character Group (LON: CCT) says like-for-like sales in the fourth months to December 2025 were 11% lower, but sales should improve in the second half. Full year revenues are likely to be flat, but pre-tax profit could more than double. The £2.96m share buyback is complete.
Wellnex Health Ltd (WNX) improved gross margin from 22.8% to 31.3% in the first half. Breakeven was achieved in the second quarter. The core Pain Away product generated revenues of A$3.3m in the second quarter.
Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ) produced 7,915 tonnes of copper, 25,061 ounces of gold and 153,332 ounces of silver in 2025. Copper production was at a record level in the fourth quarter. The first sales of copper concentrate were made from the Demirli mine. Gedabek and Demirli mines both increased copper production, although copper production was slightly below guidance. There is inventory of 2,457 tonnes of copper valued at $12,504/tonne.
Public Policy Holding Company In (PPHC) has filed an amended Form S-1 with the US SFA for the proposed listing on Nasdaq. It will retain the AIM quotation after the listing.
Mkango Resources (MKA) has completed concept studies for expanding South Carolina and Nevada hubs, which will treble production of magnets and alloys to 4,656 metric tons. The expanded hubs could have a post-tax NPV of more than $2bn. This will help the proposed reversal into the US listed shell. The rare earth recycling and sintered magnet manufacturing plant in Birmingham has been officially opened.
Cancer diagnostics developer CelLBxHealth (CLBX) expects 2025 revenues to be £1.4m, which is lower than the forecast of £1.6m due to deferral of contracts. After the recent fundraising, year-end cash was £7.3m. The 2026 forecast is maintained with revenues of £3.6m and a £5.7m loss after annualised cost savings of £5.9m.
Shuka Minerals (SKA) has received the £815,000 payment from Gathoni Muchai Investments. A placing raised a further £1m at 4p/share. This funded the completion of the acquisition of Leopard Exploration and Mining and the Kabwe zinc mine. There are 5.723Mt of resources at Kabwe (including 700,000 tonnes of zinc and 100,000 tonnes of lead), with a value in excess of $2bn. The NPV10 is $561m.
MAIN MARKET
North East England-based investment company Develop North (DVNO) has published a prospectus to raise £58m to help its move towards its target of reaching £300m in assets. There is a subscription and retail offer at 81.6p/share.
Online travel hostel agency Hostelworld (HSW) increased revenues by 7% in the second half and marketing costs as a percentage of revenues declined to 45%. Social Passes were launched last November, which will help to generate income from social media. In 2025, net revenues were 2% ahead at €93.8m, while EBITDA was €19.9m, which is lower than the previous year. Net cash was €10.6m at the end of 2025.
Cadmium-free quantum dots developer Nanoco (NANO) has received $4.5m from LG Electronics with $500,000 withheld due to tax liabilities. Nanoco is seeking damages for IP infringement from rival Shoei. The case could go to trial in 2026.
Panther Metals (PALM) has signed a three-year purchase option over three mine claims in the Obonga project area in Ontario. There is a C$200,000 cash payment and 1.5% net smelter royalty.
Ecora Resources has changed its name to Ecora Royalties (ECOR) and has translated the interim dividend at 0.4471p/share.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 18 August 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Adsure Services (ADS) increased its final dividend by 15% to 1.14p/share. The business assurance provider increased full year pre-tax profit by 74% to £818,000 on revenues 8% higher at £10m. Other operating expenses were lower. Net cash was £1.1m at the end of March 2025. Investment in technology should help Adsure Services continue to grow revenues and margins.
Visum Technologies (VIS) is moving into the property technology market. This involves the development of a workspace app for tech-focused workplaces. This will help to manage bookings, access support and provide information. There will property partners involved in the development. The first prototype should be available in early 2026. Visum has signed a licence agreement with Eyecon Imaging for the use of Visum’s Ride Video technology within the attractions and leisure sector.
Essentially Group (ESSN) shareholders voted in favour of leaving Aquis. The last day of trading will be 10 September.
Marula Mining (MARU) has secured an agreement with Kenya-based Bamba Mining Company to acquire 60% of the Bamba manganese mining project in Kenya. The deal is structured as a joint venture. Bamba’s 40% is non-dilutable and non-contributing. The payment is 500,000 shares at 5p each. Once 100,000 tonnes of manganese ore has been produced there will be a £250,000 payment.
Amazing AI (AAI) says new subsidiary AAI Mauritius will be used to purchase Bitcoin when it completes the legalities of acquiring cryptocurrencies. This should happen by the end of August. The subsidiary will also provide AI finance-related services to Sub-Saharan Africa and south east Asia. It will also take on business in the UK and that subsidiary will be wound up.
Vault Ventures (VULT) has paid the remaining consideration of £1m for System7 via the issue of shares.
Former Odey Asset Management boss Peter Martin has joined Oberon Investments (OBE) and he will be involved in launching a new global equities fund.
Vaultz Capital (V3TC) has purchased more Bitcoin and holds 135 Bitcoin at an average purchase price of £85,622.47 each. Aleks Nowak has been appointed as the non-board chief operating officer. Aura Digital has taken a 15.5% stake.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says drilling at the Red Setter gold dome project in Western Australia has intersected mineralisation in the first hole. It appears that the hole is peripheral to the main target, and another hole will be drilled to the south west.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised a further £7.6m from a placing at 221p/share. There are still another 4.49 million shares available to be placed and once that happens another subscription agreement will be signed.
Valereum (VLRM) raised £65,000 vi an offer at 3.1p each and this meant that the fundraising totalled £465,000. This will help fund a £600,000 investment in Metrikus Software, which is developing real-time building and smart infrastructure software. The two companies will work on tokenisation opportunities. This could involve fractional ownership or yield-sharing.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has issued a warrant over two million shares exercisable at 20p each to Proffitt Brothers Investments.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company Peak Nickel, where it holds 18.9%, has entered into an agreement for Winshear Gold to earn 100% of the Portsoy project in Scotland. This requires 1,000 metres of drilling and other exploration work and the spending of £3m within five years. Winshear Gold also has to issue 6.5 million shares to Peak Nickel over five years. Peak Nickel will retain a 1% net smelter returns royalty. If the project is sold by Winshear Gold, Peak Nickel will receive 10% of the proceeds up to a maximum of £10m.
Emissions reduction additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) has been granted a patent for fuel oil reclamation in Eurasia. This can be used for oily wastewater from ships.
Global Connectivity (GCON) has been given permission by the courts to petition for the bankruptcy of Barry Hersh, who agreed to subscribe for 37.5 million shares at a cost of £375,000 and failed to come up with the cash.
Amirose London Holdings (ALH) has raised £30,000 at 5p/share from a long-standing manufacturing client.
Daniel Thwaites (THW) has bought back 1.18 million shares at 90.04p each from Rulegale Nominees. The shares have been cancelled. Director RAJ Bailey bought 44,500 shares at 90p each.
AIM
Rent guarantee services provider RentGuarantor Group (RGG) moved from Aquis to AIM on Friday. The switch has been made ahead of law changes that will provide additional growth potential for the business. The share price rose from the Aquis close on Thursday of 27.5p to 35p.
Mobile Tornado (MBT) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM. There is limited liquidity and one major shareholder in the mobile communications technology company, so the quotation is not worth the cost. The board intends to seek a buyer in the next two years and believe it would be easier as a private company. The plan is to leave on 9 September.
