Home » Posts tagged 'smk'
Tag Archives: smk
Quoted Micro 12 May 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
In 2024, Newbury Racecourse (NYR) increased revenues by 16% to £22m and pre-tax profit improved from £720,000 to £1.1m. There were 30 race days, two more than the previous year. A final dividend of 6p/share was announced. Cash was £7.5m at the end of 2024.
Recent Acquis new entrant Smarter Web Company (SWC) has launched a WRAP retail offer and accelerated bookbuild raising £2.24m at 16p/share. Prior to flotation the web design and online marketing company raised £1m at 2.5p/share. That cash has been invested in Bitcoin. So far £760,000 has been spent on 10.6 Bitcoin at £71,356 each. The cash will eventually be used for expansion and acquisitions.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has identified eleven new gold targets at the Crescent gold project in the Mosquito Creek area of Western Australia. The company has appointed Apex Geoscience Consultants to manage the ground exploration and drilling at the Red Setter Dome. Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has reduced its stake below 3%. Woodland Capital has acquired 1.8 million Hot Rock Investments shares at 0.276p each.
Trading in AIM-quoted RiverFort Global Opportunities (RGO) shares recommenced following the publication of details of the acquisition of the healthy snacks operations of Aquis-quoted S-Ventures (SVEN) for 466.7 million shares and a £1m placing at 0.75p/share. A loan is being converted into 356.3 million shares. RiverFort will be able to provide cash to grow the snacks business. The company will change its name to Tooru.
Marula Mining (MARU) has completed wet commissioning of the Kilifi manganese processing plant in Kenya. The first manganese sales should be in May. The latest exploration of Kilifi is focused on specific target areas to assess the suitability of ores for processing.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) has entered into a master franchise agreement with Sterling Coffee House covering India.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals has commenced drilling at the Gold Rose project in the central Newfoundland gold belt.
BWA Group (BWAP) says shallow drilling has been completed at the 90%-owned Dehane 1 mineral sands project in Cameroon. This shows significant accumulations of heavy mineral sands. Total heavy mineral sands grades are up to 4.7% over eight metres thickness. Significant areas remain untested.
Ananda Pharma (ANA) says ex-GW Pharmaceuticals executive Giles Moss is an advisor. He will provide expertise in regulatory approvals. GW Pharmaceuticals was acquired by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.
Kondor AI (KNDR) has changed its name to Sundae Bar (KNDR).
NYCE International (NYCE), formerly ChallengerX, has established a gaming advisory committee, including Farzad Peyman, Harmen Brenninkmeijer, Richard Clarke and Simon French.
Valereum (VLRM) raised £500,000 at 4p/share. This will help to fund the launch and scaling up digital asset services.
Brompton Asset Management has raised its shareholding in Global Connectivity (GCON) from 14.8% to 18.6%.
ASSET MATCH
Synairgen (SNG) joined Asset Match on 8 May, having left AIM.
JP JENKINS
Renewable energy investment company Thrive Renewables (THRV) has launched a £5m share offer at 247p/share. The minimum investment is £247. This will provide funding for construction projects. The plan is to double generating capacity by 2028. In 2024, operating profit dipped from £13.6m to £11.3m. The final dividend is 12p/share.
Brighton Pier (PIER) moved from AIM to JP Jenkins on 6 May.
Samarkand Group (SMK) switched from Aquis to JP Jenkins on 7 May.
ADVFN (AFN) moved from AIM to JP Jenkins on 8 May.
e-therapeutics (ETX) presented new preclinical results on its GalOmic small-interfering RNA candidate ETX-312 for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.
AIM
Communications and connectivity services provider Maintel (MAI) reported a 3% dip in 2024 revenues to £97.9m, but the previous year was boosted by delayed work due to component shortages so there was underlying growth. New business is being won in the core areas. Underlying pre-tax profit rose from £3.9m to £4.9m. Higher national insurance and other costs will hold back profit this year.
Building and plumbing products distributor Lords Group Trading (LORD) shares continue to rise following yesterday’s 2024 results announcement and trading statement. First quarter like-for-like growth is 11% in merchanting and 22% in plumbing and heating. That does compare with a weak period of the previous year. Property disposals have reduced borrowings.
Staffing company Empresaria Group (EMR) has received a bid approach from a consortium of individuals, including the boss of the offshore services division of the company. The 60p/share indicative offer comprises 10p/share in cash and 50p/share in loan notes to be redeemed on the third anniversary of the acquisition. The Empresaria board believes the offer undervalues the company. However, two major shareholders are keen for options to be explored to realise value in the business and the initial approach may encourage others.
Film and TV vehicles and trailer supplier Facilities by ADF (ADF) reported 2024 figures in line with expectations, but the figures were overshadowed by potential US tariffs on non-US movies. This provides additional uncertainty in a market that has been slow to recover from the US writers; strike and concerns that there could have been changes in UK film and TV investment incentives. There was a small 2024 pre-tax profit before exceptionals, including a £2.45m write down of goodwill on the acquisition of Location One, which has not performed to expectations. First quarter group revenues have improved, and pre-tax profit should recover this year.
Aptamer (APTA) says the Optimer-based test for Alzheimer’s disease has been adapted into an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), a format widely accepted and used in hospital laboratories. This has enabled a royalty agreement to be finalised with development partner Neuro-Bio. Aptamer will receive a blended royalty rate of 11.1% on the first £166m of sales with 5% after that level of sales is passed. A validated prototype could be developed within 18 months and the be transferred to a distributor. The Alzheimer’s disease testing market could be worth $19.6bn by 2029.
Delays in decision making by customers has led to a downgrading of expectations for 1Spatial (SPA). The geospatial software provider is still growing with annualised recurring revenues growing 14% to £19.7m at the end of January 2025. Group full year revenues were 3% ahead at £33.4m with lower services revenues offsetting software growth. Underlying pre-tax profit improved fell from £2.1m to £1.2m. Despite a downgrade, pre-tax profit is still expected to be £2m this year.
Excess inventory retailer Huddled (HUD) reported a jump in 2024 revenues from £2.4m to £14.2m through a combination of growth in the original Discount Dragon fast moving consumer products retailer and the acquisitions of cosmetic products retailer Boop Beauty and health products retailer Nutricircle. The legacy Let’s Connect business is being closed down. The 2024 loss increased from £2.28m to £4.05m. First quarter trading has been strong and there is additional warehouse capacity that will enable Huddled to move towards profitability later this year. A £1.1m loss is forecast for 2025 and a move into profit anticipated in 2026.
Paper and advanced materials manufacturer James Cropper (CRPR) expects to report flat EBITDA of £6.7m for the year to March 2025. Growth in advanced materials did not fully offset the lower paper and packaging contribution to revenues, which is set to remain flat this year. The new chief executive is cutting costs to help profitability of the paper and packaging division, and he will provide an update on strategy in June.
Legal services provider Knights Group Holdings (KGH) is acquiring Essex-based Birkett Long, which includes an IFA business. This provides an entry for the larger group into the financial advice sector. The initial consideration is £10m with deferred cash consideration of £6.6m payable in three annual instalments. The IFA acquisition required FCA approval so it may take longer to complete that part of the deal. Birkett Long has three offices and generated £1m of profit on revenues of £14.7m in the year to May 2024.
Escape rooms and bars operator XP Factory (XPF) increased revenues 17% to £57.3m in the 12 months to March 2025 with the fastest growth in Bom Battle Bars, which were 30% ahead at £41.9m. However, like-for-like growth for Escape Hunt was 3.2%, while Boom was 2.3% ahead. Those figures were affected by the timing of Easter and sunny weather. EBITDA will be between £6.2m and £6.4m.
Film and TV subtitling and dubbing services provider Zoo Digital (ZOO) says work is coming through more slowly than expected. The timing of projects remains uncertain. Revenues for the year to March 2025 have been reduced by 3% to $49.4m and the loss increased to $7.4m. A 23% cut in forecast 2025-26 revenues to $42.5m means that Zoo Digital could continue to be loss making. Even so, net cash could improve from $2.6m to $3m. Rob Pursell has been appointed as finance director.
Brave Bison (BBSN) completed the acquisition of influencer marketing agency The Fifth from News Corp and is already eyeing another target. It is in exclusive talks to buy MiniMBA from Centaur Media (CAU) for £19m. This is an elearning provider for marketing professionals. This would be part funded by a placing and a strategic investment of £4m by MiniMBA founder Mark Ritson. This deal would add £3.5m to group EBITDA taking it to £8m.
Seaweed-based animal feed Ocean Harvest Technology (OHT) says first quarter revenues grew 65%, but it remains loss making. Further funds are being sought from investors, but it has not yet secured any commitments. Talks are also ongoing with the secured loan note holders, which may be able to request repayment because of a potential default. There is enough cash until mid-June.
Automotive interior components supplier CT Automotive (CTA) improved margins in 2024 through cost reductions and greater efficiency. That enabled pre-tax profit to edge up from $8.3m to $8.7m even though revenues declined. A rise in pre-tax profit to $10.5m is expected this year. There is uncertainty about US tariffs, but the company can move supply from China to Mexico. Non-exec Nick Timberlake bought 20,000 shares at 27.7p each.
Degradable plastics developer Symphony Environmental Technologies (SYM) has raised £2.5m at 20p/share from Quantum Leap Capital. The subscription will be in two tranches and Quantum Leap Capital will have a 5.26% stake.
MAIN MARKET
Swindon-based newspaper and magazines distributor Smiths News (SNWS) is pushing forward with trials of potential new operations that will make up the decline in the core business. Interim revenues dipped from £539.8m to £536.4m. The newspaper revenues were slightly lower, while magazine revenues fell more than 4%. Collectibles sales and the newer operations helped to offset some of these declines. Underlying pre-tax profit improved from £11.8m to £13.1m as costs were reduced and interest charges fell because of the lower borrowings. Although net debt was higher at the end of the period, the average net debt has fallen from £12.5m to £1.1m. The interim dividend was maintained at 1.75p/share.
Cardiff Property (CDFF) reported net assets of £29.72/share at the end of March 2025. The interim dividend was raised from 6.5p/share to 7.5p/share.
