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Quoted Micro 17 August 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Gledhow Investments (GDH) has received commitments for a £400,000 subscription at 1p/share, which was more than double the market price at the time. It is also acquiring Penina Resources in return for 21.9 million shares, and this bring £219,000 in cash. Penina Resources directors are Sam Quinn and Cameron Pearce, and they will join the Gledhow Investments board. That cash will be used to repay £219,566 of convertible loan notes. Tavira has been appointed broker, and the company will change its name to Panina Investments. There will be a greater focus on natural resources.
Ethry (ETHY) has agreed to a merger with Dunbar Energy to create a US-focused energy and digital infrastructure company. This is a 50/50 merger with Dunbar Energy shareholders potentially earning an additional 15% depending on performance. There will be a warrant rationalisation to simplify the capital structure. Dunbar Energy brings gas assets in Pennsylvania, and this is intended to be used to power data centres, while Ethry has similar plans for solar powering data centres. Access to affordable power is important for data centres.
Tomahawk Metals (TMHK) says satellite interpretation has identified three distinct prospect areas at the Saturn gold project in Western Australia. There are historical workings not shown in records. Rock chip samples have been sent for analysis. The assay results will help to assess potential and identify drill targets.
B HODL (HODL) has signed a non-binding letter of intent with Zeus Wallet to connect its Lightning Network routing to Zeus’ node infrastructure.
Falconedge (EDGE) has added 0.1514 Bitcoin during July, taking the holding to 21.2338 Bitcoin.
Marula Mining (MARU) says site works have begun at the Tonto Tshipi and Derdepoort manganese mines in South Africa. Talks continue with potential offtake partners. Delivery of copper from the Kinusi mine has been delayed.
Digital asset mining company Sterling Digital (ASIC) says two 2MW natural gas generators are producing electricity. These systems are being tested. The power will then be used for digital mining.
A person associated with IntelliAM AI (INT) chief executive Tom Clayton bought 10.966 shares at 81.5p each.
ASSET MATCH
Byotrol (BYOT) reported flat full year revenues of £4.3m, despite not having a contribution from IP income. The loss was reduced from £1.05m to £802,000. There was £457,000 in cash at the end of March 2026. Current trading is ahead of the previous year.
Fastjet (FJET) has received an indicative offer from majority shareholder (92.7%) Solenta Aviation Holdings. The offer is $22/share.
VP Fintech (VPF) has completed the acquisition of crypto payment gateway developer GlblNexus Inc in a share deal valued at £10m. This is based on a VP Financial valuation of £418.8m.
AIM
Retailer Mothercare (MTC) says 2025-26 net worldwide system sales fell 22% to £180m and the company’s revenues slumped 42% to £22.4m. System sales continue to decline due to uncertainty in the Middle East, the reduction in the number of stores and clearing old stock. A new franchise partner should be announced in the UK. Net debt was £5.7m at the end of March 2026 and the pension deficit is £35m. This year the loss is forecast to rise from £2.6m to £3.2m before a small reduction next year. Net debt is expected to rise.
Video games art outsourcing services provider Winking Studios (WKS) grew interim revenues 21% to $23.5m with organic growth of 9%. Building up the North American operations and investment in AI is hitting margins and holding back profitability, but the benefit should show through next year as new business builds up. All the growth came in art outsourcing division, while game development services were flat. That trend is expected to continue into the second half. SP Angel has trimmed its full year forecast revenues to $47.9m due to timing issues and most of the second half contribution is already in the order book. Continued investment will hit gross margins and lead to a full year loss of $6.6m. Growth should accelerate next year, and gross margins recover to past levels as new staff start generating income.
Security technology provider Thruvision (THRU) says a partner in Asia has won a contract worth more than £3m. The customers are a number of airports in south east Asia and the equipment will be used for “airport worker screening and insider-threat mitigation”. This is the largest ever Asian order. Delivery should be in the six months to March 2027. The Lang family has reduced its stake in the company from 9% to below 3%.
Automotive connection systems supplier Strip Tinning (STG) has been awarded a DRIVE35 grant of £3m from Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK to help to scale up its manufacturing and develop the cell contacting system technology. This will fund the business beyond 2027.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) says cash generation has been better than expected and £3.5m will be returned to shareholders via buybacks. Cash was £7m on 25 July 2026 after strong July trading. Pre-tax profit forecast is unchanged at £500,000, but net cash at the end of September 2026 has been reduced from £13.1m to £11.4m, reflecting the full buyback.
Bravura Solutions Ltd (BVS), which recently joined AIM, increased underlying revenues by 10% to $282.6m and underlying net profit after tax of $63.1m. Recurring revenues are $165m. At the end of June 2026, cash was $50.3m, but there are unused debt facilities of up to $100m. A final dividend of 8.31 cents/share plus a special dividend of 6.69 cents/share.