Light Science Technologies (LST) reported slightly lower interim revenues of £5.06m, but there was a change in product mix. That enabled gross margins to improve, and the company achieved a small operating profit. Contract electronics manufacturing revenues slipped as a major pest control product came to the end of its life. Fire protection revenues grew strongly and could do even better in the second half if the new government regulator starts to approve more work. The Agtech business is also growing revenues and has launched an off-the-shelf version of its sensorGROW product.
Outsourced video gaming services provider Winking Studios (WKS) reported a rise in interim revenues from S$15.2m to S$19.4m, although most of the improvement came from the acquisition of Mineloader. The Asian gaming market is recovering. Profit was held back by the costs of the AIM quotation, but gross margin improved. There is S$25.6m in cash and this will help finance acquisitions in the UK to provide a base for growth outside of Asia.
Zoo Digital (ZOO) has restructured its operations supplying digital media services for the TV and film sector so that it can return to profit this year. In the year to March 2025, revenues recovered 22% to $49.6m and the loss was cut from $20.5m to $8.3m. Net debt was $1.9m. Annualised cost savings were $8.4m with a further $2.5m to come. Dubbing revenues have fallen 18% in the first quarter of the new financial year, but the rest of the business is growing. There was an EBITDA profit in the first quarter. Demand from streaming service is important to Zoo Digital. A new Fast Track service has been launched.
Autonomous vehicles developer Aurrigo International (AURR) says weaker activity has hit revenues this year. Disruption from tariffs and delayed tenders have pushed revenues into next year. The tariffs are hampering demand for its supply of equipment to the automotive sector. Aurrigo has been awarded more than £1m of grant funding. Canaccord Genuity has slashed its 2025 forecast revenues from £12m to £7.5m and that means the expected loss is £3.9m. Net cash should be around £1m at the end of the year. A £900,000 contract has been won with Teeside International Airport fo an autonomous baggage and passenger moving vehicle.
Pulsar Helium (PLSR) has secured a facility to provide up to $12.5m for construction of a helium processing plant at the Topaz project in Minnesota. University Bancorp has also extended the maturity date of the existing $4m to November 2026.
Metals One (MET1) has invested £1m in the latest placing by Chile-focused lithium project developer CleanTech Lithium (CTL). The placing raised a total of £4.3m at 5p/share. The cash was raised to finance the acquisition of an additional 30 licences in the Laguna Verde project for $600,000 and finance the development of the enlarged project. The additional licences should help to seek streamlined approval for the project.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) says trading conditions are still tough. Full year pre-tax profit expectations have been slashed to £2.5m, compared with £5m previously. Consumer confidence is low and spending power after essentials is reducing for many people. Net cash could be £6m at the end of September 2025 because of lower inventory and capital investment.
Bars and escape rooms operator XP Factory (XPF) increased owned and operated revenues by 12% in the 19 weeks to 10 August. Boom Battle Bars like-for-like sales were 5.6% lower but have started to recover. The new Reading site is trading more strongly than expected. Escape Hunt like-for-likes were slightly higher. The hot weather hit sales, although not as badly as the overall market.
Investment company Seed Innovations (SEED) has launched a tender offer at 2.2p/share. The maximum amount to be paid will be £1.91m. The latest time for acceptance is 5 September.
Midlands-based property investor Real Estate Investors (RLE) has made a further £11.3m of disposals this year. There is continued demand from private investors, although marketing of some larger properties has been delayed until the turn of the year. Debt has been reduced to £34.9m. Portfolio occupancy has increased to 85.8%. Contracted rental income is maintained at £9m despite the disposals. Overall income has reduced and that is why the quarterly dividend is one-fifth down at 0.4p/share. Harwood Capital, which seeks underlying value, has increased its stake from 10% to 11.1%.
Wellnex Life (WNX) joint chief executive George Karafotias has resigned. He will be repaid his A$705,000 loan to the company. Zack Bozinovski will become sole chief executive of the Australian consumer healthcare business.
Skin health company SkinBioTherapeutics (SBTX) says revenues should increase to £4.5m-£4.8m in the year to June 2025, which is slightly lower than expectations. The loss will be much lower than last year. Cash was £4.8m at the end of June 2025. The figures are subject to audit. July was a strong month and psoriasis treatment AxisBiotix will be launched in Superdrug later this year.
Versarien (VRS) intends to accelerate the sales process of the remaining parts of the group, while it tries to secure additional finance for the group. If the disposals happen the proceeds are unlikely to cover liabilities and Versarien would be placed in administration.
The UK authorities have decided not to provide a gas storage licence to EnergyPathways (EPP) for the natural gas and hydrogen storage elements of its MESH project. A S35 planning application for the major elements of the MESH project will be submitted as a step in the process to obtain consents from the UK government. If it is granted, then the parts of the project in the submission will be assessed under the 2008 Planning Act.
Canada-based antimicrobial treatments developer Ondine Biomedical Inc (OBI) says the American British Cowdray Medical Center in Mexico City will pilot Steriwave nasal photodisinfection from September. This will help to reduce surgical infections.
Active Energy Group (AEG) has executed heads of terms to develop a 150MW battery energy storage system in the Vale of Glamorgan in partnership with Fonmon Castle, which will provide ten acres on a 30-year lease. Active Energy Group will invest £40,000 and will get that back once planning consent is received. It will also receive 5% of the first year’s rent of £300,000.
MAIN MARKET
Bulk sampling by New Frontier Minerals (NFM) has identified additional high-priority targets for drill-testing at its Harts Range rare earths project in Northern Territory. The company is waiting for regulatory approval for drilling, which could commence in the third quarter. The Headingley prospect is the main drill target. In Australia, there are proposals for a floor price and national offtake agreements for rare earths. SP Angel has been appointed broker. Aspen Bridging advanced £106.4m in the first half.
North east England focused property finance provider Develop North (DVNO) reported a slight dip in NAV to 79.79p/share at the end of May 2025, although that was after paying dividends. The total return is 2.5%. The annual dividend is 4p/share. Further news of the change in investing strategy to include direct investments and the potential fundraising should be published in the next few weeks.
S and U (SUS) says favourable trading trends are continuing and the recent court decision on motor finance commissions is helping confidence. Profit improvement is gaining momentum. The Advantage Finance business increased motor loan volumes by 6% year-on-year in June. Repayment rates have recovered. Advantage Finance is not involved in any of the most contentious type of motor loans and will be involved in the consultation for the potential FCA redress scheme.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 27 January 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK), which owns the Esquires coffee shops, increased group store sales by 26% to £25.5m in the nine months to December 2024. The growth was 32% in the latest quarter. The number of sies has risen from 71 to 87 over the past 12 months with all but three franchised. So far in this financial year, UK like-for-like sales are 2.8% higher and sales in Ireland are ahead by 5.1%. A further six stores are planned in the current quarter and there should be more than 100 stores by the end of 2025. The business is generating cash from operations.
Healthcare IT software provider DXS International (DXSP) grew interim revenues by 2% to £1.73m and the pre-tax loss was slashed from £258,000 to £59,000, helped by grant income of £170,000. There was a small post-tax profit after R&D tax credits. There was no capitalised development pending in the period and the cash position improved over six months to £96,000. Chairman Bob Sutcliffe bought 50,000 shares at 2p each and 37,037 shares at 2.7p each. He owns 1.93% of the company.