Bluebird Merchant Ventures (BMV) has reinterpreted the pre-feasibility study for its Philippine asset. The original study was in 2016. Using a gold price of $3000/ounce and increasing operating costs by 60% and doubling capital spending, NPV10 is $70.5m, based on 75% ownership. Two mineral production sharing agreements have been approved by the authorities for a further two years.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 7 April 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Automotive electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) has secured a £5m cash injection from Caterpillar Inc via convertible loan. This has an annual interest charge of 10% and lasts until the end of March 2029. The conversion price is the lower of 3.125p and 80% of the average trailing 30-day share price. There is also a development agreement for electric drivetrain products. This concludes the strategic review. An agreement with wave energy technology company CorPower Ocean will generate £650,000 for the first phase of the development of a generator and SiC (silicon carbide) inverter system to accelerate the commercialisation of the wave energy equipment.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has reached agreement to proceed with the LODES project, which is a 21MWh VS3 system co-located with a solar array. The total cost of the project is £20m. Planning permission has to be adjusted before the project can commence construction and the project could be completed and operating in the second half of 2026. There should be some revenues recognised in 2025. A loss is still forecast for this year despite a jump in forecast revenues to £35.5m.
Samarkand (SMK) is asking for shareholder approval to leave Aquis. The ecommerce technology provider has adapted its strategy to focus on its own brands and is less dependent on the Chinese market for growth. The costs of being quoted will be saved. The plan is to leave on 7 May and move to a JP Jenkins matched bargains facility. Even before the announcement, the lack of liquidity meant that the board does not believe the share price reflects the value of the business.
AIM-quoted drug discovery company ImmuPharma (IMM) has agreed to extend the period of warrants in Aquis-quoted skincare technology developer Incanthera (INC). The 7.27 million warrants are exercisable at 9.5p each – the current share price is 9p – and they will be extended until the end of September. ImmuPharma will pay Incanthera a profit share of 30% of the difference between exercise and market prices. Incanthera has agreed to pay creditors £380,000 in shares at 8.5p each.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 58.2p/share at the end of February 2025. During February there was £462,000 of income generated from digital assets.
Consumer and beauty products supplier Silverwood Brands (SLWD) reported revenues of £9.28m in the six months to December 2024, compared with £6.88m in the previous six months. Excluding acquisitions the performance was flat compared to the second half of 2023. There was a £359,000 loss compared with a £263,000 pre-tax profit. There was cash of £3.08m at the end of 2024. The new financial year end is June 2025. The Balmonds Skin Salvation product is available in Boots.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) is not going ahead with the UK FCA lending application process and is no longer focusing on US loan book acquisitions or adding to licences. The existing US lending operations will be the focus, helped by AI. A confidential introducer agreement has been secured with a large UK consumer finance group for introducing its products around the world.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has sold sheet metal fabrication company Aftech for £1. This will stop the cash outflow. There will be a £718,000 goodwill write down. Vulcan Industries is in discussions with secured creditors concerning obligations that are due in the second quarter of 2025. The remaining asset is the Lincoln battery energy storage project.
Ride video capture technology provider Visum Technologies (VIS) has extended its contract with the Children’s Day Foundation Linnanmaki in Finland for a further three years. This should generate a total of £100,000 in revenues. In the six months to December 2024, revenues fell from £130,000 to £71,000. The loss was $325,000.
Oscillate (MUSH) has entered into non-binding heads of terms for a joint venture with Evolution Energy Minerals to develop the Chikundo copper, lead and zinc prospect, which is within the Chilalo graphite project.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) says farm-in partner White Energy has completed stage 1 of its spending commitment and earned a 51% interest in Specimen Hill. A further $1m of spending will earn a further 25%. White Energy can then pay $2m to buy the minority shareholding, although Tectonic Gold will retain a 3% perpetual net smelter royalty.
Ananda Pharma (ANA) has received approval from the Alfed Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee in Australia for its phase 1 pharmacokinetic study of the lead cannabinoid drug candidate MRX1. The first patient should be dosed in the third quarter of 2025. The data can support regulatory filings in other countries.
BWA Group (BWAP) says preliminary kyanite product specification test work at the Dehane heavy mineral sands project in Cameroon has proved highly satisfactory. Kyanite is used in refractory and ceramic products.
Marula Mining (MARU) has received the first revenues from sales of copper concentrate from the Kinusi copper mine in Tanzania.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says the option to acquire Kansas-based M3 Helium has been extended to the end of June 2025.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals Corp is going to drill test a pipeline of exploration targets at the Golden Rose project that has been optioned by Eldorado Gold Corporation.
Jonathan Neame bought 4,000 shares in Shepherd Neame (SHEP) at 490p each. Richard Oldfield acquired 20,800 shares at 485p each and 5,000 shares at 484p each. Newbury Racecourse (NYR) chairman Dominic Burke bought 7,500 shares at 503.36p each.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) has launched a share buyback programme of up to 2% of the shares in issue.
ChallengerX has changed its name to Nyce International (NYCE).
ASSET MATCH
Asset Match has secured a strategic partnership with financial services provider Monex Europe, which will help companies with their foreign exchange requirements.
Engineering and technology firm Marshall of Cambridge (MCH) has sold its business distributing Thermo King transport temperature control systems to Trane Technologies, the owner of Thermo King. Trading was tough last year, and Marshall of Cambridge lost money. This loss was made worse by write-offs on legacy contracts and delays to the sale of ex-RAF C-130s. The total order book had improved to £663m by the end of 2024. Disposals enabled a return to a net cash position. There are plans to sell the composites business by the summer. The company also has a 900-acre property at Cambridge airport and it is assessing options. A catch-up dividend payment is possible this year.
Brewer Wadworth and Company (WAD) says it should report a 15% increase in EBITDA for 2024. January and February have been tough. Planning permission has been granted by Wiltshire council for the scheme on the old brewery site.
Football club Tottenham Hotspur (TTNM) reported a rise in revenues from £549.6m to £528.2m in the year to June 2024 and it reduced its loss to £26m, helped by a £82.3m gain on player trading.
Shares in RA International (RAI) moved from AIM to Asset Match on 2 April.
AIM
Online gaming company Gaming Realms (GMR) improved underlying pre-tax from £6.4m to £9.6m on revenues 22% ahead at £28.5m, and the momentum continues. Net cash increased to £13.5m. A £6m share buyback programme has been announced. The expansion into new countries and launching new games has helped Gaming Realms to grow. North America is doing particularly well and generates more than 50% of licensing revenues.
Automotive and battery connectors supplier Strip Tinning (STG) is expecting a lower than forecast loss in 2025 because of strong trading in the battery division. This is a higher margin part of the business, and it will help to reduce the EBITDA loss from £1.6m to £900,000. The anticipated lifetime value of an existing US battery connectors client has been raised from £43m to at least £56.8m. The overall market remains difficult, though. A £520,000 R&D tax credit should be received in April and another payment of £250,000 should be received in the second half of 2025. Strip Tinning is on course to make a pre-tax profit in 2027. A grant is being applied for from the Automotive Transformation Fund. Strip Tinning will require more cash to fund growth.
Plant-based polymers developer Itaconix (ITX) reported a dip in 2024 revenues from $7.9m to $6.5m because of the loss of a low margin contract, but underlying revenues are higher. The pre-tax loss increased from $1.2m to $1.8m. Cash was $6.7m at the end of 2024 and this is enough for the current requirements. Cleaning, hygiene and beauty ingredients are all growing revenues with a good start to 2025.
Cyber security hardware and software provider Corero Network Security (CNS) increased annualised recurring revenues by 15% to $19.5m. This is a good indication of the progress being made. Recognised revenues were 10% ahead at $24.6m in 2024 and that enabled a move from loss to a pre-tax profit of $600,000. Net cash is $5.3m. The position in Latin America has been enhanced by an expansion of the partnership with TechEnabler in Brazil. This year has started well.
Automotive brake discs developer Surface Transforms (SCE) has received total cash advances of £8m and help from its customers and it has also increased the price of discs. Long-term supply agreements are being discussed. Gross cash is currently £1.2m. Manufacturing yield remains inconsistent.
Currency services provider Argentex (AGFX) reported full year figures showing positive momentum in the second half and into the new financial year. The outcome for 2024 was better than expected. Cash generated from operating activities improved from £13.6m to £16.7m. However, Argentex still fell into loss for 2024 and may not return to pre-tax profit this year. The new digital infrastructure should be launched in the second half. This should help to grow long-term profit.
Executive search firm Norman Broadbent (NBB) is performing well in the tough recruitment market. The additional fee earners are beginning to boost the figures, although income has declined in the past year. Full year net fee income fell by 11% to £9.3m with international business holding up with the decline happening in the UK. The company slipped into a loss of £158,000. The figures were still better than for 2022 and 2023 was a strong year.
Ceramic and fragrance products supplier Portmeirion (PMP) still finds trading difficult. In 2024, revenues fell from £102.7m to £91.2m, while pre-tax profit slumped from £3m to £1.1m. Net debt is £12.1m, while the dividend has been slashed from 5.5p/share to 1.5p/share.
K3 Business Technology (KBT) intends to return £29m – equivalent to 64.8p/share – to shareholders via tender following a recent disposal and it is consulting with shareholders about whether to remain on AIM. The software company will still have £6m in cash and remaining software businesses that are a Microsoft Dynamics fashion industry partner and a supplier of software to IKEA.
Zinnwald Lithium (ZNWD) says the Saxony state government has recognised the company’s eponymous lithium project as a project of outstanding importance. The company recently published a pre-feasibility study showing a pre-tax NPV of €3.3bn with a mine life of 40 years.
Minoan Group (MIN) says trading in the shares is likely to be suspended because it does not have enough cash to complete the audit of its accounts to October 2024. The suspension is expected on 1 May, but it may come earlier because of the lack of cash. Minoan has not been able to extend the secured loan, totalling £1.19m, provided by DAGG. A proposal from DAG includes the conversion of the loan into shares and an additional £4.44m cash injection in return for shares. Some members of DAGG would also write off £1.1m they are owed. DAGG wants to nominate management to take the company forward.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) returned from suspension during the week after creditors agreed to the company voluntary arrangement and a £300,000 subscription at 0.034p/share. The company liquidated its operating subsidiary and is seeking a new business to acquire.