Rent guarantee services provider Rentguarantor (RGG) reported interims in line with recently upgraded expectations. Revenues were 250% to £3.39m. Net cash was £2.4m at the end of June 2026. Full year pre-tax profit of £1.2m and that could nearly quadruple to £4.6m next year.
Gold miner Thor Explorations (THX) says second quarter revenues were $78m. EBITDA was slightly lower than forecast at $49m was hit by higher operating costs. Net cash is $219m. Drilling continues to extend the resource at the Segilola gold mine. Full year production guidance is maintained at 75,000-85,000 ounces of gold. A final investment decision for the proposed Douta mine is expected in the third quarter.
Window components Titon Holdings (TON) says that mechanical ventilation systems projects have been delayed into the next financial year. Shore has cut forecasts revenues from £18.3m to £17m, up from £15.8m last year, and there will be a full year loss. Cash was £2.2m at the end of July 2026.
AgTech and fire prevention technology provider Light Science Technologies (LST) interim revenues rose 26% to £3.73m, although the loss increased from £160,000 to £800,000. Net cash was £1.38m at the end of May 2026. The growth in revenues came in AgTech. Building regulation delays hit fire protection income in the first half. The company is still on course to breakeven this year.
Alien Metals (UFO) says further assay results for the Elizabeth Hill project includes further significant intersections and this will feed an updated JORC mineral resource estimate in the fourth quarter. Alien Metals owns 30% of the Elizabeth Hill project and 8.7% of West Coast Silver.
Distil (DIS) has received its first order for Blavod Black Vodka through its new US distribution partner. The first shipment will be in the quarter to December 2026.
MAIN MARKET
Fandango Holdings (FHP) plans to buy 50% of the Canyon silver, lead and zinc mine in Idaho. If the deal goes ahead Fandango will move to AIM.
Ashington Innovation (ASHI) is acquiring World Metal Group through a share issue. This will take the company into the metals recycling sector.
GRIT Investment Trust (GRIT) has called off the planned acquisition of Planet Scan.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 20 April 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Oscillate (SRVL) is raising £2.96m at 22.5p/share ahead of joining AIM on 27 April. This values the mining company, which is changing its name to Serval Resources, at £7.6m.
Equipmake (EQIP) has announced a further £950,000 order with Agrale for electric drivetrain systems for nine buses in South America. They will be delivered in the year to May 2027. Previous orders were for a total of 73 buses.
WeCap (WCAP) shares bounced back 55.6% to 0.7p following a recovery in the share price of investee company WeShop to $15.87.
Cooks Coffee (COOK) fourth quarter store sales were 18% higher at £11.2m with similar increases in the UK and Ireland. Full year store sales were 23% ahead at £43.1m. There are 118 stores.
Ubuntu Mining and Metals (UNTU) has secured an exclusive option to buy up to a 60% interest two Tanzanian gold projects. This lasts until 15 July. Ubuntu will be responsible for 100% of agreed costs up to commending mining. Progress is being made with the Dilotiko iron ore project in Kenya with a mining permit application undergoing final evaluation by the authorities.
Delta Gold Technologies (DGQ) has appointed Haynes Boone as global intellectual property counsel.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has raised £300,000 at 3.5p/share and a further £100,000 could be raised via a retail offer. Oberon Capital has been appointed joint broker. The cash raised will be invested in Thruxton-based defence business Hybrid Drones, where major aerospace companies are also investors, to finance development of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has submitted and Environmental Impact Assessment for the Macacha copper and silver project in Argentina. If this is approved, then 5,000 metres of drilling is planned. The potential buyer of the Eureka gold and copper project in Argentina is going to visit the site.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) chief executive Jonathan Neame bought 10,000 shares at 483p each.
Emissions reduction additives supplier Sulnox Group (SNOX) has raised £2m at 45p/share from a shipping customer backed subscription. This will help to finance an acceleration of the marketing for marine and land markets, as well as product development.
BWA (BWAP) highlights the announcement of a maiden JORC mineral resource estimate for the MB01-N deposit at the Mbe deposit in Cameroon, which combined with MB01-S, takes the inferred resource to 1.23 million ounces. This deposit is near to the Aracari project, where BWA is earning up to 70% through the spending of €1.5m.
The retail offer by Time to ACT (TTA) raised £16,000, taking the total raised to £431,000 at 6p/share.
Connecting Excellence Group (XCE) says its executive search business Spencer Riley has received payment of 0.516 Bitcoin at a value of £27,472.50. That takes the holding to 52.941 Bitcoin.
EDX Medical (EDX) is moving to AIM. Revenues are expected to reach £1.2m in the year to March 2026. Cash was £2.9m at year-end.