Cardiometabolic health products developer ProBiotix Health (PBX) reported 13% growth in net sales to £1.88m, while the order book for the first quarter is worth £620,000. The EBIDA loss fell from £709,000 to £568,000. There was cash of £1.65m at the end of 2024. The relationship with SEED Health in the enabled the launch of products in 2,000 Target stores, which drove growth in US sales. There are negotiations that could lead to ingredient sales in China. Management believes that the company can reach breakeven by early 2026.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has signed non-binding heads of terms for the acquisition of Evrensel Global Natural Resources, which has mining and trading activities in Africa. This would be a reverse takeover. Existing Wishbone Gold shareholders are likely to own 30% of the enlarged group. Wishbone Gold chairman Anthony Moore owns the Gibraltar-based target company. Some or all of the existing Australian mining assets are likely to be sold.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) has launched a share buyback programme worth up to £500,000. The shares will be cancelled. This should enhance earnings. Like-for-like retail sales were 7.4% ahead over the Christmas and New Year period with particularly strong sales within the M25. First half like-for-like retail sales were 4.4% higher, while tenanted pub sales were slightly higher. Beer volumes slipped 12.6%. A change in logistics arrangements will add £1.5m to costs. Wage and National Insurance costs will rise by an annualised £2.6m. Management will try to offset these rises through price increases and improved efficiency.
ChallengerX (CXS) is in negotiations for the potential acquisitions of Nyce International and Virya VC. Hng Kong-based NYCE International helps to accelerate the sales and product distribution process for gaming companies. UK-based Virya provides executive and directorship services for the betting and gaming sector. As part of this proposed transaction ChallengerX will secure a perpetual licence for Reelsoft AB’s Vision RGS (Remote Gaming Server) and Game Aggregation Platform. ChallengerX had net liabilities of £187,000 at the end of June 2024.
Property investor Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) edged up rental by 1% to £2.75m in the first half. Higher interest costs and a £37,515 disposal loss meant that the loss increased from £5,000 to £243,000. NAV is £31.4m, while the market capitalisation is £33.7m. Net debt is £46.3m.
RentGuarrantor Holdings (RGG) increased fourth quarter revenues by 88% through a 73% rise in tenant contracts.
BWA Group (BWAP) says that initial mineral resources for the Dehane project in Cameroon are 4.2 million tonnes at a 3.5% cut0ff. That comprises 0.99% ilmenite, 0.13% rutile and 0.11% zircon. Results of the kyanite test work are expected in the second quarter. That could lead to an update to the mineral resources estimate.
Fintech and blockchain technology company Tap Global Group (TAP) has increased monthly revenues to £451,000 in December. Revenues for the six-month period rose from £1.29m to £1.8m and there should be a positive EBITDA for the period.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) is planning a capital reorganisation and conversion of its 4.8% bond into shares. There will be a consolidation of 4,000 shares into one new share. The bond will be converted into 810,325 new shares, thereby reducing debt by £910,000. The record date is 29 January.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had NAV of 82p/share at the end of August 2024, down from 87.9p/share at the end of May 2024. There was £1.24m in the bank. The tough economic conditions led to downgraded valuations of some earlier stage investments.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has generated £126,000 from the exercise of options at 36p each by a former director. It has also settled £36,330 of costs via issuing shares. SulNOx has secured a patent in Nigeria for its improved oil/water separation methodology.
At the end of 2024, EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had an NAV of 292.78p/share.
Mark Horrocks has reduced his stake in WeCap (WCAP) from 5.03% to 4.8%. Premier Miton’s stake in Global Connectivity (GCON) has reduced from 5.21% to 3.69%. First Car International increased its Samarkand Group (SMK) shareholding from 17.6% to 21.6%. Jason Upton has increased his stake in Zentra Group (ZNT) to 3.53%.
Gowin New Energy Group (GWIN) director Chien Chih-Peng has bought 33.16 million shares a 1p each. This is a shareholding of 11.4%. Jia-Hong Guo’s stake has been reduced from 8.74% to under 3%. Chien Chih-Peng has also made a £37,000 loan available to Gowin New Energy.
AIM
Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS) offers civil engineering services, such as earthworks, drainage and foundations, to housebuilders. In the year to September 2024, revenues fell by 36% to £56.7m and it made a £700,000 underlying loss. However, it is already winning new business with housebuilders, such as Vistry and Taylor Wimpey. That has helped the order book grow to £51.6m at the end of September 2024. A further £15.9m of orders have been won since then. Water infrastructure services provider Coleman Construction and Utilities was acquired in October. Following this acquisition, the pro forma cash figure is just below £10m.
Payments technology company Bango (BGO) increased 2024 revenues by 16% to $53.4m. Annualised recurring revenues were 59% higher at $14m. A pre-tax profit of $3m is estimated for 2024, but that includes $2.2m of non-cash income. Net debt is $1.7m. Matt Wilson has replaced Matt Garner as finance director.
Yu Group (YU.) increased energy supplied by 78% in 2024 and margins are better than expected. Revenues did not grow as rapidly because of lower prices, but they are two-fifths higher at approaching £650m. That is lower than the Panmure Liberum estimate of £680m. Managing bad debts and the hedging policy means that the pre-tax profit has edged up from £46m to £48.3m.
Revolution Beauty (REVB) is having a poor fourth quarter to February 2025 with some retail launched delayed until the first quarter of 2025-26. This includes a launch in Walmart in the US. Online trading was also weaker than expected. Full year revenues are forecast to fall by one-quarter to £143.6m and a profit is no longer expected. A £1.6m loss is likely. The 2025-26 pre-tax profit forecast has been more than halved from £5m to £2.4m. Net debt is set to stay around £25m.
GENinCode (GENI) says that its heart disease risk assessment product CARDIO inCode is included in the US 2025 Clinical Lab Fee Schedule enabling reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. The price varies from $450-$570. It is also being used to prevent heart disease in Catalonia.
There was a short-term trading improvement in December for Sanderson Design Group (SDG), but this has not continued, and profit expectations have been reduced. Band sales are 9% lower. Revenues are expected to decline from £108.6m to £101m, while pre-tax profit could slump from £12.2m to £4.2m – previously £7.2m was forecast. There has been less high margin work for the manufacturing division, which hit overall profitability.
Fuel additives developer Quadrise (QED) generated £4.5m via a placing at 3p/share, which was well above the minimum sought, and a retail offer could raise up to £1m more – although that figure could be increased. The money already raised will last well into 2026.
Shoe retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) had already warned about the results for the year to September 2024. Pre-tax profit fell from £16.5m to £10m, which was slightly higher than forecast. There is no final dividend – the interim was 2.5p/share. Net cash is £3.6m. Several loss-making stores are being closed. The 2024-25 pre-tax profit is expected to halve to £5m.
Floorcoverings supplier Airea (AIEA) had a much better second half growing by 6% and full year revenues were 0.6% ahead at £21.2m. International sales were still lower in 2024 despite a 11.8% increase in the second half. Inventory levels have been reduced. There will be non-recurring costs. The equipment is expected to be installed in the new manufacturing facility during the second quarter. An investment property worth £4.1m is still up for sale. David and Monique Newlands increased their shareholding from 11.1% to 12.4%.