MAIN MARKET
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) reported results from the geophysical survey for the Harts Range heavy rare earths, uranium and niobium project in Australia and drilling should commence in April. New Frontier Minerals owns 85% of the project, where 46 priority targets have been identified, of which 18 are priority one targets. The results exceeded expectations.
Cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) revealed the progress it is making towards commercialising its expertise. The plan is to integrate AI and the Social Cyber product, and the enhanced product will be launched in the summer. This will be the platform to develop a SaaS-based Software Supply Chain Security offer. Narf is seeking partners with direct customer bases.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 11 November 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cross border e-commerce technology company Samarkand Group (SMK) reported a dip in revenues of 22% to £6.3m, with owned brands increasing their contribution by 14% to £4.1m. The loss has been reduced even before the £1.08m gain on the disposal of a brand. Net debt is £2m. The switch to focusing on owned brands will continue.
Wind-based hydrogen production technology developer Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) says turbine testing has been delayed because of a fault in the control unit. Replacement parts should arrive by the end of the month. Schneider Electric is providing software to help analyse data for the feasibility study at Whitehall in Montana. Concept testing of the electrolyser continues, and efficiency is more than 97%. Neil Ritson has become executive chairman.
Unicorn Asset Management has taken a 5.42% stake in Equipmake (EQIP).
Pitch Pit has changed its name to Meme Vault (MEME) and will become an investment company focused on cryptocurrency and Web3 technologies. A new subsidiary will be set up in UAE. Chandila Fernando and Judith Hough will no longer be joining the board. The planned £500,000 placing is not taking place, but there will be an alternative fundraising.
DXS International (DXSP) chairman Bob Sutcliffe bought 35,000 shares at 1.3p each and he owns 1.8% of the healthcare IT developer. Earlier in the week, Hybridan published updated research and said that “management is focused on cashflow control until new NHS sales resume, when there could be significant revenue growth”. It argues that this is not reflected in the current share price.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has an option to acquire M3 Helium, which has acquired 85% interests in three further wells on the western side of the Hugoton gas field in Kansas. Two of the wells are in production and the third could be used as a water disposal well, which will reduce costs. No consideration is payable. The wells are breaking even.
Fenikso (FNK) has doubled its convertible loan to AIM-quoted Coro Energy (CORO) to £500,000. Tom Richardson, chairman of Fenikso is also a director of Coro Energy.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals, where it owns 36.3%, has announced results of copper exploration at the Golden Rose project in Newfoundland. Copper grades were up to 3.7% and some samples included zinc.
Jack Keyes has decided not to join the board of Oscillate (MUSH) as technical director. He is still undertaking hydrogen exploration work for the company.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) company secretary Mark Collingbourne has acquired 80,000 shares at 5.5p each.
AIM
Fabless silicon chip designer and manufacturer EnSilica (ENSI) slipped into loss in the year to May 2024, but there are already contracts in place for a bounce back to profit this year. EnSilica generates cash from operations, but it spent £6.1m on capitalised development. Chip supply generated flat revenues of £2.9m out of group revenues of £25.3m, up from £20.5m in the previous year. Chip supply revenues should start to build up from this year and that will sharply boost profitability. It can take two years or more for chip supply to begin and then production is built up to its peak, so there is built in growth for many years. Singer forecasts a 2024-25 pre-tax profit of £2.7m, doubling to £5.5m next year.
Membrane free electrolyser developer Clean Power Hydrogen (CPH2) has entered into a licence agreement with Lisheen H2 Energy Park, trading as Hidrigin, for the rights to manufacture MFE220 electrolyser units for its own use up to 2GW. This could be worth multi-million Euros. Hidrigin owns the 122MW Lisheen solar park and has funding for other developments. The licence fee will be payable in stages. Separately, there is a sale of a 1MW MFE220 electrolyser unit.
This week there was good news from professional services firm DSW Capital (DSW) with its trading statement following the acquisition earlier this week of DR Solicitors for £6.1m in cash and shares, which will reduce dependence on M&A. DR Solicitors has a client base of doctors, consultants and primary care providers. The latest annual pre-tax profit was £1.2m. The deal should be hugely earnings enhancing. Trading has been gradually improving in the first half. First half profit will be slightly lower at £100,000, but the full year pre-tax profit is expected to recover from £500,000 to £1.4m. A further jump to £2.5m is forecast for 2025-26. The interims will be published on 27 November.
Shell company Selkirk Group (SELK) raised £7.5m at 2.4p/share ahead of joining AIM this morning. The focus is undervalued consumer, technology and digital media businesses. Executive chair Iain McDonald says: “We have chosen to IPO on AIM because, despite the prevailing negative narrative, AIM is still a very attractive market for small, fast-growing companies”.
Electronics and battery products supplier Solid State (SOLI) had a tough first half but it says trading is in line with expectations in the first half and the second half should be better. Interim pre-tax profit has slumped from £7.3m to £2.5m. The components market has returned to normal, and first half revenues declined. Political uncertainty has hampered defence system orders. Last year’s defence revenues were exceptionally strong due to early deliveries, and a decline was expected. That is why full year underlying pre-tax profit is set to fall from £15.6m to £10.1m.
Hummingbird Resources (HUM) has announced a debt restructuring and possible bid. Delays in ramping up production at Kouroussa have strained the balance sheet and $30m of debt repayments have been deferred. Net debt was $155m at the end of September 2024, while trade and other payables were $152m. Nioko Resources, which owns 41% of the gold miner, is proposing a partial debt-to-equity conversion at 2.6777p/share, which would take its stake to 71.8%, and potential bid and cancelation of the AIM quotation. Geoff Eyre has been appointed interim chief executive.
Feedback (FDBK) raised £6.1m at 20p/share, which was a massive discount to the previous market price, which fell to 19.5p. This includes £530,000 raised via a WRAP retail offer of up to £1m. The cash will finance the rolling out of the Bleepa medical imaging communications product and take advantage of a collaboration with a provider of primary care IT services that will use Bleepa to streamline referrals between primary care, Community Diagnostic Centres and community care. The nominal value of shares will be reduced to 1p.
Futura Medical (FUM) has completed two proof of concept studies on new products for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and women. Eroxon Intense is a range extension for the existing Eroxon topical product for erectile dysfunction. This provides a stronger sensation. A preferred formulation will be tested next year and regulatory approval is expected by the end of 2025. WSD4000 is a topical treatment for women that treats symptoms such as lack of desire and lubrication. The next stage is a home user study, and results are expected in the first quarter of 2025. A pre-submission meeting with the FDA has happened and there will be another to help design a clinical study. There are discussions with potential partners.
Broadband services provider Bigblu Broadband (BBB) admits that it is in discussions with alternative investment manager Salter Brothers on a possible sale of the SkyMesh subsidiary. The transaction is subject to final terms and financing. This would be the latest asset disposal for Bigblu Broadband.
CleanTech Lithium (CTL) says that the pre-feasibility study for the Laguna Verde project has been delayed until the first quarter of 2025. Additional engineering work is required due to the location of the carbonation plant in Copiapo. An option for onsite renewable power will also be included. Lithium carbonate should be produced from the pilot plant in November.
Digital media publisher Digitalbox (DBOX) has added to its portfolio of digital media brands by acquiring the entertainment business of GRV Media. The assets are CelebrityTidbit.com, RealityTidbit.com and TheFocus.news. They generated revenues of less than £800,000 and they fit with Entertainment Daily and The Tab.
Synergia Energy (SYN) has raised £632,500 at 0.05p/share. There has also been the conversion of £296,000 of loans and £83,000 of fees into shares. The shares come with a warrant exercisable at 0.1p each. This provides funding for the Medway Hub Camelot carbon capture and storage joint venture with Harbour Energy. Synergia Energy wants to farm out up to 25% of the project. There should be a significant increase in production at the Cambay PSC, where a farm out of a 50% interest to Selan Exploration has been completed, from the second quarter of next year.
Kodal Minerals (KOD) joint venture partner Hainan Mining says that the $15m owed to the Mali government should be paid by Kodal Minerals and not the joint venture that owns the Bougouni lithium project. Kodal Minerals disagrees.
Optimer binders developer Aptamer Group (APTA) continues to win new contracts and it has added contracts worth up to £471,000 in the third quarter. This is work from a number of clients and many are repeat customers. Some of the existing customers are reaching a point where they are considering long-term licences. Booked revenues have reached £1.2m for 2024-25. The potential pipeline has increased to £4m.
MAIN MARKET
Cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) says 2024-25 revenues should be at least $5m and they could rise to $8m in the following year. In the 15 months to March 2024, revenues were $7.6m. The dip in revenues is due to a switch in focus to commercial sales rather than the dependence on government funded development, as well as delays in US funding. Thereby building recurring revenues.
Foams manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) revenues are accelerating with third quarter growth of 54% and year to date improvement of 23%. Footwear sales are fuelling this growth, helped by the Olympics boosting Nike demand, but other parts of the business are also growing. Operational efficiency is increasing margins.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 19 August 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has secured a commercial agreement for InstaMelt with DanCare Health. InstaMelt is a food supplement dosage format that offers innovative features for health brands. DanCare will launch the supplement in China in the fourth quarter under its own brand.
Samarkand (SMK) reported a dip in full year revenues from £17.5m to £16.9m and the loss was slightly higher at £4.88m, but that was after a £2.1m impairment charge after the ending of development of Nomad Checkout technology. Net debt was £600,000 at the end of March 2024. The weak Chinese ecommerce market hampered progress. Revenues from own-brands grew, while sales of third-party brands declined. The audit report in the accounts includes a material uncertainty in respect of going concern. Costs are being reduced and the focus is on core activities. Guild Financial Advisory has been appointed as corporate adviser.
Fenikso (FNK) has invested up to $250,000 in a six-month secured convertible loan note issued by AIM-quoted Coro Energy (CORO). This loan provides an annualised coupon of 40%. The loan is secured on the shares of Coro Asia Renewables, which owns renewable assets in the Philippines. Fenikso has more than $5m in cash left in the bank.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had net assets of 87.87p/share at the end of May 2024, which is a small increase over the previous quarter. This was after paying a 2p/share dividend during the period.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) is buying back up to 140 million shares and it can spend up to £7.5m. The programme lasts until 23 July. So far, nearly £10,000 has been spent on 500,000 shares.