Falconedge (EDGE) generated a Bitcoin yield of 1.089% in March, so incremental Bitcoin growth was 0.2185 to 20.2782 Bitcoin.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says drilling by M3 Helium at the Rost 2-26 well has reached a total depth of 5,571 feet. The completion process will happen within ten days. There is evidence of helium with low hydrocarbon signatures in several zones.
Coinsilium (COIN) is extending its sponsorship of the When Shift Happens podcast until 1 January 2027.
Valereum (VLRM) is in advanced negotiations with Quorium Global Photonics SPC over a definitive exclusivity agreement for establishing a platform for real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation and it has received part payment of the $300,000.
Stack BTC (STAK) has bought a further 37.1898 Bitcoin at £53,778 each. That takes the total holding to 68.1898 Bitcoin. An equity trading facility worth up to £5m has been agreed with broker AlbR Capital. David Galan has been appointed chief executive. Jai Patel is leaving the board.
Oberon Investments (OBE) says year-on-year like-for-like revenues grew by one-quarter to more than £11.7m. Assets under administration are more than £1.4bn. However, the FCA has secured a voluntary requirement that no new wealth management clients can be taken on without its approval until the company’s systems are reviewed. All parts of the business grew. The company is on course to breakeven on a monthly basis by the end of the financial year. Third-party research and forecasts are planned to enhance investor understanding.
AI infrastructure operator Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) has issued shares at 0.2p each to pay outstanding fees of £10,000. The holding of Subnet 46 (RESI) has increased by 492 TAO to 1,754 TAO.
AI software developer IntelliAM AI (INT) says sales cycles are lengthening and partnerships have taken time to generate business. Full year revenues were one-third ahead at £5.25m, which is well below the Edison estimate of £7.1m. Annual recurring revenues doubled to £1.65m. Cash was £100,000 at the end of March 2026. This year’s forecasts are under review.
Heart regeneration medicines developer Cardiogeni (CGNI) says the transaction with Kira Health Invest should be completed by 20 April.
Dominic Wheatley has been appointed chairman of Mollyroe (MOY). He will provide expertise in the interactive entertainment sector.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 384.38p/share at the end of March 2026. Giles Brand has increased his stake from 40.2% to 45.6%.
Unigel Group (UNX) is paying an interim dividend of 4p/share.
Zentra Group (ZNT) chairman David Izett bought 175,000 shares at 2p each.
ASSET MATCH
C4X Discovery (C4XD) full year revenues fell from £24.8m to £6.7m, nearly all milestone income from Sanofi, and the drug discovery company fell to a loss of £2.93m. The amount spend on research and development was reduced to £6.9m. A restructuring has reduced the cost base. There was £7.6m in cash at the end of 2025.
AIM
Animalcare (ANCR) is recommending a 336p/share cash bid from Charterhouse Capital Partners, which values the animal treatments developer at £235.2m. The share price has not been at that level since early 2022. The bid values Animalcare at more than 24 times prospective 2026 earnings. Charterhouse believes it can provide the funding for Animalcare to continue its buy and build strategy.
Churchill China (CHH) had a stronger second half for its hospitality products in Europe, but the UK market remains tough. Market share is being maintained in the UK and there is scope to grow it in Europe. Revenues fell from £78.3m to £76.3m, and pre-tax profit dipped from £8.5m to £6m. The final dividend has been cut from 26.5p/share to 14p/share. Cash was £10.8m at the end of 2025. The majority of energy requirements have been bought forward, but no improvement is expected in profit this year.
Outsourced video art services provider Winking Studios (WKS) has completed the acquisition of Canadian business Studios Ampera. This has been trading for around six months, and a major attraction is the team that has been put together headed by Claude Bordeleau, a former senior manager at Keywords Studios, who will become group chief revenue officer. The deal will provide a base for Norther American expansion, as well as providing contacts with additional video games publishers.
Advanced materials and paper manufacturer James Cropper (CRPR) had a strong end to the financial year. Both parts of the business traded better than expected and the operational gearing means that profit was well ahead. Paper and packaging returned to profit in the second half. Full year revenues are set to rise from £99.3m to £103m, whereas it had been forecast to be lower, and pre-tax profit is upgraded by 30% to £4.7m. Net debt could fall to £8.3m.
Cora Gold (CORA) has signed a binding term sheet for $120m gold stream with Eagle Eye Asset Holdings, which is a 29.9% shareholder. This follows a £15.7m fundraising at 6p/share. The Sanankoro gold project in Mali is fully funded and the next key step is obtaining the mining permit. Construction of the mine can accelerate when that happens. Cora Gold has the right to replace 50% of the gold stream with debt or other funding. Eagle Eye Asset Holdings is entitled to purchase 30.44% of gold produced at Sanankoro for 20% of the spot gold price.