Bars operator The Revel Collective (TRC) had a good Christmas, but it faces higher costs because of the National Living Wage and National Insurance increases. Annualised costs will rise by £4m. This has led to forecasts of larger than expected losses. Like-for-like Christmas revenues were 1.6% higher. Net debt is expected to be £24m at the end of June 2025.
Managed services provider Tialis Essential IT (TIA) has made a good start to 2025 with preferred partner and contract extensions totalling £17.8m. Some of these are five-year contracts and are higher margin lifecycle management contracts. The 2024 pre-tax profit is expected to be flat at £1.1m, but earnings are forecast to treble to 3.6p/share.
Ariana Resources (AAU) produced 20,900 ounces of gold from its 23.5% owned Zenit mining operations in Turkey. Revenues were $54.7m. Mining is building up at the new Tavsan mine. A resource estimate is expected from Dokwe in Zimbabwe after further drilling analysis.
Quantum Blockchain Technologies (QBT) has raised £2m at 1.15p/share so that it can invest in its Bitcoin mining technology. Last week, it announced a breakthrough for its Bitcoin Artificial Intelligence model mining tool. The Method C AI Oracle provides a 30% improved performance compared with other methods. The company is seeking a chip manufacturing partner to produce a commercial product.
Premier African Minerals (PREM) has raised £540,000 at 0.02p/share. This is interim funding following the decision not to proceed with the fundraising at 0.0275p/share because the retail offer did not raise enough to reach a total raising of £3.5m. The company will require more cash and I talking to its offtake partner.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) had a strong fourth quarter despite the tough market conditions for some parts of the business. Trading was better than forecast with a modest improvement in pre-tax profit to £21.9m expected. Net debt is expected to be £69m.
Dukemount Capital (DKE) had £28,000 in cash at the end of September 2024, while net assets were £59,000.
Neuchatel Investment is subscribing for 29.9% of Aseana Properties Ltd (ASPL). This is expected to raise $5.45m at $0.08 cents/share.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 23 December 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Surgical procedures provider One Health Group (OHGR) increased revenues 22% to £13.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from £560,000 to £845,000. The interim dividend was raised 2% to 2.07p/share. Cash in the bank was £4.89m at the end of September 2024. There have been record referrals by the NHS since the end of the period and it wants the company to increase its capacity. A retrospective increase in the NHS tariff should boost profit by £250,000 this year. A planning application will be submitted for a surgical hub.
Business assurance provider Adsure Services (ADS) increased revenues 19% to £5.06m and it moved from a loss of £30,000 to a pre-tax profit of £330,000. The latest dividend is 0.786p/share.
Marula Mining (MARU) is planning a strategic partnership with the Mining Engineers Society of Kenya, which will provide expertise to the company. Marula Mining will provide annual financial support. Gathoni Muchai Investments bought 250,000 shares at 4.65p each and 500,000 shares at 4.56p each, taking the stake to 8.85%.
Skincare technology developer Incanthera (INC) reported a flat interim loss of £620,000. There was cash of £1.06m at the end of September 2024. There is no additional news on the litigation that prevented the launch of the Skin + CELL skincare product range. There is £1.24m of inventory and work in progress in the balance sheet that was built up for the launch.
Valereum (VLRM) has signed non-binding heads of terms for raising £13m at 10p/share with DMC Markets Inc. Valereum has also signed a binding option with an investor for raising £2m at 10p/share. This investor is building its own digital asset ecosystem, which could fit with Valereum’s interests. The additional cash will help to accelerate growth.
Healthcare IT provider DXS International (DXSP) wants to expand into a new territory in the EU or elsewhere in 2025. There are 22% of NHS Integrated Care Boards using the new Aios SMART Referrals software and more will be converted. The first commercial sale of ExpertCare therapeutic management software was in October.
Broking and wealth management business Oberon Investments (OBE) grew revenues by 74% to £4.8m in the six months to September 2024. The loss was reduced from £1.59m to £1.24m. There was £2.26m in the bank at the end of September 2024. Corporate broking increased revenues by 124% to £1.54m. There are 21 retained clients and there are private capital fundraisings expected in 2025. The launch of the Oberon AIM VCT is expected in the summer of 2025.There are also plans to take on more experience staff.
In the year to June 2024, fintech company Tap Global Group (TAP) grew revenues 31% to £2.65m, although the core business was not part of the group for the whole of the previous year. Those revenues were 6% ahead. In the first five months of the new financial year revenues were 24% with the latest month 77% ahead. The company introduced its XTP token locking feature for UK customers. Tokens can be locked for 12 months.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) is appointing John van Kuffeler, who founded Non-Standard Finance, as executive chairman. Marc Howells will be appointed chief executive. Dr Richard Leaver is becoming a non-exec, and he will provide AI expertise. Investment Evolution Credit is assessing potential acquisitions that could provide it with a UK lending licence, as well as loan book purchases. There are plans to expand in the US and internationally. The 15% IEC bond is no longer being offered to investors and the focus will be institutional debt funding.
BWA Group (BWAP) recently completed exploration drilling at the Dehane 2 rutile sands permit in Cameroon. Total heavy minerals raw sample grades are up to 20.4% over two metres thickness. This has increased the confidence of management that there could be a commercial project. Geological modelling is planned.
Oscillate (MUSH) has started fieldwork on its Minnesota hydrogen interests, while land access permitting ongoing. There will be a detailed review of regional surface geology.
Igraine (KING) investee company Fixit Medical, where it owns 20%, has confirmed that it plans to pursue FDA approval and CE marking for its Cingo product, which prevents catheters from twisting. It is also launching three new medical device products. Two IP grants have been received.
EDX Medical (EDX) has launched a range of test for determining hereditary risk of cancer and heart disease. Revenues remain minimal and the interim loss rose from £1.34m to £1.7m. There was cash of £2.31m at the end of September 2024.
Crypto investor Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) realised £220,000 profit in the year to July 2024. NAV increased from £2.31m to £3.42m. There are investments in a range of Crypto currencies and tokens, including Bitcoin.
A person associated with IntelliAM AI (INT) chief executive Tom Clayton bought 8,660 shares at 80.763p each and 2,280 shares at 87.5p each. He owns 24.8% of the AI company. Chris Wragg, divisional head of lubrication and applied sciences, bought 1,668 shares at 87.5p and he owns 4.38% of the company.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) has appointed Marion Sears and Meg Lustman as non-executive directors.
WeCap (WCAP) has raised £172,000 at 0.85p/share. Global Prime Partners increased it stake from 9.69% to 11.3%. Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) raised £60,000 at 0.4p/share. A stake has been built up in Oscillate and there is a potential digital payments investment.
Ananda Developments has changed its name to Ananda Pharma (LON: ANA).
AIM
AIM newcomer Amcomri Group (AMCO) ended the week at 57.5p, having raised £12m at 55p/share. That valued the engineering business at £39.5m. Amcomri was set up to undertake a buy, improve, build strategy in the engineering and industrial sectors.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) says the recent National Insurance increase have increased costs, and it is closing stores are not considered viable. Consumer confidence is weak. The focus is bigger, more profitable stores. The company has halved its 2024-25 pre-tax profit guidance to net less than £5m. Although profit estimates for the year to September 2024 are unchanged at £9.5m there will be no final dividend.