Valereum (VLRM) is using Fireblocks’ technology as part of its infrastructure. It will enable secure sending and storing of digital assets. The Fireblocks advanced wallet security technology will be integrated in the platform. A subsidiary has been set up in El Salvador.
Coinsilium Group (COIN) chief executive Eddy Travia bought 300,000 shares at 1.6p each and executive chairman Malcolm Palle has acquired 300,000 shares at 1.62p each.
Mark Horrocks has increased his stake in Lift Global Ventures (LFT) from 17.6% to 19.96%.
Mortgage Chat (MCAI) has changed corporate adviser to Alfred Henry Corporate Finance. JEAMP Hold Co has sold its 18.1% stake.
AIM
Global Petroleum (GBP) is setting up a joint venture with Callum Baxter, former chief technical officer of Greatland Gold (GGP), to diversify into mineral exploration in Western Australia. Global Petroleum will pay £200,000 for 70% of the joint venture and Callum Baxter will retain the other 30%, although this can be increased to 80% for an additional £50,000. Global Petroleum will spend a minimum of £750,000 over 12 months and fund 100% of spending until a decision to mine. Global Petroleum is raising £600,000 at 0.065p/share and existing shareholders can participate in a retail offer. This cash will finance the purchase of 80% of the exploration licence. Under a consultancy agreement Callum Baxter will receive 200 million Global Petroleum shares and 10% of the total number of new shares issued in the fundraising. The retail offer to existing shareholders via CMC closes on 16 August.
Artemis Resources (ARV) reports high grade gold in veins at the Titan prospect. As well as significant grades of copper. A 10.4 ounce gold bar has been produced from metal extracted from the Titan prospect. A tenement review of the Carlow project area has led to mapping of further gold veins. These are parts of the Karratha gold project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. This could be a large scale regional discovery.
Cannabis-based medicines developer Celadon Pharmaceuticals (CEL) continues to make progress, but it has not received all the cash from the fundraising earlier this year. An investor that was going to subscribe £1m in four tranches and it has only paid £600,000 so far. This leaves the company short of funds. The expiry date of the £7m committed credit facility provided by a high net worth investor has been extended to 30 November 2025, but an initial attempt to drawdown £1m has led to £100,000 being received and £900,000 being delayed until a property has been sold. Celadon Pharmaceuticals is in talks with other potential lenders. The company has £49,000 in cash.
Bluejay Mining (JAY) is the latest minerals explorer to evaluate possible deposits of hydrogen and helium. Historical drilling within the Outokumpu belt revealed substantial concentrations of hydrogen and helium. There are also signs of lithium. There will be sampling and testing.
Biome Technologies (BIOM) is raising £950,000 at 5p/share and offering retail shareholders the opportunity to invest up to £80,000 more. The same share price will be used for the conversion of £1.28m of convertible loan notes. The cash is required for short-term working capital for the RF division, plus the financing of additional stock for Bioplastics. Allenby expects revenues to improve from £6.98m to £7.82m in 2024, mainly due to Bioplastics, and a reduced loss of £862,000, from £1.2m.
Drug discovery company BiVictriX Therapeutics (BVX) believes leaving AIM is the best way of progressing the business. Management believes that the current valuation undervalues the company due to lack of liquidity and becoming a private company will help access to further funding. The share price is hampering partnership discussions. There are plans to appoint JP Jenkins to provide a matched bargains facility. This comes almost exactly three years since the company joined AIM and raised £7.5m at 20p/share. There were 2.72 million options granted to management at 13p each.
Energy services provider Inspired (INSE) is on course to meet full year forecasts, but it will need to win significant optimisation contracts. The timing of the contracts is uncertain and there should be more information about the progress when the interims are published. There will be no more deferred consideration payable by the end of the year. The ESG and software businesses continue to grow.
Jag Grewal has resigned as chief executive of Cambridge Nutritional Sciences (CNSL), which makes diagnostic tests for food sensitivity and other personalised health requirements, and James Cooper becomes interim chief executive. This follows the recent full year figures showing a reduced loss. In the year to March 2024, continuing operations generated revenues of £9.8m, up from £7.5m. However, this was affected by the timing of orders and this year’s revenues could be lower.
Lung cancer diagnostics developer LungLife AI (LLAI) says that the finalised Local Coverage Determination issued by the Medicare Administrative Contractor Noridian Healthcare Solutions, which has jurisdiction over the company’s California laboratory, enables it to apply for coverage to receive payment. A price of $2,030 has been fixed for each LungLB test. The next step is obtaining coverage from public and private payers.
Commercial property services provider Fletcher King (FLK) increased full year revenues from £3.08m to £3.83m, while pre-tax profit more than trebled to £504,000. The final dividend is trebled to 2.25p/share. There was £3.8m in cash at the end of April 2024. Working on rating appeals helped income to improve. Management says that there are signs of recovery in the commercial property market, particularly at the higher quality end.
Medical imaging technology developer IXICO (IXI) says figures for the year to September 2024 will be ahead of expectations. Revenues will be between £5.5m to £5.9m, compared with expectations of £5.2m. Cash levels will improve. A new contract has been won to provide imaging biomarker services for phase 1 / 2 clinical trial for patients with Huntington’s Disease.
Zephyr Energy (ZPHR) says production from the Williston Basin assets increased by around 10% to 1,226 barrels of oil equivalent/day in the second quarter. First half production was 1,189boepd. Last year’s average was 1,040boepd and it should average between 1,100boepd and 1,300boepd in 2024.
Recently floated medical technology company AOTI Inc (AOTI) says second quarter trading was strong. Interim revenues should grow by more than one-quarter to $26.3m. Full year revenues are expected to rise by at least 30%.
MAIN MARKET
S and U (SUS) says the trends of the first quarter continued in the second quarter. The motor finance provider is suffering from lower collection rates due to uncertainties around the FCA review outcome. The Aspen property finance business is doing well, and receivables grew by 13%. Edison is maintaining its 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast at £29m, down from £33.6m. The total dividend should be unchanged at 120p/share. Berenberg cut its share price target from 2180p to 2100p.
Renewables-focused investment company JLEN Environmental Assets Group Ltd (JLEN) has launched a share buyback of up to £20m following the sale of assets. There is already authority to buy back up to 15% of the share capital. JLEN is selling a 51% interest in a portfolio of six gas-to-grid anaerobic digestion facilities for £68.1m, which is the June 2024 valuation. JLEN retains the other 49%. The buyer is Future Biogas, which has been the operator of the assets. The rest of the cash will reduce debt.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 27 May 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Samarkand (SMK) says revenues will be slightly lower than expected – with a decrease of up to 4% – but the ecommerce services provider’s EBITDA will be halved in line with expectations. Owned brands generated 46% of revenues with the decline coming in third party brands. Samarkand has acquired Optimised Energies, which has brands Natures Greatest Secret and BeNatural, for £600,000 in cash and deferred consideration of £700,000. The acquired company made EBITDA of £300,000 last year. Executive directors have lent £400,000 to the company for fund the acquisition.
Aquis-quoted Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) is proposing a tender offer of up to £33.7m at a share price of 5.39p/share. That covers up to 57.9% of the current share capital. The tender price is equivalent to the current NAV since the recovery in Bitcoin and adjusted for potential tax. The tender offer is open until 13 June. The company has available cash of £40.6m. Phoenix Digital Assets also has 17.4 million shares in Flex Labs Inc (FLEX) after it acquired AI software company IO+ PTE, for 110 million shares in total. Supernova Digital Assets received 771,930 shares in Flex Labs.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) improved 2023 sales 3% to £66.3m, but the pre-tax loss increased from £2.3m to £4m. Net debt was £15.9m at the end of 2023 and there is still some headroom in the loan facility despite the review of how to finance the long-term future of the company. Off trade volumes were 14% higher. First quarter group sales were 11% ahead. Cost pressures are easing.
Flow battery technology developer Invinity Energy Systems (IES) raised £56m at 23p/share via a placing with £25m committed by the UK Infrastructure Bank and £3m from Korean Investment Partners. The open offer raised an additional £1.38m out of the £6.6m of shares that were on offer.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) says trading is in line with expectations, although loan growth has been minimal. Specialist lending has been growing faster.
Metals One (MET1) has terminated the farm-in agreement with Gunsynd (GUN).
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) reduced the outflow from operating activities from £306,000 to £144,000. The NAV of the fund of funds company improved from 97.31p/share to 113.33p/share. That was helped by an unrealised gain of £297,000.
Paul Ryan has sold his 3.9% stake in Mortgage Chat (MCAI). Non-exec CP Freeman bought 500 shares in Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) at 948p each.
AIM
Telecoms testing equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) reported 2023-24 revenues two-fifths lower at £16.3m and it fell into loss. The final dividend was maintained at 0.62p/share. The telecoms market remains subdued, and Calnex Solutions is moving into new markets, such as defence. The distribution agreement with Spirent ends in July, but management is advanced with its plans to replace this source of income. Net cash declined to £11.9m because of higher inventory levels and capitalised R&D. A return to profit is expected this year and the cash level should be maintained.
Automotive interior components supplier CT Automotive (CTA) returned to profit in 2023, while net debt was reduced to $3.8m. Liberum expects underlying pre-tax profit to improve from $8.3m to $10.2m in 2024, even though revenues are forecast to decline. Improved efficiency is helping to boost margins. The Mexico factory is operating at 50% of capacity so there should be further improvement as this figure increases.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) has sold its Nordic operations to management – including Bigblu Broadband chief executive Andrew Walwyn who is stepping down – at an enterprise value of £1.3m. There could be contingent consideration. Finance director Frank Waters becomes chief executive. The disposal leaves operations in Australia, which could be sold or floated on the ASX, and a stake in Quickline. Cavendish forecasts a 2023-24 pre-tax profit of £3m.
Coatings company Hardide (HDD) has appointed Matt Hamblin as the new chief executive, who has been a non-exec and previously ran a similar coatings business. The interim figures had been flagged. The pre-tax loss increased to £960,000. Lower depreciation means that the full year loss will not be as high as originally thought and it could be similar to the interim loss. Hardide has been EBITDA positive for the past two months. There is cash of £700,000 in the bank.