Retailer Mothercare (MTC) says trading conditions are still difficult with no sign of a recovery. The problems are exacerbated by exposure to the Middle East. System sales in the year to March 2026 fell 22% to £180m last year. The forecast loss has been increased to £2.4m and a loss of £2.8m is expected next year. Net bank debt is estimated to be £5.7m. Pension contributions have been deferred for a further year.
Bow Street Restaurants (BOW) has made progress with improving the performance of its existing stores and has identified potential acquisitions. Full year revenues fell from £36.6m to £31.3m following the closure of some sites. There was a swing from an underlying operating profit of £400,000 to a £500,000 loss. There was an impairment charge of £7.3m following a review of assets. Refurbishments are helping to boost income. The number of restaurants has been reduced to 29 and the refurbishments are continuing. Net cash was £11.1m at the end of 2025. This will also fund acquisitions of restaurant groups, with the initial purchase potentially an Asian style brand. Trading has improved so far this year with like-for-like growth of 6.1% in March. A 2026 loss is still expected from the current operations.
Alien Metals (UFO) says West Coast Silver, the joint venture partner for the Elizabeth Hill silver project in Western Australia, has identified a new Down Hole Electromagnetic (DHEM) conductor target. A drill test is planned. Drilling has already started on a six-hole drilling programme.
Telecoms test equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) says full year trading was slightly better than expected. More business is coming from datacentres and defence, rather than the original telecoms customer base. A new partnership with VIAVI Solutions will help to broaden the client base. Cavendish increased forecast 2025-26 pre-tax profit by 59% to £1.2m. Cash is £9.3m.
Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas (ECO) has agreed to farm down a 60% participating interest in its three Namibian licences to BP, which will take on operatorship. There will be a one-off cash payment of $2.7m. BP will carry Eco through the current exploration phase. Eco will retain 25% and if the licence is renewed it can sell a further 10% interest to BP for a full carry for each well on each of the licences, with a cap of $21m for each well.
Great Western Mining (GWMO) has signed a contract with Major Drilling America to undertake drilling at the Defender-Pine Crow tungsten project in Nevada. This is the primary focus of the company. Drilling should commence in July. An application has been made for cross trading of the shares on the OTCID market in the US to attract North American investors.
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) generated record production of 179 tons in the first quarter from a combination of new capacity and higher brine temperatures improving recovery. First half guidance is being upgraded to 325-355 tons. Iodine prices are still above 70/kg. Canaccord Genuity has raised its revenue forecast from $69.5m to $71.6m and earnings from 3.7 cents/share to 3.9 cents/share.
TheraCryf (TCF) received a conditional approach to acquire the Orexin-1 and dopamine-transporter programmes. This is an area where there is increased commercial interest from pharma companies. The board felt this undervalued the assets. The Orexin-1 addiction programmed is fully funded for a phase 1 trial by the fourth quarter of 2026. If this is successful, the value of the assets will be much higher.
Thor Explorations (THX) had cash of $154m at the end of the first quarter of 2026 and it could reach $351m by the end of the year. It produced 23,397 ounces of gold at the Segilola ming, which was better than expected due to the high recovery rate, and is well on the way to the 2026 target production of 75,000-85,000 ounces of gold for the full year at an all in sustaining cost of up to $1,200/ounce. There is further drilling at the Douta project.
Building products supplier Alumasc (ALU) says events in the Middle East has made it cautious about the second half. Exports are an important contributor to revenues, but business confidence has also been hit in the UK. Potential supply concerns mean that Alumasc is increasing inventories. Cavendish cut its forecast 2025-26 revenues by 4% to £109m, while pre-tax profit has been slashed from £14.4m to £11m. There is a strong order book, but timings are uncertain. The dividend may be maintained at 10.8p/share – it would still be more than twice covered by earnings. Net debt could be £4.3m at the end of June 2026 and there could be net cash one year later.
IT services provider SysGroup (SYS) traded strongly in the second half, helped by the acquisition of Saxis. Full year revenues were 7% higher at £22.1m – they were previously expected to be flat. Pre-tax profit is set to be one-third higher at £400,000. Net cash was £2.7m. Pre-tax profit is forecast to rise to £900,000 in 2026-27.
LiDAR wind sensor and software developer Windar Photonics (WPHO) has secured a record number of test orders in the first quarter of 2026 and full year revenues are expected to be €7.8m, up from €6.4m in 2025. That assumes 50% of the ten active test orders are converted into contracts. A £20m share subscription facility has been agreed with GEM Global Yield LLC. The company is near to appointing a new chief executive.