Cavendish is raising its forecasts for Filtronic (FTC) following its latest trading update. Space and defence demand are propelling growth. Filtronic is providing E-band power amplifiers for ground stations to SpaceX and first half demand was particularly strong. The UK defence review could generate opportunities later in 2025. The 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast has been raised from £7.7m to £9.6m.
Active Energy Group (AEG) shares returned from suspension following publication of interims and the potential for a resurrection of the business. Shareholders previously voted against liquidating the company and Zen Ventures provided a loan of £200,000 to enable the publication of 2023 accounts earlier in December and the subsequent interims have been released. Zen Ventures will appoint two directors. The plan is to commercialise the CoalSwitch technology.
Energy optimisation and assurance services provider Inspired (INSE) is improving its balance sheet via a placing raising £21.25m at 40p/share and a retail offer raised £410,000. There is also an issue of £5m of 12% convertible loan notes, which are convertible at 80p/share. The shares come with warrants exercisable at 80p each.
Surgical Science Sweden is bidding 13p/share to Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG), which values the ultrasound simulation company at £45.2m. The bid is recommended by the board. Intelligent Ultrasound will benefit from becoming part of a larger group and it enables the bidder to obtain a UK operation. Intelligent Ultrasound was going to return cash to shareholders following the sale of its clinical AI business. There was cash of £39.6m in November, which covers most of the bid value.
Tribe Technology (LTRYB) revealed that its accounts will be delayed, and it plans to leave AIM. The autonomous mining equipment developer is in talks with potential provider of finance, and it believes that leaving AIM will make it easier to raise money. Trading in the shares will be suspended on 2 January. Neometals (NMT) is cancelling its AIM quotation and concentrating on the ASX listing. It joined AIM in 2022, but it has been difficult to raise funds. Trading volumes on AIM have been low. The cancellation will be on 3 February. Retailer Quiz (QUIZ) is also planning to leave AIM. Shareholders approved plans for Webis (WEB) to lave AIM and this will happen on 3 January.
Synairgen (SNG) wants to raise up to £19m at 2p/share to fund a phase II study for respiratory drug treatment SNG001. The largest shareholder TFG Asset Management has conditionally underwritten £18m of this. However, there is a placing and open offer to raise £6m and the TFG subscription will be reduced by the amount raised over £1m. However, if the placing and open offer does not raise at least £2.9m the AIM quotation will be cancelled.
Tiger Royalties and Investments (TIR) is changing strategy to become a technology incubator. It is acquiring Bixby Technology Inc, which is run by Jonathan Bixby, for £325,000. A fundraising at 0.1p/share will raise £3m. New shareholders include Premier Miton, Zeus and Jupiter. Toro is subscribing £325,000 worth of shares. The company is retaining its core resources investments, and it will consider other natural resources investments.
There was a reassuring update from Feedback (FDBK) concerning first half trading, but more was generated by the Bleepa medical imaging communications product. There are talks with Integrated Care Boards about further contracts. Net cash was £7.3m at the end of November 2024 and there were £500,000 of retail offer proceeds to be received. That compares with a market capitalisation of £7.3m.
Duke Capital (DUKE) increased recurring interim revenues by 4% to £12.7m. Fewer exit premia meant that total revenues dipped to £13.5m, from £14.1m. There have been £15m of follow-on investments in the period. Despite the £3.5m fundraising at 27.5p/share, the debt level is still significant with £69.1m forecast for the end of March 2024. Duke Capital provides important financial backing for small businesses through a combination of debt and equity and generates a steady income stream from those investments with longer-term upside.
Electronic and electro-mechanical components supplier LPA Group (LPA) has won three major contracts worth £4m. They are with French rail operator SNCF Voyageurs for interior LED lighting, Siemens Mobility, also for LED lighting, and seating manufacturer Grammer for eat electronics and lighting for trains in France. The SNCF contract last five years while the others are deliverable in 2025 and 2026.
Provexis (PXS) is purchasing a further batch of Fruitflow heart-health functional food ingredient inventory from dsm-firmnech to satisfy increasing demand for Fruitflow. The royalty based on gross profit will be paid to dsm-firmnech in shares. The total payment for inventory and royalty is 82.95 million shares at 0.68p each. DSM Venturing owns 10.9%.
Scholium Group (SCHO) managed to gain enough shareholder support for the plan to leave AIM. It required 75% of votes and it got 79.3%.
Digital media publisher Digitalbox (DBOX) has bought EastEnders for £50,000. It has 475,000 followers on the associated Walford East Facebook page. This adds to the recently launched Emmerdale Insider.
Nioko Resources is making a recommended offer of 2.68p/share for Hummingbird Resources (HUM). This is the same as the price of the debt-to-equity swap previously announced.
MAIN MARKET
Rockpool Acquisitions (ROC) revealed the potential acquisition of European Lingerie. The exclusivity period lasts until the end of June 2025.
Media Concierge has launched a recommended bid for National World (LON: NWOR). The 23p/share offer values the company at £65.1m.
London Finance and Investment Group (LFI) plans to wind itself up and return cash to shareholders. This could be 70p/share.
Acceler8 Ventures (AC8) is planning to acquire Verifyyed Inc, which has developed a royalty platform providing rights holders with greater transparency to drive revenues. California-based Verifyyed Inc has operations in Europe, and it will cost £96.8m in shares. A placing to raise up to £20m is anticipated.
The 79th GRP plans to invest £2.18m in First Class Metals (FCM) in two stages. It will end up with 51.2% of the enlarged share capital. The cash will be invested in projects in Ontario and there are potential synergies for project acquisitions.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 28 October 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) has raised £3m at 3p/share. Chief executive Ian Foley has subscribed for 6.67 million shares, although his stake will be diluted to 34.1%. The cash should last for six months and move the business towards cash breakeven. There was £2.48m in the bank at the end of May 2024. In the year to May 2024, the cash outflow from operations was £6.3m. The company estimates a requirement of £5.5m for working capital over the next 12 months. A potential licensing agreement could bring in £4.6m over a two-year period. Equipmake could reach cash breakeven in 2025-26. The focus is on higher margin work and bus repowering range will be rationalised. Costs are also being reduced, but it is investing in its commercial team.
Igraine (KING) has secured right of first refusal on current and future battery storage projects developed by GEM Energia. AIM-quoted Vela Technologies (VELA) is providing a loan facility with a minimum commitment of £200,000. Igraine will issue 35.5 million shares, which is 29.1% of the company, to GEM in return for the rights. David Levis, the chief executive of GEM, is joining the Igraine board as an executive director. He founded GEM to develop battery energy storage projects in the UK. It develops the projects up to the point where it either sells them or proceeds with the development itself. Igraine will have the right to receive 8% of the sales proceeds of a disposal or be involved in their further development. Initial sites will be sold to generate cash for Igraine and strengthen the balance sheet. Each site requires £150,000-£250,000 to secure grid connections and get to the ready to build stage. Every MW of capacity is valued at £120,000. After costs, a 100MW site could generate cash of more than £7m. There are four sites which are already in progress.