Another strong trading statement from Kinovo (KINO) with profit and cash ahead of expectations. The property services provider says 2023-24 revenues were £64.1m and net cash is £400,000The pre-tax profit estimate has been raised from £5.8m to £6.1m. Next year’s profit forecast has been raised from £6.3m to £6.6m. Most of the costs relating to the guarantee for DCB have been paid.
Energy and water efficiency services provider Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) reported 2023-24 results in line with the trading statement earlier in the year. The business moved from a pre-tax profit of £10.1m to a £6m loss because local government contracts were delayed. Cost savings have been put in place and additional work has been won so Eneraqua Technologies could move back into profit this year. A change of government could lead to additional incentives for energy saving projects.
Education software and services provider Tribal Group (TRB) has finally reached a settlement with Nanyang Technological University. This dispute has been hanging over the business for years. Tribal Group will pay £3.1m over 18 months. A further exceptional charge for the dispute will be taken in the first half of 2024.
MRI device developer Polarean Imaging (POLX) launched a heavily discounted placing, subscription and open offer. The placing and subscription raised £8m at 1p/share with £2m of that invested by NUKEM Isotopes and £1.6m by Bracco – both existing investors. Up to £2m could be raised from an open offer. The cash is being used to accelerate commercialisation of the XENOVIEW technology and further development.
Pennant International (PEN) has raised £1.51m at 25p/share. The training and software products supplier is trading in line with expectations, but order conversion has been slower than anticipated. The cash will fund the development and integrations of software products.
Watkin Jones (WJG) returned to profit in the first half to March 2024. The student accommodation and rental property developer generated an improvement in revenues from £153.9m to £175.1m. There is no dividend as cash is conserved. Borrowings have been reduced and net cash is £44m.
B90 Holdings (B90), which provides online marketing services to the gaming sector, says Oddsen.nu, an affiliate that is part of the group, has secured fixed listing fee marketing agreements that will generate income of €200,000 during 2024. There could be additional income on top of this based on marketing performance.
Scientific instruments manufacturer Judges Scientific (JDG) says that there is unlikely to be a material revenues contribution from coring contracts at the Geotek subsidiary. The potential contract is unlikely to commence until near to the end of 2024 and then make a significant contribution in 2025. Trading is subdued against tough comparators. WH Ireland still expects a full year pre-tax profit of £33.8m, although that assumes a stronger second half.
Secure payments company PCI-Pal (PCIP) has been successful in the Court of Appeal for the unfounded case brought by Sycurio against its patents. This means that £1.1m of cash should be released from escrow. The finding upheld the original court judgment. PCI-Pal will seeking further costs. The full ruling will become available in a few days.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) expects 2023-24 revenues to be £140m, which is a like-for-like reduction of 12%. Last November, Rock & Alluvium was acquired, and its volumes are 30% higher than pre-acquisition. Housing and infrastructure sectors are expected to recover and a move into energy transmission will help the overall improvement for the business. The order book was worth £36.8m at the end of March 2024. Net cash is £5.5m.
Healthcare communications technology developer Feedback (FDBK) says delays in the NHS procurement process means that 2023-24 revenues will be lower than expected at £1.2m. Management hopes that the contracts will be secured in 2024-25. There was still £4.3m in the bank at the end of April 2024.
Chamberlin (CMH) has been placed in administration. Coal miner Bens Creek (BEN) has also gone into administration.
Victorian Plumbing (VIC) has acquired rival Victoria Plum for £22.5m. The business had been in administration and costs are already being reduced, so it should break even in the second half.
MAIN MARKET
James Gundy, chief executive of shipbroker Braemar (BMS), bought 6,600 shares at 290.5p/share following the full year results. Pre-tax profit fell from £18m to £14.6m on maintained revenues. The total dividend was raised from 12p/share to 13p/share. The new financial year started with an order book of $82.6m.
Power products supplier XP Power (XPP) received an indicative bid approach at £19.50/share. XP Power has rejected the proposal by Nasdaq-listed Advanced Energy Industries.
Admiral Acquisition (ADMR) has agreed to buy critical asset integrity and testing services provider Acuren for $1.85bn from American Securities. The business generates EBITDA of $190m.
Associated British Engineering (ASBE) had net assets of £391,000 at the end of March 2024, including cash of £419,000.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 18 December 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Flex Labs Inc (FLEX) joined the Access segment on 15 December. The Canada-registered company is developing AI middleware for natural language processing text generators. There is no product yet. The introduction price was 3p, which valued Flex Labs at £3.42m. The share price ended the week at 6p.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) joined the Access segment on 14 December and raised £508,000 at 20p/share, valuing the online consumer loans company at £2.99m. The company currently focuses on the US but plans to move into the UK. In the US, Mr Amazing Loans offers loans of between $2,000 and $10,000 with interest rates of between 19.9% and 29.9%. Approvals are required to start offering loans in the UK. The core business is loss-making. The share price ended the week at 6p.
Shares in Semper Fortis Esport (SEMP) rose as shareholders agreed to the acquisition of Good Life + and the subsequent reverse takeover that occurs on 18 December.
Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) left Aquis on 15 December. The company has been put into voluntary liquidation.
China-focused eCommerce company Samarkand (SMK) reported a 1% dip in interim revenues of £8.1m, while the loss was reduced. There was growth in sales outside of China. Revenues from own brands rose 18%. VSA has downgraded its expectations for the full year because the recovery has not gained the anticipated momentum. Cost savings are helping to reduce the loss. The full year loss is still expected to fall from £4.7m to £3.8m. Samarkand could move near to breakeven next year.
Business assurance provider Adsure Services (ADS) generated revenues of £4.25m in the six months to September, which was prior to joining Aquis. There was an interim loss, but last year the second half was highly profitable. There are plans to diversify the customer base.
Retail carbon trading company Ora Technology (ORA) did not generate revenues in the period to July 2023. There was £1m in the bank at the end of July 2023.
In November, Guanajuato Silver (GSVR) increased month-on-month silver production by 23% to 295,284 ounces equivalent. The production improvement is set to continue into next year.
Marula Mining (MARU) is involved with local partners in applications for graphite mining licences at the Nyorinyori graphite project and the NyoriGreen graphite project in Tanzania. New processing equipment has been installed at the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine.
Wishbone Gold (LON: WSBN) says visual inspection of core from recent drilling at the Cottesloe project in Western Australia show zones containing base metals while x-ray fluorescence scanning shows elevated base metals readings. Assay results will make things clearer.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) has appointed Shaun Hinds to replace Julian Thick as chief executive.
IamFire is raising £1m at 1.5p/share and it has changed its name to WeCap (WCAP).
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 300.48p/share at the end of November 2023.
Marallo Holding Inc has acquired 1.75 million shares in NFT Investments (NFT) for a total cost of £47,375. Michael Heald has increased his stake in brewer Adnams (ADB) from 21.4% to 23.5%. Oscillate (MUSH) non-exec John Treacy has bought an initial 880,000 shares at 0.54p each.
AIM
Recruitment firm Impellam (IPEL) has finally agreed a takeover offer after months of being in a bid situation. HeadFirst is offering 557.2p/share in cash and 392.8p/shares in loan notes for each Impellam share. Shareholders will also receive the 55.9p/share dividend announced, plus a further cash dividend of 22.4p/share and a in specie dividend of 56.1p/share. This all adds up to 1,084.4p/share and values Impellam at £483.2m. The non-convertible loan notes offer annual interest of 17% and last an initial 3 years. The convertibles have annual interest of 12% and the total loan amount can be converted into 20% of the bid vehicle.
Venue management software supplier Skedda Inc has proposed an 82p/share offer to SmartSpace Software (SMRT) valuing it at £25m. The share price has not been that high since 2021 and it jumped 103% to 70p, still well short of the bid level. JO Hambro, which owns 8.3% of the software developer, is supportive of the offer. Skedda believes that it can provide the financial backing that SmartSpace Software requires. The SmartSpace Software board is considering the offer. The company is currently loss-making.
Dispute resolution services provider Driver Group (DRV) moved back into profit in the year to September 2023, mainly due to higher gross margins. The £1.1m pre-tax profit was still lower than the £2m reported for 2020-21. The cost base has been reduced and additional projects have been won. Net cash is £5.8m. The final dividend is 0.75p/share and management says that there is around £1m of surplus capital that can be used for share buy backs. The core businesses will be rebranded Diales and there are plans to move into other sectors, such as aerospace and IT.
Defence and forgings company MS International (MSI) more than doubled interim pre-tax profit from £3.46m to £7.72m. Revenues improved from £42m to £57m. The defence business returned to profit and generated all the revenue growth. That offset lower contributions from other divisions. Net cash is £50m. There are £57.5m of contract liabilities on long-term contracts and NAV is £43.4m. Deliveries for US navy contracts begin in the second half.
Shore Capital has reduced its 2024 and 2025 forecasts for pawnbroker H&T (HAT). The pledge book is growing faster than expected and an additional £10m of funding was recently secured. That additional profit is offset by increased wage costs following the raising of the National Minimum Wage. There will also be higher interest costs. The dividend is likely to grow by a lower percentage than previously anticipated. The 2024 revenues have been edged up to £261m, while pre-tax profit is reduced from £36.7m to £39.7m. A higher tax rate means that there will be a 10% drop in earnings estimates to 62.8p/share.
There is a continued decline in the share price of energy and water efficiency company Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) after the announcement that two local authorities are delaying spending. There is also a £900,000 exceptional charge relating to defective equipment. A loss of £6m is forecast for 2023-24.
Phase 3 trials of the grass allergy treatment developed by Allergy Therapeutics (AGY) show highly statistically significant reductions in symptoms compared with a placebo. There will be a meeting with the regulators in the first quarter of 2024.
Image Scan (IGE) returned to profit in the year to September 2023 as revenues were 50% ahead at £3m. A further improvement is expected this year. The order book is worth £650,000 with a pipeline of potential work that underpins further growth.
Former ITM Power (ITM) boss Dr Graham Cooley has acquired a 6.6% stake in Distil (DIS). This follows the drinks company’s £765,000 fundraising at 0.35p/share.