Quantum Health (QHE) has raised £5m at 0.03p/share following demand from institutions. The cash will finance the development of the Sagebrush and Coyote Wash projects. The extended production test of Sagebrush-1 well is progressing.
Strip Tinning (STG) has received a serial order for Cell Contacting system parts for the battery pack for Zoox Robotax. This is important progress in the battery connectors sector. A glazing connectors contract has gone into serial production, and a smart glass roof connectors contract is about to go into serial production.
Quantum Blockchain Technologies (QBT) has raised £500,000 at0.35p/share. It This will fund further development of Bitcoin mining technology, and this will help integrating the AI Oracle technology into mining rigs of ASIC manufacturers. There is £100,000 being set aside to set up BlocKeeper to develop a hardware free virtual Bitcoin mining operation by acquiring hashing power from Bitcoin miners. BlocKeeper will seek an Aquis quotation.
TV programmes producer Zinc Media (ZIN) reported revenues of £41.3m, which was in line with trading statement. There was significant organic growth in the 28% increase in revenues. Pre-tax profit was one-third higher at £400,000. There is £3.5m in the bank.
Management reiterated the growth plans and the EBITDA target of £5m, compared with £1.9m last year. The Celebrity Inner Circle has been renewed for an eight episode run and this will help the entertainment division to grow. The format could also help achieve additional high margin IP revenues. The new distribution division should also generate additional revenues. There is already around £30m of work secured for this year.
hVIVO (HVO) has been hit by delays and terminations to human trials of vaccines. Some had already paid part of the cost upfront enabling the decline in 2025 revenues to be stemmed. Even so, they fell from £62.7m to £46.8m. That pushed the business into loss. The weighted contract order book is £30m and the diversification into other areas of clinical trials is helping to build a more diversified business. It is also winning new business in influenza and other areas.
Forgent (FORG) is acquiring a 51% interest in the Peak Hills gold copper for $1.18m in cash and shares and raising £1.3m in a placing at 0.015p/share. There is an option over another 48% of the Peak Hills interest. Negotiations are ongoing over an option on a controlling stake in a nickel copper gold project in Western Australia.
Oracle Power (ORCP) has announced assay results from another 31 holes at the Northern Zone Intrusive Hosted gold project in Western Australia. They are some of the best intercepts for grade and width drilled at the project. The tenement is being converted to a mining lease.
Latin America focused investment company ROI Capital Holdings is subscribing £1.93m for shares in Trafalgar Property (TRAF) at 0.005p/share. This is dependent on a waiver of the obligation to make an offer for the company. The existing subsidiaries will be sold for £1, and the planned Hilton House transaction will be reversed. The whole board will be replaced, and they will seek a reverse takeover.
Shares in Tiger Alpha (TIR) have been suspended ahead of the proposed acquisition of Cyprus-based Potentially, which is building the peer-to-peer infrastructure layer for the AI economy. The consideration will be £10mthrough the issue of two billion shares at 0.5p each.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) is growing in a tough consumer environment. Full year revenues are 23% higher at £85.5m, which is 12% like-for-like. It is on course to double pre-tax profit to £3.6m. Like-for-like retail growth was 5.7%, while the UK kitchenware market has declined.
KR1 (KR1) investee company Bitway has launched the BITW token and KR1 holds 100 million of them after investing $300,000. The holding is valued at $1.7m.
US cybersecurity technology company Narf Industries (NARF) has reported full year revenues rising from $3m to $4.2m. Narf has Rebranded Ranger.ai to UPxi.ai (Upstream Extended Intelligence), which did not make a significant contribution in the period. There is already $5.3m of contracted revenues for 2026-27, while a government contract worth more than $2.5m has been won since the year end.
Onward Opportunities (ONWD) moved from AIM to the Main Market on 16 April.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 11 August 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) raised £8.1m from a placing and subscription at 205p/share early in the week. It subsequently launched Smarter Convert, a capital raising structured as a convertible bond denominated in Bitcoin. Asset management firm TOBAM has subscribed $21m through three of its funds. The reference share price is 195p and the conversion price is a 5% premium to that price. After an initial six months, the company can force the conversion if the share price is 50% higher than the conversion price for ten trading days. If the bonds are not converted within 12 months, then the holders will receive 98% of the bond value, although that figure depends on the movement in Bitcoin.
EDX Medical (EDX) is developing a pneumonia test for critically ill NHS patients. It is partnering with the Intensive Care Unit at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to develop a test that identifies the DNA or RNA of microbes that cause lung infection. Results should be available in 60 seconds. EDX Medical has licenced the IP for the test from the trust. A kit version will be developed to sell to other hospitals.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) has an investment portfolio of seven companies, and they are valued at £1.03m. Macaulay Capital made a loss of £226,000 on interim revenues of £157,000. There was £779,000 in cash in the balance sheet at the end of June 2025. Management believes that there are plenty of opportunities.