Oscillate (MUSH) has started hydrogen operations in Minnesota. A hydrogen soil-gas sensor has been bought and pre-field work started, which will provide data to enable further progress. Igraine has been diluted from 10.2% to 5.05% following the recent share issue.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) says investee company Trans-Africa Energy has not received the £12m it was waiting for from an African investor. It is talking to alternative sources of finance for the energy infrastructure project in Ghana. The redemption date on the loan notes held by Lift Global Ventures has been extended to the end of 2024 and in return the value will be increased from £1m to £1.25m.
Ananda Developments (ANA) says two of its potential medicines, MRX2 and MRX2T, will be used in National Institute for Health and Care Research and NHS co-funded phase IIIa epilepsy clinical trials involving up to 500 patients. This could support marketing authorisation applications if the trials are successful.
EDX Medical Group (EDX) has raised £300,000 from a Saudi Arabian investor at 11p/share, which was a 22% premium to the market price.
Corporate businesses developer Macaulay Capital (MCAP) managing director David Horner has doubled his shareholding to 500,000 shares by buying 250,000 shares at 20p each. His family has a 24.9% stake. Marula Mining (MARU) director Jason Brewer has increased his shareholding by 340,000 shares at 5.38p each. That takes his stake, held through Gathoni Muchai Investments to 9.13%. Mike Cass has increased his stake in BWA Group (BWAP) to 15.1%. James and Alexandra Pace have a 5% stake in Shepherd Neame (SHEP).
AIM
Footwear retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) says that poor weather hit second half sales, but it has traded in line with expectations. Full year revenues were 3% lower at £161.3m with a second half decline wiping out the interim growth. Trading did improve in August and September. Zeus forecasts a fall in pre-tax profit from £16.5m to £9.5m. The full year dividend will slip from 17.4p/share to 6.2p/share.
Disinfection products supplier Tristel (TSTL) beat expectations in the year to June 2024. There were initial revenues from the US, but they will take time to build up. Sales grew in nearly every market, with small dips in Australasia and China. A price increase in the UK, combined with higher volumes, helped hospital medical device decontamination jump 38%. The main growth in sales is in the UK and Europe. In the year to June 2024, revenues improved from £36m to £41.9m, while pre-tax profit rose from £6.2m to £8.2m. There was a reallocation of costs from overheads to cost of sales, so this affected comparatives. The total dividend was raised 29% to 13.52p/share.
Telecoms enterprise software provider Cerillion (CER) continues to grow faster than its underlying market. Revenues were 14% higher in the second half, enabling profit to be better than expected. There are record new orders and this underpins further growth in the next couple of years. The €12.4m order from the previously unnamed Virgin Media Ireland is contributing to the growth. It probably generated £6m last year. This is the first contract with a tier-1 telecoms company and could help to win other contracts with this level of business. In the year to September 2024, revenues were 12% ahead at £43.8m.
Online marketing services provider XL Media (XLM) is selling its North American business for up to $30m in cash, with $20m payable on completion and up to $10m in April – based on revenues and gross profit in 2024. Some cash should be redistributed to shareholders by the end of the year. The company will effectively become a cash shell.
EnergyPathways (EPP) has been asked by the UK government to participate in the Hydrogen Storage Business Model. This will help to define the new investment support scheme. The first Hydrogen Storage Allocation Round should be in 2025.
Seascape Energy Asia (SEA) has been awarded a 28% participating interest in a production sharing contract over the DEWA complex cluster, offshore Sarawak, Malaysia. Enquest owns 42% and Petroleum Sarawak holds 30%. The area has 12 gas discoveries in shallow water near to the coast. Six will be focused on and these have 500bcf of gas in place. Seascape Energy Asia will commit $600,000 for a detailed resource assessment and field development plan.
Specialist recruitment firm Gattaca (GATC) reported an underlying 2023-24 pre-tax profit decline from £3.7m to £2.9m on 5% lower net fee income of £40.1m. There was a 3% increase in net fee income for contract work, but permanent income dropped by one-third. Despite the decline, Gattaca is gaining market share. Costs have been reduced and the US business has been sold. There could be a modest improvement in profit this year.
Prospex Energy (PXEN) recently acquired a 7.2365% working interest in the onshore Spain Viura gas field, which recommenced production last week. The Viura 1B development well has encountered significant gas shows in the Utrillas-A reservoir and a new gas bearing reservoir interval below that. The well, which cost Prospex Energy €375,000, could contribute to production in November Flow testing results for the deeper reservoir will be available next year. There should be a significant upgrade to recoverable reserves. The European gas price is rising.
Musical instruments retailer Gear4Music (G4M) continues to recover with growth in the second quarter nearly offsetting the decline in the first quarter and further improvement in October. In the six months to September 2024, UK sales grew 4%, but European sales declined. Total sales were 1% lower at £61.7m. Gross margin has fallen back, but the interim loss will be reduced. Full year revenues are expected to be higher and pre-tax profit could jump from £1.1m to £2.8m.
Information and data publisher Merit Group (MRIT) has been hit by the ending of project work and the lack of replacement work. Sales resource is being added, but that will take time to boost revenues. Canaccord Genuity has changed its 2024-25 forecast from a £900,000 profit to a loss of £800,000 after a 11% reduction in expected revenues to £18.5m, which is lower than the 2022-23 figure. A return to profit is forecast for next year. There are management changes that are flagged for next year.
Ariana Resources (AAU) has reviewed the data for the Dokwe gold project in Zimbabwe. There are several zones of potential extensions to mineralisation. There are also gold-in-soil anomalies to follow up and drilling is planned. The in-pit resource is 1.2moz in two open pits at Dokwe Central and Dokwe North. Measured and indicated resources are 30Mt at 1.3g/t gold. Ariana Resources believes there could be annual production of up to 100,000 ounces of gold for up to 15 years. A revision of the pre-feasibility study is underway.
At the end of the week, property developer and investor Caledonian Trust (CNN), which has been on AIM for more than 29 years, announced its proposed departure. The direct annual cost of the quotation is £100,000 and liquidity is poor. A general meeting to gain shareholder approval will be held on 18 November. There is already support from holders of 85.3% of the shares. The quotation could end on 26 November. NAV is 195.1p/share.
Adams (ADA) is proposing the cancellation of the AIM quotation and sell off the company’s investments, many of which are also quoted on AIM, to return the cash to shareholders. Prior to this Adams will be buying back shares at 4p each. The estimated NAV is 3.72p/share. Liquidity is limited because Richard Griffiths owns 94% of Adams. A general meeting will be held on 27 November and, if passed, the cancellation will be on 5 December.
MAIN MARKET
Advanced materials developer HeiQ (LON: HEIQ) has found growing its business difficult, particularly in textiles, flooring and antimicrobials and not recovery is expected until well into 2025. Another restructuring plan will cut costs and focus on certain facilities. Non-core operations will be scaled back. Some parts of the business may be sold, and outside finance is being sought for AeoniQ. Part of the cost cutting is giving up the listing. This should take effect on 19 November. Because the shares are on the transition category of the market since the restructuring of the Main Market, no shareholder vote is required. The shares will be traded by JP Jenkins. Daren Morecombe has increased his stake from 14.5% to 22%.
Bloomsbury Publishing (BMY) grew interim revenues by 32% to £179.8m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £17.7m to £26.6m. This is due to strong consumer division revenues due to strong sales of fantasy fiction and cookery books.