MAIN MARKET
RM (RM.) expects 2022-23 revenues from continuing operations to decline from £214.2m to £196m, which includes £19m (£33.6m) from Consortium, which is being closed. The educational technology provider expects to have a significant write-own relating to that business. Management is renegotiating lending facilities.
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) reported an underlying interim pre-tax loss was reduced from £2.8m to £2.2m. Revenues fell, but gross margins have improved, helped by lower freight charges. High street sales are growing, although online revenues have declined due to problems that have been sorted out. In the most recent eight weeks sales were 1.5% ahead
S and U (SUS) says net receivables have grown from £417m to £446m since the half-year end with the growth coming from the car finance and property bridging divisions. Management is cautious about prospects.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 24 April 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Valereum (VLRM) has sold Bitcoin mining assets to Aquis new entrant Vinanz (BTC) in return for 27.3 million shares at 3p each. This gives Valereum a 23.5% stake in Vinanz, which plans to become a Bitcoin mining company with facilities operated by third parties in the US and Canada. The company will also consider mining other cryptocurrencies. The Vinanz share price ended the week at 3.5p. There was one trade of 30,000 shares at 3.26p a share.
E-commerce technology provider Samarkand (SMK) says 2022-23 revenues will be around £17m and the loss has been reduced. VSA forecasts a small positive EBITDA in 2023-24.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) says 2022-23 revenues more than quintupled to £203,000. There was £525,000 in cash at the end of March 2023.
Equipmake Holdings (EQIP) has agreed a partnership with H55 to develop electric aircraft technology. Switzerland-based H55 will use the company’s electric motors in its two-seater electric trainer for pilot training.
In the first three months of 2023, Guanajuato Silver (GSVR) reported record quarterly silver production of 938,000 ounces equivalent. VSA forecasts full year production of 4.7 million ounces of silver equivalent.
Goodbody Health Inc (GDBY) has decided to leave Aquis and the share price slumped 44.6% to 0.9p. It also reported a fall in full year revenues from £17.1m to £10m and an increased loss of £4.9m.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has increased revenues and users since reversing into an Aquis shell earlier this year. First quarter revenues were £1.2m, compared with £250,000 in the corresponding period last year. The regulated cryptocurrency app company increased users by 30% to 144,305.
Coinsilium Group (COIN) has raised £258,000 at 1.5p a share, with warrants attached that have an exercise price of 3p.
Chris Akers has raised his stake in Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP) from 4.57% to 19.5%. The share price jumped by one-fifth to 0.15p. The April 2021 floatation price was 1p. Chapel Down Group (CDGP) finance director Rob Smith bought 407,462 shares at an average price of 34.7p, taking his stake to two million shares. Hadron Capital, which was founded by Fenikso (FNK) non-exec director Marco D’Attanasio, has acquired 1.2 million shares at 0.6p each in Fenikso.
AIM
Sureserve (SUR) is recommending a bid from Cap10 4NetZero Bidco, which is a vehicle for private equity company Cap10 Partners. The 125p a share bid values Sureserve at £214m and that is the highest share price since the company floated as Lakehouse in 2015. Cap10 believes that taking the compliance and energy services provider company private will make it easier to focus on long-term goals.
Proton therapy cancer treatment developer Advanced Oncotherapy (AVO) announced a strategic review. A Nasdaq listing is being considered, which could involve selling the business to an existing Nasdaq company. There are no current discussions and cash is running out. Management hopes to obtain additional working capital by issuing more loan notes. That could extend the company’s cash until the end of May.
Pizza restaurants franchiser DP Poland (DPP) increased first quarter like-for-like sales in Poland by 19% and in Croatia by 16%. There are signs that food inflation is easing. However, additional investment in TV marketing will mean that the company will continue to lose money in 2023.
Business process outsourcing firm iEnergizer (IBPO) plans to cancel is AIM quotation and a general meeting will be held on 16 May to gain shareholder approval. As EICR (Cyprus) owns 82.7% that is a formality. The lack of free float has hampered liquidity and the costs of the quotation outweigh any benefits. Management expects to leave AIM on 26 May. There are plans for a matched bargain facility.
Unikmind has increased its bid for cyber security software provider Kape Technologies (KAPE) from 285p to 290p ($3.60) a share and some of the vendors of past acquisitions have agreed to accept.
Property bridging loans provider Vector Capital (VCAP) reported a slightly better than expected pre-tax profit for 2022. Management, though, is being cautious about lending this year. There was a £200,000 provision for doubtful debts, but the pre-tax profit was still £100,000 better than forecast at £2.8m. The total dividend is 2.53p a share. The average loan book was 27% higher than the previous year. This year the loan book could fall because of higher standards for new lending.
Woodbois (WBI) says that the lender to its Denmark-based Woodgroup timber trading subsidiary has given notice on a $6m lending facility. The facility provided by Sydbank is fully drawn, but there is also $3.1m in cash deposits with Sydbank, which wants a refinance plan by the end of May. Premier Miton subsequently sold its 9.96% stake.
Environmental and life sciences technology company DeepVerge (DVRG) says that revenues have been incorrectly recognised. That means that the 2022 figure will be 45%-50% lower than the £17.2m previously flagged. Some of the expected revenues have been delayed while others will not be recognised. The order book is more than £10m and this will be recognised in 2023 and 2024. There is £1m in the bank and more funding will be required.
Xeros Technology (XSG) is winning new business, but cash is declining. The 2022 figures were in line with expectations and cash was £6.5m. finnCap believes that the cash should last until the second quarter of 2024. That is despite the 2023 loss forecast being increased to £4.8m. The progress of the launch of a domestic washing machine using Xeros filtration technology by a partner has been slower than hoped. Breakeven could still be achieved late in 2024.
Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) says that the quantity and quality of raw cashew nuts acquired for its new facility are in line with expectations and the pricing is better than anticipated. Average production rates have increased to 10 tonnes/day.
Tertiary Minerals (TYM) has commenced its latest exploration programme for the Lubuila copper project in Zambia following the ending of seasonal rains.
MAIN MARKET
Interim revenues at J Smart (Contractors) (SMJ) slumped from £5.16m to £2.12m, while pre-tax profit dived from £6.33m to £260,000, although the corresponding period included a £6.06m disposal gain. The interim dividend is 0.96p. Net assets are £123.7m, but this would have been lower if there had been a property revaluation at the end of the period.
Fourth quarter revenues for kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) were 10% lower than the same time last year, with high street sales flat – a new store was opened in Kingston-upon-Thames. There was a 65% increase on the previous quarter. Full year revenues were 10% lower at £62.3m and ProCook will breakeven.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 27 February 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
National Milk Records (NMRP) increased interim revenues by 5% to £12m, while pre-tax profit improved from £750,000 to £790,000. A tax credit meant that earnings increased by a higher percentage. Net debt is £900,000. The main growth was in the core milk testing services, although genomics revenues rose from £173,000 to £336,000. Price increases will help margins in the second half. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to decline from £2.4m to £1.9m. Managing director Andy Warne is taking leave due to illness and the finance director is assuming operational control.
There are problems with the acquisition of a 19.8% stake in skincare products supplier Lush by Silverwood Brands (SLWD) because Lush is refusing to register the change of ownership of the shares. Silverwood Brands is paying £216.8m for the stake and no reason was given for the refusal to record the transfer of the shares.
Samarkand (SMK) has benefitted from the easing of Covid restrictions in China. Although there was a short-term rise in infections, consumer confidence is improving since Chinese New Year. The Chinese government is keen to boost consumption. Partner brands using the company’s Nomad software platform are planning for growth this year and more premium beauty brands have been added to the platform. Samarkand could be profitable in the next financial year.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) raised £21.5m at 32p a share with up for £4m more to come from a two-for-19 open offer. Taiwan-based Everbrite Technology is investing £2.5m in the placing. The cash will be used for working capital, which is expected to last until the middle of 2024. At that time the next generation Mistral grid scale vanadium battery will be ready for launch. The company will not need to draw down the $10m convertible loan facility.
In the year to October 2022, Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) turnover improved from £2.79m to £4.4m, but pre-tax profit dipped from £457,000 to £445,000 because of the lack of government assistance. Trading remains tough. Cash improved to £1.59m.
Shore has upgraded its forecasts for Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) with 2022 earnings increased by 11%. This reflects the benefits of higher interest rates with deposit rates lagging base rates. The 2022 pre-tax profit forecast is £29.5m and the 2023 forecast has been increased £28.5m to £40m. Estimated tangible NAV is 1194p a share.
Shareholders in Walls & Futures REIT (WAFR) have voted in favour of the resolutions enabling strategic investor Vengrove to raise cash for the company through a share issue. The number of shares in issue will be ten times as many as currently in issue. This will help Walls and Futures REIT scale up. Investments will be made in affordable rental housing, education property, service stations and car parks and community buildings. Pax Homes will be sold to Joseph McTaggart, so the group will no longer be a developer. The company’s name will be changed to Social Infrastructure REIT.
In the six months to November 2022, installation and engineering group Field Systems Designs Holdings (FSD) increased revenues from £2.6m to £6.7m and returned to profit in the period. Cash declined from £3.71m to £3.15m. Water companies are accelerating their spending under the current five-year programme and this provides a positive outlook for the business.
Marula Mining (MARU) has increased its stake in the Kinusi copper project in Tanzania from 49% to 75% for up to $550.000. The initial payment is $150,000 in cash and shares. There is high-grade copper mineralisation at the project.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd (GSVR) announced drilling results from the San Ignacio mine. There are some high-grade silver intersections plus gold. A new area of thick mineralisation may have been found. This should lead to a significant increase in resources.
Peterhouse has resigned as corporate adviser to Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) and terms are being agreed with a replacement.
Harry Hyman increased his stake in Oberon Investments (OBE) from 3.75% to 4.23%.
Pharma C Investments (PCIL) has appointed broker Jeremy Woodgate to its board.
AIM
Cancer treatments developer Redx Pharma (REDX) is merging with Jounce Therapeutics and the AIM company’s shareholders will own 63% of the enlarged group. They will receive 0.2105 of a Jounce share for each Redx share. Jounce will be renamed Redx Inc and retain its Nasdaq listing.