Incanthera (INC) says the Skin + CELL skincare range launches on 11 August. It will be available through www.skinandcell.com.
Igraine (KING) has entered into a collaboration with Homerun Energy, the European subsidiary of Canada-based renewable energy and critical metals projects developer Homerun Resources Inc. The two companies will work together on UK alternative energy projects focused on electric vehicle charging and integrated battery storage. There is an initial pilot for a UK automotive manufacturer.
Asia Wealth (AWLP) generated revenues of $962,000 in the year to February 2025 and a foreign exchange gain enabled it to move back into profit.
Valereum (VLRM) has raised £400,000 from subscriptions from its chairman and chief executive at 3.1p/share. A retail offer to raise £100,000 at 3.1p/share will launch in the coming week.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has published a document to gain shareholder approval for a Bitcoin treasury policy and the new strategy to acquire intellectual property assets. The company also plans to change its name to TSP Advanced Technologies.
Vault Ventures (VULT) holds 771.37 ETH, 2,200.32 SOL and four Bitcoin.
Coinsilium (COIN) has invested a further £5m and owns 181.9596 Bitcoin and the total value is £15.7m.
Vaultz Capital (V3TC) has taken its Bitcoin holding to 117.853279 and the total cost is £10m.
Yorkshire AI Labs has reduced its stake in IntellAM AI (INT) from 18% to 15.4%.
WeCap (WCAP) chairman Tom Richardson has been issued 5.11 million shares, via his company TDR Enterprises, for consultancy between December 2024 and June 2025. They are worth £50,000.
Daniel Thwaites (THW) director Ann Yerburgh has sold her entire holding of 3.67 million shares. Amazing AI (AAI) chief executive Paul Mathieson bought 1.32 million shares at 0.75p each. NYCE International (NYCE) director Farzad Payman bought a further 25.83 million shares. Directors of Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) have bought a total of 147,550 shares at 56.5p each.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) is no longer going to buy back shares, having acquired 1.38 million shares since the beginning of April.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has bought an additional 3.125 million warrants in fully listed Hamak Gold (HAMA) taking its holding to 15.625 million warrants exercisable at 0.8p each.
JP JENKINS
The JP Jenkins-15 index of the fifteenth largest companies rose 3% to 1094.4 in the four weeks to 1 August. Brewer and bars operator Powder Monkey was a strong performer. The index will next be calculated using closing prices from 29 August.
Celadon Pharmaceuticals (CEL) chairman Alexander Anton has stepped down after the cannabis medicines developer moved from AIM to JP Jenkins on 8 August.
AIM
Restaurants operator Tasty (TAST) raised £9.25m from a placing at 0.5p/share and a retail offer generated a further £870,00o. The Kaye family invested £500,000 in the retail offer. There will be £3m invested in the existing restaurants and a further £1m on operational efficiency. There will be £3.6m set aside to acquire restaurant brands.
Laumann Group is making a recommended bid for uPVC windows supplier Epwin (EPWN). The 120p/share cash offer values Epwin at £167.3m. Laumann wants to expand the range of building products it offers in the UK, and it already has relationships in the construction sector. There is minimal overlap between the companies.
Fiinu (BANK) has published the document for the reverse takeover of Poland-based foreign exchange brokerage Everfex. The initial payment of £8m will be satisfied by the issue of 80 million shares at 10p each and the rest will depend on performance and be payable via up to 20 million shares at 20p each. Everfex made a pre-tax profit of more than £600,000 for the four months to April 2025. The acquisition will broaden the range of activities of the company and provide opportunities for the Plugin Overdraft product. A subscription has generated £801,000 at 10p/share.
Interior furnishings brands owner Sanderson Design Group (SDG) has reassured the market that it is on course to achieve 2025-26 forecast pre-tax profit of £5m, up from £4.4m. In the first half there was growth from licensing and in North America, but overall brand revenues fell 7% although the performance was better at the end of the period. Overall revenues were 4% lower at £48.3m. Cost savings have reduced annualised costs by £1m.
Automotive interior components manufacturer CT Automotive (CTA) is on track to meet full year expectations. Interim revenues fell from $60.5m to $54.2m, but the second half should be stronger. New contracts worth a total of $37m annually have been won in the first half. This provides a strong base for growth over the next three years.
SIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE) has reached financial close on the AW1 BESS project in South Wales. This is a 120MW generation project and construction has begun at Uskmouth. A global renewable energy partner is taking a 24.7% stake in the project. Zeus has increased the 2025 revenues forecast from £7.4m to £11.4m and the 2026 estimate from £7.5m to £12.5m. In each year the expected loss has been more than halved to around £3m. Net debt is expected to be £65.1m at the end of 2025 and rise to £99.9m one year later.