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) increased third quarter revenues by 3% with residential EV charging the main growth area. However, excluding acquisitions, like-for-like revenues were 3.6% lower, partly due to phasing of orders so that there is a strong fourth quarter order book. Margins are improving. Net debt was £67m at the end of September 2024.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 8 July 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Sheffield-based AI software company IntelliAM AI (INT) joined Aquis on 3 July. It raised £5.08m at 94p/share. The acquisition of 53 Degrees North was completed after admission. This adds a range of asset care consulting and management strategies for manufacturers to the group. Customers include food manufacturers, consumer and industrial businesses.
Voyager Life (VOY) says M3 Helium’ is drilling a vertical well at the Hugoton North Play project in Kansas. Voyager Life has an option to take a stake in M3 Helium.
Coinsilium (COIN) has been signed a collaboration agreement with Web3b developer Lifeflow Inc, which will have access to $1m of dedicated seed funding. Investee company Greengage is collaborating with global crypto currency exchange Coinbase. Coinsilium is purchasing $75,000 of future tokens in the early backers round of the Otomato Web3 automation protocol. There is an option for $150,150 future tokens.
Inqo Investments (INQO) has invested in Pabidi Lodge Budongo Ltd in Uganda. This lodge and ten luxury tents are expected to be open by the end of 2024.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has secured a commercial agreement with Tap N Go for the launch of the XTP cashback programme. XTP is a token for trading via Tap Global exchange services.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) was hit by a £14.6m unrealised loss on its investments in 2023. That is predominantly down to a reduction in the value of a bond issue by 1AF2, which is due for repayment on 22 July. NAV has declined from £25.3m to £12.8m. Net debt is £862,000. Even so, the share price improved.
Valereum (VLRM) has completed the £2m raising from chairman James Formolli, while a warrant exercise has generated £9,458. Shares were issued at 0.36p each and on top of that he received 15 million GATE tokens. The cash will finance the growth of the business and development of the GATE token.
Shares in Watchstone Group (WTG) went ex-dividend on 4 July. It is returning 8p/share in cash.
Chris Potts reduced his stake in Shortwave Life Sciences (LON: PSY) from 15.2% to 11.65%. Jonathan Bellis has a 3.4% stake in Hot Rock Investments (HRIP).
Trading in Marula Mining (MARU) shares was suspended because the 2023 accounts have not been published.
AIM
Workflow efficiency software supplier ActiveOps (AOM) increased annualised recurring revenues by 14% to £25.1m by the end of March 2024 as existing clients continued to spend more on top of the new contract gains. There was cash of £17.6m at the year end. There was a jump in pre-tax profit to £1.9m, but further investment in the business means it could fall to £1.4m this year. The growth in recurring revenues is the most important thing, though.
Semiconductors designer CML Microsystems (CML) had a tough year to March 2024 and this year will also be difficult, but design wins mean that the longer-term outlook is more positive. Revenues grew from £20.6m to £22.9m, although that was due to a near-six month contribution from last year’s acquisition MwT. Underlying pre-tax profit dipped from £3.6m to £3.1m. Destocking by customers and a change in product mix hit profit. A further dip in profit is expected this year, but new contracts and a broader product range, including new digital radio technology DRM, will improve revenues in two to three years. The balance sheet remains strong with net cash of £18.2m.
Professional services network operator DSW Capital (DSW) reported full year revenues fell by one-fifth to £2.4m and pre-tax profit declined from £1.4m to £500,000. The total dividend was cut from 3.8p/share to 2p/share. That is not covered by earnings, but management eventually intends to return to paying up to 70% of distributable earnings in dividends. Net cash is £2.3m.
Bluejay Mining (JAY) says there are indications of potential helium and hydrogen accumulations at the Outokumpu licences in Finland. There is up to 5.6% helium and 46% hydrogen, plus other gases. Seismic data has been acquired to identify high potential areas. Helium and hydrogen is the new focus of the company. Non-exec Roderick McIllree bought six million shares at 0.35p each.
Helium One Global (HE1) is making progress at the Rukwa project. An extended well test will start later this month. The required equipment is being delivered. A feasibility study is underway.
Pipehawk (PIP) shares slumped 75.3% to 2.1p because of financial difficulties at QM Systems, which had moved to larger premises. Two large orders have not been obtained. QM Systems is likely to be put into administration. QM Systems accounted for 65% of group revenues last year and lost £970,000. The rest of the group should be able to continue as a going concern, although continuing activities made a loss in the year to June 2023.
Martin Andersson has stepped down as executive chairman Chaarat Gold Holdings (CGH) as the company is in restructuring discussions with Labro Investors, which he is associated with. He remains a non-exec. David Mackenzie is acting chief executive. The company has enough cash for the next few weeks but cannot fund the $1.2m repayment due on the Labro convertible loan in September. The restructuring discussions relate to this.
Linear generator technology developer Libertine Holdings (LIB) has entered into a conditional subscription agreement with equity investors based in India and Dubai. This could raise £2m at 1.5p/share. This would involve the issue of shares equivalent to 49% of the enlarged share capital. This would provide funds for working capital until June 2025, but Libertine is not likely to breakeven in that time frame.
Mercia Asset Management (MERC) assets under management have reached £1.8bn, helped by a new mandate from the British Business Bank. EBITDA was £5.6m in 2023-24 and the strategy is to double that figure in three years. NAV improved to 43p/share, including £47m in cash, despite the 2p/share write down of the investment in engineering firm Impression Technologies.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) has been hit by higher freight costs and weaker spring trading, which has led to a reduction in pre-tax profit estimates for the year to October 2024 from £13.8m to £10m. Last year’s pre-tax profit was £16.5m and revenues are likely to be 1% lower. A total dividend of 6.5p/share is forecast.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has exercised its option to acquire the Chariot-Neely Lake, South Pendleton and Snowbird uranium projects in Canada. Fulcrum Metals intends to sell these and the Fontaine Lake project to Vancouver-based Terra Balcanica for C$300,000 in cash and C$3.1m of shares when it has completed agreed exploration spending over the next four years. Fulcrum Metals will also retain a 1% net smelter return royalty.
MAIN MARKET
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has signed a strategic partnership with a global technology group to market its cyber encryption technology to the civil commercial markets around the world. The partner will pay at least $2.1m over two years to develop a combined hardware and software product off.
Filtration technology supplier Porvair (PRV) had a tough first half with destocking holding back progress. In the six months to May 2024, revenues grew from £90.6m to £94.6m, but higher interest charges meant that underlying pre-tax profit fell from £11.8m to £11.5m. This includes an initial contribution from mist elimination filters producer European Filter Corporation (EFC) of £1m to operating profit and it accounted for the growth in revenues of the aerospace and industrial division. The interim dividend was raised by 5% to 2.1p/share and the full year forecast is 6.3p/share. Net cash was £4.1m after the payment for EFC.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 23 October 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Healthy snack foods supplier S-Ventures (SVEN) plans to raise at least £2.5m to pay deferred consideration and provide working capital. The fundraising has been announced ahead of time so that more investors can become involved. In the year to September 2023, gross revenues improved from £8.6m to £16.9m, while net debt is £6.8m. The main growth came from an initial contribution by gluten-free products company Juvela and technology platform Market Rocket. S-Ventures was loss making and the level is likely to depend on impairment charges.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) continues to benefit from higher interest rates. Customer deposits grew 7% to £3.5bn, while wealth management assets under management increased from £1.38bn to £1.43bn. The new London office at 20 Finsbury Circus has increased space by 45% to 75,000 square feet. This will increase annual costs by £5m and there will be dual costs until October 2024 when the existing office lease expires.