Cleantech Lithium (CTL) plans a listing on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). Canaccord Genuity (Australia) and Fox Davies are joint lead managers to the listing, which is expected to happen in the third quarter of 2023. The Chile-focused lithium projects developer has 31% of its shareholders linked to Australia while other potential shareholders are not able to invest in other markets. The AIM quotation will be retained.
Medical disinfection products supplier Tristel (TSTL) is back to past growth rates, helped by price increases. The UK was the fastest growing market. In the six months to December 2022, revenues were 15% ahead at £17.5m and the growth rate was greater if discontinued products are excluded. Pre-tax profit improved from £2.13m to £3.08m. The tax charge is higher, so earnings growth was slower. The interim dividend is maintained at 2.62p a share. Net cash is £8.42m. Progress is being made with the FDA approval for medical device decontamination product DUO ULT. Tristel is spending £3m on FDA approval. To reflect that it has renegotiated the US distribution agreement with Parker Labs.
Engineering business Avingtrans (AVG) increased revenues from £44.5m to £50m in the six months to November 2022 and profit improved. The engineering operations have been hit by supply problems, but there is growth in nuclear and North Sea demand. There is 90% cover for the full year revenues forecast. The medical division is progressing towards the launch of a new imaging product by the end of 2023.
ZOO Digital (ZOO) has signed up a second major Hollywood studio to its cloud-based ZOOstudio ERP service offering subtitling, dubbing and other video services. ZOOstudio will be embedded in the client’s own internal technology platform. Tougher markets in the US mean that film studios and streaming platforms are seeking to grow in international markets, thereby increasing demand for the services offered by ZOO Digital.
Digital services provider Made Tech Group (MTEC) increased interim revenues by 76% to £20.6m, but pre-tax profit fell from £1m to £300,000. Singer still expects full year pre-tax profit to improve from £2.3m to £3.4m. Fewer contractors are being used and margins should rise in the second half. More than £60m of additional bookings have been gained so far in 2022-23.
Circle Property (CRC) has conditionally disposed of Concorde Park in Maidenhead for £12.3m. Somerset House in Birmingham is being sold for £15.2m and Victory House in Northampton is being sold for £2.75m That leaves one property to sell. There is already £32.6m in the bank prior to these disposals. B share issues are planned March and April to return cash to shareholders. The AIM quotation is likely to be cancelled in May.
ECR Minerals (ECR) has published drilling data from the Blue Moon prospect at Bailieston, Victoria with one of the holes at 84.9 metres depth reporting a composite grade of 6.35 metres at 4.56g/t. The rig is moving to the Brewery Lane property at Creswick.
Conroy Gold & Natural Resources (CGNR) made a high-grade gold discovery in a new area of the Longford-Down Massif. Visible gold is present. The grades are between 12.8g/t and 123g/t at the Mines Royal option area in Northern Ireland. Exploration is being carried out with joint venture partner Demir Export.
Snowfall has hit production at the Pakrut gold mine operated by China Nonferrous Gold (CNG). The Tajikistan mine has been hit by avalanches and landslides that have damaged power supply. Operations will be suspended for at least one month.
MAIN MARKET
Roquefort Therapeutics (ROQ) has signed an exclusive licence and royalty agreement with Randox Laboratories for its Midkine antibody portfolio. The ten-year licence excludes Japan and enables Randox to use the Midkine portfolio for medical diagnostics. The two firms will collaborate on potential cancer uses. Roquefort could generate more than £5m over the length of the agreement.
Trifast (TRI) chief executive Mark Belton has resigned after a disappointing trading statement. The fasteners supplier has been hit by Asian destocking. The forecast earnings for 2022-23 have been reduced by 38% to 5.1p a share.
Providence Equity is interested in making a 105p a share offer for Hyve Group (HYVE), which is a small fraction of the flotation share price.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 10 October 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) says full results should be ahead of market expectations of a £13m pre-tax profit. The third quarter trading statement says Arbuthnot Latham deposits exceed £3bn, although costs of deposits are rising. Base rate rises have a positive effect on results as changes to deposit rates lag the rises in interest rates. Credit criteria are being tightened, particularly for property. Assets under management are £1.35bn. Non-exec Sir Nigel Boardman acquired 9.749 shares at 810p each.
Helium Ventures (HEV) has conditionally agreed to acquire Vestigo Technologies, which has developed tracking product Trackimo. Shares will be issued at 10p each and the existing share capital prior to the deal would be valued at £1.68m. Helium Ventures plans to move to the standard list after the reverse takeover. In 2021, Vestigo had revenues of $28.1m and has partnerships with Vodafone and Paramount. Trading in the shares has been suspended.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) had net assets of £5.6m at the end of April 2022, following an increase in the value of its option in cyber security business Arqit Inc. Since then, two new quantum technology investments have been made. There is still cash for further investments and there are plans to set up a fund that will raise further funds to invest in quantum technology.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has acquired a suite of international patents through a joint venture. The patents are relevant for the company’s wind-based hydrogen production system, plus other systems. The patents were issued to the vendor when it employed the boss of HFI’s development subsidiary. The payment will be £33,000 in cash, 5.2 million shares and 2.5 warrants exercisable at 12p each, with the second tranche of the payment dependent on the achievement of development milestones.
National Milk Records (NMRP) generated a 6% increase in 2021-22 revenues to £23.2m, while pre-tax profit improved from £1.65m to £2.22m. The dividend was raised by one-third to 2p a share. The milk recording and testing services increased revenues. The biggest increase was in genomics which rose from £292,000 to £488,000 and there is a potential launch in the US during 2023.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (ESO) has invested £2m in Denzel’s Ltd, a premium dog snacks brand, which raised £3m in total. Denzil’s has listings in major supermarkets and has launched its own website. It is part of the Tesco Incubator Programme.
There has been a mineral resource upgrade at the Amapa iron project in Brazil, where Cadence Minerals (KDR) owns 27%. The updated resource at Amapa is 276Mt grading 38.33% Fe, up from 177Mt. The measured resource is 55Mt grading 39.26% Fe.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had net assets of £13.8m at the end of May 2022, equivalent to 74.5p a share.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has gained new contracts for its natural food businesses with ASDA, Holland Barrett, Co-op, WH Smith and easyJet. Two retailers in Finland have started stocking company products.
Marula Mining (MARU) has taken a 49% interest in the Kinusi copper mining project in Tanzania. The licences last seven years. In return for the interest, Marula has reimbursed $50,000 of costs incurred by Takela Mining and issued it with 4.5 million shares at 2p each.
Quetzal Capital (QTZ) had £1.07m in the bank out of net assets of £2.86m at the end of June 2022.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) secured a distribution agreement with blood collection services provider Tasso Inc, which supplies virtually painless medical devices to draw a blood sample with no needles. Goodbody’s clinics will be able to extract more blood than from a finger prick.
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) reinstated the interim dividend at the rate of 14p a share.
Director buying at Kent-based brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) pushed the share price 0.4% higher at 672.5p. Richard Oldfield bought 6,000 shares at 675p a share and George Barnes acquired 3,200 shares at 672p each. The final dividend is 15p a share and the shares go ex-dividend on 13 October. Coinsilium (COIN) chairman Malcolm Palle acquired 500,000 shares at 1.9p each, while chief executive Eddy Travia bought 500,000 shares at 1.95p each. The share price rose 8.11% to 2p.
Global Smollan has increased its stake in Samarkand Group (SMK) from 14.8% to 17.6%.
Pioneer Media Holdings Inc (PNER) has raised $1m through a sale of units at 10 cents each. They include one share and one-half of a warrant exercisable at 25 cents. This cash will be spent on technology development and expanding the web3 gaming business.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has sold a 1.3MWh VS3 flow battery system for use in a datacentre in Arizona. Amati reduced its stake from 5.87% to 4.92%.
Trading in the shares of Vulcan Industries (VUL), Hot Rock Investments (HRIP) and VVV Resources Ltd (VVV) has been suspended due to failure to publish results.
AIM
Peter Gyllenhammar has taken a 11.2% stake in Pressure Technologies (PRES) following the share price slump after last week’s trading statement. Pressure Technologies had a disappointing second half. There will be a full year loss and the engineering company will also breach covenants on its bank facility. More cash is required. Net debt was £5.4m at the interim stage and it could be £3.9m at year-end. The finance could come from a share issue or a convertible issue or another form of funding. Management is talking to Lloyds about the bank facility. Forecast net assets are £15.4m, including the company’s main factory, which is nearly double the market capitalisation.
Former broker analyst Bill Currie has taken a 4.15% stake in online retailer In The Style (ITS). He is a non-executive director of retail loyalty technology developer Eagle Eye (EYE) and he owns 12.9% of the company. Lombard Odier has cut its stake from 20.1% to 19.8% and Ameriprise Financial has reduced its stake from 5% to 4.39%.
Gateley (GTLY) has acquired patent attorney Symbiosis IP for up to £2.5m. The business made a pre-tax profit of £300,000 in the year to March 2022. This business fits with Adamson Jones.
In video game advertising technology developer Bidstack (BIDS) raised £10.5m at 2.85p a share. Irdeto subscribed for £5m worth of shares. There are plans to develop a platform for sports bodies to control content that appears in their licenced IP. The rest will go on working capital and commercial development.
Public Policy Holding Company Inc (PPHC) is acquiring California-based KP Public Affairs in an earnings enhancing deal. Public Policy Holding Company provides public affairs, crisis management and lobbying services in the US. The acquisition enhances earnings by 2% in 2022 and 9% in 2023.
NWF (NWF) continues to perform strongly with the feed division recovering, helped by higher milk prices, and food distribution trading better than expected. Fuel distribution volumes are lower than in the previous year as people delay refilling their tanks, although margins have improved.
Seeing Machines (SEE) has an exclusive collaboration deal with Magna International for rear view mirror occupant monitoring applications in vehicles. Magan is paying $17.5m in cash ($10m immediately and $7.5m over two years) and investing $47.5m via a convertible note, which is convertible at 11p a share. This should be enough cash to get the driver monitoring technology business to profitability.