Energy storage technology developer Gelion (GELN) has made a breakthrough in Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) performance. The cells retain 90% of theoretical capacity at a 10-hour charge and 10-hour discharge. The cells have 75% of theoretical capacity after a six-minute discharge. This means that they could be used in drones and electric vehicles.
Media analysis business Ebiquity (EBQ) says 2025 interim revenues were flat at £37.9m. North American, where economic uncertainty has hit client spending, revenues fell and that was offset by growth in the rest of the world. Operating profit is expected to improve from £2.3m to £2.6m. Net debt is slightly lower at £15m. North America remains a focus for the company despite the short-term problems. Trading is in line with expectations.
Specialist staffing company Gattaca (GATC) says that full year figures are ahead of expectations. Net fee income was 3% lower at £38.8m. Permanent recruitment income has steadied, and second half income was much better than a weak comparative. Pre-tax profit guidance has been raised from £3.1m to £3.3m, which is higher than the £2.9m reported for the previous year because of cost reductions. Cyber security recruiter Infosec has been bought for an initial £1.5m, which is equal to net fee income in the year to March 2025. Operating profit was £400,000.
Automotive connection systems supplier Strip Tinning (STG) reported interim revenues dipping from £4.8m to £4.5m, but the loss was reduced from £2.73m to £1.56m. There was cash generated from operations. Battery technology sales quadrupled to £1.2m. The automotive market is tough, but management is confident about long-term prospects.
Drug developer ImmuPharma (IMM) reported a reduction in loss from £2.78m to £1.95m in the six months to June 2025. The underlying improvement is masked by a loss on a derivative asset. Studies have helped to strengthen the commercial viability of the P140 technology platform and discussions continue with potential partners.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) has raised £1.4m at 25p/share through a share issue to AIM-quoted investment company Onward Opportunities (ONWD) because it wanted more shares and could not buy them in the market.
Premier African Minerals (PREM) is implementing the changes identified for the plant test at the Zulu lithium and tantalum project. In the next week a decision will be made on whether to purchase the secondary spodumene float section. The original sorters still have to be replaced, and the tantalum recovery circuit needs to be completed.
The IFX Payments bid for Argentex (AGFX) has lapsed after it went into administration.
Goldplat (GDP) is reinstating its dividend for the first time since 2013. This is despite a decline in pre-tax profit from £6m to £2.6m. That was partly down to a foreign exchange loss. Zeus forecasts a 0.1p/share dividend. Net cash is estimated at £5.5m.
MAIN MARKET
Financial software provider Aptitude Software (APTD) reported a dip in interim revenues from £35.3m to £32.8m, due to lower non-recurring income and currency movements. Annualised recurring revenues reached £49.8m. Fynapse is an increasingly important contributor, which offsets the decline in legacy revenues and helps to improve operating margins. Cash was £23.7m at the end of June 2025. The dividend is maintained at 1.8p/share.
Foam manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) increased interim revenues by 9% to £77.4m with a strong performance around the world. Pre-tax profit was 37% ahead at £11.4m, helped by the exit from the loss-making business and higher margins. The interim dividend is 5% ahead at 2.5p/share. Net debt was £21.1m at the end of June 2025. The Asian business is small, but that will change when the Vietnam factory, part of a joint venture with footwear manufacturing specialist Seoheung, opens.
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 16 December 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Manchester-based Zentra (ZNT) switched from the Main Market to the Access Segment of Aquis on Wednesday. The former One Heritage Group has discontinued its co-living and in-house construction services. The focus is high quality apartments and housing, as well as work for local authorities and housing associations. A portfolio of properties was sold for £7m after the end of June 2024. There is a conditional contract to sell land for £400,000. So far, £3m has been reinvested in a 30% stake in One Victoria, a residential and commercial development, in Manchester. It is scheduled for completion in the summer. Prior to the move Zentra director Jason Upton bought 141,806 shares at 3.5p each.
AI software developer IntelliAM (INT) has signed a letter of intent with SKF Lubrication System so the two companies can sell each other’s products. IntelliAM’s machine learning platform will be included in the latter’s products. If the acquisition of 53 Degrees North Engineering had been made at the beginning of the six months to September 2024, revenues would have been £1.61m and EBITDA £140,000. Annualised recurring revenues are £149,000. Chairman David Richards bought 7,142 shares at 70p each.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has received commitments totalling £1.5m at 14.5p/share conditional on a move to the London Stock Exchange. This will fund the purchase of more Bitcoin mining machines. The share price edged up 0.82% to 15.375p.
Time to ACT (TTA) subsidiary GreenSpur has developed a preliminary 15MW generator design that outperforms power density and space benchmarks. It is 30% lighter and 70%-80% smaller. Further improvements are possible.