Technology marketing business Inteliqo Ltd (IQO) generated initial revenues of $558,000 in the year to September 2023 and it moved from a loss of $428,000 to a pre-tax profit of $185,000. There is $384,000 in the bank, after a cash inflow of $195,000. Inteliqo should continue to be profitable this year as it builds up sales of smart translation Ipedia earbuds and the Langaroo language app.
Aquis Exchange (AQX) chief executive Alasdair Haynes bought 10,000 shares at 325p each, while non-exec chairman Glenn Collinson acquired 7,500 shares at 326.5p.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) director George Barnes bought 1,000 shares at 800p each. Premier Miton has taken a 5.05% stake in Global Connectivity (GCON). Oberon Investments (OBE) chief executive Simon McGivern has sold 11.6 million shares and Joanna McGivern sold 650,000 shares at 3.6p each. Chairman Mike Cuthbert bought 140,000 shares at 3.6p each and finance director Galin Ganchev acquired an initial 138,888 shares at 3.6p/share. Simon McGivern still has a 6.78% stake. Shepherd Neame (SHEP) director George Barnes bought 1,000 shares at 800p each. Premier Miton has taken a 5.05% stake in Global Connectivity (GCON). Andrew Offit has increased his stake in AQRU (AQRU) from 4.77% to 11.9%.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has appointed Tennyson Securities as its broker.
AIM
Shoe Zone (SHOE) has sparked another upgrade with its latest trading statement. The shoe retailer’s sales were slightly ahead of expectations and pre-tax profit will be at least £16m, which is 19% higher than forecast. Lower freight rates improved margins. The dividend estimate has been raised from 9p/share to 10.5p/share on the back of the profit growth. Zeus has increased its 2023-24 pre-tax profit forecast from £12.5m to £15.2m. To put this in perspective, one year ago Zeus forecast a 2022-23 pre-tax profit of £8.5m, not much more than 50% of the outcome. It would be wrong to expect similar upgrades this year, but it indicates that forecasts are generally conservative.
Gama Aviation (GMAA) is selling its Jet East business for $131m. Adjusting for debt and transaction costs the net amount is $100m, which is equivalent to 125p/share. That could allow a 55p/share dividend. The rest of the cash can be reinvested in the remaining aviation services businesses. Gama Aviation recently won air ambulance and offshore helicopter contracts.
CoStar Group Inc is bidding 110p/share for On The Market (OTMP), which values the property listings company at £99m. The February 2018 placing price was 165p. CoStar Group Inc says that On The Market provides a good entry point to the UK residential property market. The purchaser owns US-based Homes.com.
Litigation finance provider Manolete Partners (MANO) is benefiting from the UK government removing Covid-era protections against insolvency. In the six months to September 2023, the number of case investments jumped from 83 to 146. Bounce back loan cases separately increased from 83 to 179.
Craven House Capital (CRV) investee companies Garimon and Honeydog – it has 29.9% of each company – are planning to reverse into the Amigo Holdings shell on the Main Market. These are music streaming and digital publishing businesses.
eDrive systems developer Saietta (SED) shares returned from suspension on Thursday afternoon after it published results to the year to March 2023. There were problems with the accounting for the new agreements with Consolidated Metco Inc, which included an upfront payment of €3.3m and an inventory write-down of £2.1m. Revenues from continuing operations more than doubled to £4.8m, but the group loss was higher. Orders are in place to build up revenues. There was cash of £7.2m left at the end of March 2023, but by September this was down to £400,000. More cash will be required to finance the delivery of orders.
Fashion retailer Sosandar (SOS) has decided to reduce promotional and discounting activity on its website and open retail stores. There will be four shops by next spring. This will hold back short-term revenues but could accelerate progress in 2026-27. Singer has cut its full year revenues forecast by 19% to £46.8m. This means that having made a profit last year, this year Sosandar will be back to breakeven, and it will take two years to beat the £1.6m profit made last year.
Revolution Bars Group (RBG) reported full year figures broadly in line with expectations. The Peach Pubs business is trading well with like-for-like sales 14% ahead, but the Revolution bars have been hit be train strikes. Cavendish retained its flat 2023-24 pre-tax loss forecast of £2m, even though trading has been tough.
WH Ireland has produced its updated research for metallurgical coal producer Bens Creek Group (BEN) suggesting a move into profit this year. This year’s pre-tax profit forecast is slashed from £108m to £7.2m, with the following year’s estimate reduced from £96.2m to £33.4m. This is a scenario rather than a proper forecast. A 3.6 cents/share (3p) dividend is possible in 2024-25.
Cirata (CRTA), formerly known as WANdisco, is trading in line with expectations with bookings of $1.7m in the latest quarter. They are expected to be higher in the fourth quarter and the software company’s management is confident that the prospects are genuine. Cash should be at least $16m at the year end and Cirata could be cash breakeven in 2024.
R&Q Insurance Holdings (RQIH) is selling its program management business, and this should generate $300m of net proceeds. This will be used to pay down debt. The group chief executive and finance director will leave with the disposal.
ECR Minerals (ECR) has terminated its option to acquire the Hurricane project, following the changes in the board. Management does not believe the potential of the project warrants the acquisition cost.
Karelian Diamond Resources (KDR) is raising £250,000 at 2.5p/share and the cash will be used for exploration for nickel, copper, platinum group metals in Northern Ireland and diamonds in Finland. Peterhouse has been appointed as broker.
MAIN MARKET
Cadmium-free quantum dots developer Nanoco (NANO) has concluded its litigation with Samsung, and it has funds to move towards commercial production. The net litigation proceeds are $90m. The second tranche will be received next February. There are plans to return £33m-£40m (10p-12p/share) to shareholders after this. Contract terms are under discussion for the first commercial order, and they should conclude by the end of 2023. In the year to July 2023, revenues jumped from £2.5m to £5.6m with the main growth coming from recognising licence fees related to the Samsung litigation.
Apax Partners is bidding 110p/share for Kin & Carta (KCT), which is a 41% increase on the pre-bid share price. The share price has not been this high since March, but the bid is less than 50% of the 2023 high ahead of the February profit warning. The bid values Kin & Carta at £203m.
Online travel agency Hostelworld (HSW) increased full year guidance in its third quarter trading statement. Nine months revenues are 38% ahead at Euro75.2m. The EBITDA guidance range has been raised from Euro16.5m-Euro17m to Euro17.5m-Euro18m, up from Euro1.3m last year.
Property investor Town Centre Securities (TOWN) announced net tangible assets falling by 15% to 284p in the year to June 2023. It outperformed the benchmark property index. The greatest value declines in the portfolio related to car parks and offices. The loan-to-value has declined to 45.8% following disposals. The total dividend for the year is 5p/share.
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) says revenues fell 4% to £26.3m in the first half. This was helped by a good summer performance, but trading has been tougher in September and October.
Andrew Hore