Oxford Biodynamics (OBD) is raising £9.1m via a placing at 20p a share and up to a further £2.95m could be raised through a one-for-6.81644 open offer. The share price rose 56.3% to 17.975p, which is still well below the placing price. This cash will help to fund the commercial development of the EpiSwitch CiRT test for cancer, which has been issued with a US reimbursement code earlier in the week.
Parcel and freight delivery company DX (DX.) has published interim figures and it intends to recommence dividend payments. A total dividend of 1.5p a share is expected for 2022-23 and that provides a base for further growth. Cash could still grow steadily. Trading in the shares remains suspended.
PCF Group (PCF) has suspended new lending by PCF Bank while it is trying to raise additional finance. Castle Trust Capital decided not to bid for PCF. Sales of assets and other options to raise money are being considered. There will be further cost cutting.
Battery cells developer AMTE Power (AMTE) has signed a framework deal with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre to produce up to 60,000 Ultra High Power cells annually. The cells are fast charging and have high power delivery. Production commences in three months and the cells will be used for in-vehicle trials by potential customers – the initial focus is high performance electric vehicles – ahead of the opening of AMTE’s own factory in Dundee in a few years.
Horizonte Mining (HZM) announced a fundraising on Tuesday evening and the size of the placing was increased from £61.7m to £70.5m at 90.5p a share. This larger fundraising has also reduced the contribution from major shareholder La Mancha from £23.8m to £22m. The cash will help to complete the construction of the Araguaia nickel project in Brazil. Total capital cost has increased from $477m to $537m. First production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.
Gold miner Chaarat Group Holdings (CGH) has extended the convertible loan notes from 31 October 2022 to 31 July 2023. Interest will be capitalised until the end of October and then the principal of $28.7m plus accrued interest will incur an annual interest rate of 12%. There is also a fee of 1%. If converted there will be 77 million shares issued.
MAIN MARKET
Shell company Milton Capital (MII) floated on the standard list on 4 October. There was £1m raised at 1p a share. The share price ended the week at 1.1p. The initial focus is acquisition targets in the technology sector. Total flotation costs were capped at £50,000 and Peterhouse paid additional costs of £5,955. The first year’s operating costs will also be £50,000.
Data integrity software supplier Gresham Technologies (GHT) has won a £1m plus contract for Clareti Control from a major European financial and banking group. There is also A$19m of work for ANZ in the year to September 2023, which is 15% higher than last year on a constant currency basis. Full year revenues and profit will be ahead of expectations.
Golden Nice International has subscribed £650,000 worth of shares in Anglo African Agriculture (AAAP) at 5p a share. That is a 28.2% stake. There are also 13 million warrants exercisable at 5p each. Golden Nice International has also acquired 65% of convertible loan notes in issue at a 15% discount to face value. They convert into 13.7 million shares at 5p each. The other loan notes will be converted into 7.37 million shares with associated warrants. Andrew Monk and Matt Bonner have resigned and replaced by Andy Sui and Simon Grant-Rennick. The company is changing its name to Everest Global.
Shell company Insight Business Support (IBSU) had net assets of £530,000 at the end of June 2022, including cash of £440,000.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 26 September 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Interim results from renewable energy supplier Good Energy (GOOD) show a jump in revenues, but a fall in gross profit because of tough margin comparisons. There was a pre-tax loss, but a tax credit meant that there was a profit after tax. The supply business is hedged for the second half of the year and government measures will minimise the impact of higher prices on consumers. The interim dividend was maintained at 0.75p a share. There was £22.2m in the bank at the end of August 2022 following the sale of generation assets. Investee company Zap-Map is partnering with Nissan, which will provide a three-year Zap-Map premium subscription with each electric vehicle.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) reported a reduced loss in the six months to June 2022 as trading recovered. There was a 47% increase in revenues to £30.1m. Some rural and coastal pubs are still less busy in the evenings. Demand for the Jubilee was not as high as anticipated. There is less demand for cask beer. Retail sites are becoming a hub for online deliveries. Trading will be tough in the second half.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) increased interim revenues from £5.37m to £7.81m as the race days and attendances recovered. A loss of £336,000 was turned into a pre-tax profit of £217,000 in the latest six-month period. The lodge returned to profit, while the profits of the nursery and property were maintained. The dividend paid in the period accounts for the decline in net assets from £48.6m to £45.7m. Management is cautious about race day revenues in the second half.
CBD products supplier Love Hemp Group (LIFE) has paid its £70,000 fine, but it has not finalised the appointment of a new corporate adviser. Robert Smyth has been appointed as finance director.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) generated revenues of £58,000 in the first half of 2022. The interim loss means that the company has net liabilities. In the third quarter, the company earned £1m of fees from Zamaz (ZAMZ), which joined the standard list earlier in this month.
Secured Property Developments (SPD) did not have any revenues in 2021 and it is seeking properties to acquire. Net assets fell from £427,000 to £386,000, including £430,000 in cash.
Interim figures from Igraine (KING) show £766,000 in the bank at the end of June 2022. Management is in talks with potential investments but has not found a suitable company.
Metals recycler Majestic Corporation (MCJ) reported its maiden interim results as an Aquis company. Revenues fell 17% to $12.9m, but gross margins increased, and pre-tax profit improved from $766,000 to $980,000. There was $2.7m in the bank at the end of June 2022.
Gunsynd (GUN) has made a further investment in ASX-listed Charger Metals NL. Gunsynd has invested A$175,000 at 50 cents a share, as part of a larger fundraising of A$5.5m. Gunsynd will own 5.12% of Charger Metals.
Gold explorer Tectonic Gold (TTAU) says that drilling at Specimen Hill in Queensland has intersected mineralisation earlier than expected. The drilling programme should recommence in October.
Quetzal Capital (QTZ) says that investee company Tap Global Ltd has exceeded 100,000 registered users on its crypto-fiat exchange service platform. Quetzal Capital has invested £1.5m in Tap Global convertibles and has an option to acquire the company.
LED lighting and tea trading company Gowin New Energy (GWIN) did not generate any revenues in the first half of 2022, and it still has net liabilities. The chief executive is funding working capital requirements
Samarkand Group (SMK) has raised £1.98m via an open offer at 55p a share. The cash will finance further growth.
AIM
Judges Scientific (JDG) reported an 8% increase in first half revenues and pre-tax profit improved from £8.5m to £9.6m. The international spread of activities has helped the company to grow. UK sales declined, but they had held up much better in the corresponding period. The interim dividend was raised from 19p a share to 22p a share. The order book stretches out for 21 weeks. WH Ireland has upgraded its full year pre-tax profit forecast from £22.4m to £26m.
Small business finance provider Time Finance (TIME) has frustrated investors with a lack of profit growth in recent years and 2021-22 was not different. However, the new management team has been focusing on its core products and the benefits of this should start to show through this year. Ther are available bank facilities to increase the loan book. Cenkos forecasts an increase in pre-tax profit from £3m to £3.5m. The shares are trading at a discount to net assets of around 50%.
European trading exchange operator Aquis Exchange (AQX) expects to have a strong second half. Aquis Exchange, which is also quoted on AIM, reported interim revenues 21% ahead at £8.3m, although profit was lower due to investment in the technology business. The Aquis Stock Exchange is profitable. The technology division has won contracts that will boost the second half – as well as 2023 – and full year pre-tax profit is expected to rise from £3.2m to £4.2m. The second half will also benefit from the relaunch of the former UBS dark pool trading operation. This should help to rebuild the company’s market share of equity trading.
Brain health assessment technology Cambridge Cognition (COG) increased interim revenues by 31% to £5.9m and the contracted order book is worth £18.6m. The main growth in revenues came from software, but the additional gross profit was used up by increased investment so there was a smaller pre-tax profit of £16,000. There is £8.6m in the bank so there is enough cash to finance planned investment in the technology.
Delays in demand from the automotive market meant that Strip Tinning (STG) revenues declined in the first half. This meant that the company fell into loss. The longer-term outlook for connectors for batteries for electric vehicles is significant. Price rises have been implemented to cover cost increases. There are potential electric vehicle contracts with an annual value of £47.9m, although not all will be won. This should more than make up for the contract recently terminated.
Credit hire and legal services firm Anexo (ANX) continues to trade strongly with interim revenues 42% ahead at £68.6m with no contribution yet from the VW emissions case. There is a small but increasing contribution from housing disrepair claims. Pre-tax profit improved by 53% to £13.6m. This year, pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £24.1m to £26.6m – a small downgrade.
First half figures from cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) were well flagged and it had already said that revenues in the eight months to August improved from £27.1m to £37.5m. Demand for the main brands is increasing and as well as new retail clients, existing retailers are rolling out the products in more stores. Full year revenues should be more than one-fifth higher at £61m and pre-tax profit could be more than £9m.
Digital coupons and loyalty technology provider Eagle Eye (EYE) reported an improved full year pre-tax profit of £2.5m. Recurring revenues and new contracts provide a positive start to the new financial year. Eagle Eye is growing internationally with enormous prospects in North America, as well as other markets. Cash generation was higher than the capitalised development costs and cash should increase this year.
Parcel and freight delivery company DX (DX.) has completed its corporate governance investigation and says it will improve its processes. It has also published the 2020-21 accounts, but the shares remain suspended.
MAIN MARKET
Retailer Made.com (MADE) has launched a strategic review 15 months after floating on the Main Market. Consumer spending is declining and there have been supply problems. Freight costs increased from £8.2m in 2020 to £45.3m in 2021 and they remain at high levels. The company has been reducing marketing spend, stocks and capital investment. Even so, more cash is required but a share issue is not viable.
First Tin (1SN) has commenced drilling at the Taronga tin project in Australia. Two of the three holes drilled so far have intersected tin ore mineral.
Sivota (SIV) has published the prospectus for the acquisition of digital experience software developer Apester Ltd. The acquisition of the Israel-based company will be completed and Sivota shares readmitted on 26 September.
Trading in the shares of shell company More Acquisitions (TMOR) has been suspended ahead of the acquisition of Megasteel, which is a distributor of steel for concrete. The payment will be between 2.2 billion and 2.8 billion shares at 2.25p each, which is more than double the market price. Megasteel has been trading for more than three decades. Last year’s pre-tax profit was £3m.
Icon Labs (ICON) creditors have agreed a CVA, and shareholders passed the relevant resolutions at a general meeting.
Andrew Hore