Intelliqo (IQO), which provides marketing services to technology businesses, lost £145,000 in the six months to September 2024. Revenues declined from $558,000 to $224,000. The focus is the Langaroo App. Building up sales will stop the cash outflow. Cash has fallen to less than £12,000.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says M3 Helium, which it has an option to acquire, has increased production to 100Mcf/day and is rising by 2Mcf each day. This enhances the potential value of the farm-in to Scout Energy’s acreage in the Hugoton field. The option has been extended to the end of March 2025.
In the year to April 2024, Helium Ventures (HEV) had net assets of £24,000, including £56,000 in cash plus £250,000 long-term investment and £30,000 in short-term investments. Since then, the company has been issued a 19.4% stake in Trackimo following the £250,000 subscription. Creditors include deferred payments to directors of £130,000.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has received the third tranche of consideration for the sale of shares in investee company The Homebuilding Centre to the company so that it can expand employee ownership. There was £114,000 received, which was above the minimum of £50,000, due to strong trading.
Igraine (KING) has formalised its investment rights with GEM and its battery storage project development subsidiary BES3. The first site has been chosen.
Marula Mining (MARU) is withdrawing from planned projects in Zimbabwe. It is also relinquishing its interest in the Nkombwa Hill project in Zambia. This enables focus to be placed on the Blesberg lithium and tantalum project and other core interests.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has raised £150,000 at 0.35p/share following positive results for cannabis-based treatment MRX1. There was a significant reduction in blood plasma levels of NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) levels. This biomarker is used in diagnosis and management of heart failure.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has raised a further £300,000 at 52.5p/share with a warrant attached. Unicorn AIM VCT has taken its stake to 5.39%. Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has raised £250,000 at 0.2p/share. Meme Vault (MEME) raised £271,000 at 0.02p/share. The shares come with two warrants each and the exercise price is 0.02p/share.
Inqo Investments (INQO) has declared a dividend of R0.07/share.
OTAQ has left Aquis.
AIM
Sports consultancy and data analysis business 4GLOBAL (4GBL) is refocusing its strategy. The new focus is North America. In the six months to September 2024, revenues fell 3% to £1.7m. The loss increased from £1m to £1.08m after a much higher foreign exchange loss. Annualised recurring revenues are steady at £1m. North American revenues rose by 161% in the period. There was cash of £287,000 at the end of September 2024, but also borrowings of £583,000 following the securing of an additional borrowing facility of £500,000 during the period. Management believes it has enough cash for its requirements, including continuing to spend on developing the data analysis technology.
Equals Group (EQLS) is recommending a bid from a bid vehicle owned a consortium comprising TowerBrook Funds, JC Flowers Funds and Railsr shareholders. The 140p/share cash offer values the multi-currency payments company at £283m. The bid is 135p/share in cash with a special dividend payment of 5p/share.
NWF (NWF) offset the decline in the food distribution by stronger trading in fuels and feed. Fuels margins improved despite flat volumes. Overall operating profit improved, but higher interest costs mean that pre-tax profit will be lower. Feeds volumes improved due to a higher milk price. Lower throughput and costs of relocating stock to the Lymedale site mean that its profit contribution fell. The winter is important to the full year outcome.
Automotive connection systems supplier Strip Tinning (STG) says that the lifetime value of nominations has risen 12% to £107m. That is mainly due to the major battery technology contract for cell contact systems from £43m to £56.8m. Higher National Insurance costs will be offset by cost savings. Capex spending will be lower than expected over the next two years, so net debt will not rise as rapidly, although it could be £9.3m by the end of 2026. A £3.7m loss is forecast for 2024. Although the 2026 forecast has been lowered, Strip Tinning is set to move into profit in 2027. There is 80% visibility of forecast 2027 revenues of £27m.
Ceramic and fragrance products supplier Portmeirion (PMP) trading has been weaker than expected and the 2024 pre-tax profit forecast has been cut from £4.5m to £1m. South Korea and the US have been weak markets. Christmas stock was delivered late to the US and there were order withdrawals. Net debt is expected to be £7.4m. An unchanged dividend of 5.5p/share is anticipated. The fragrance business is the bright spot.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) subsidiary 3radical is being liquidated and Electric Guitar has become a shell. The uncertain financial position means that trading in the shares remains suspended.
Roebuck Food Group (RFG) intends to raise up to £8.5m via a bookbuild to finance the purchase between 35% and 38.7% in GlasPort Bio, which is developing technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with an option to raise this stake to 94.5%. The company is also buying a 13% to 16.7% stake in GlaspOrt Rumen Tech, which has developed ruminate feed additive RumenGlas, that reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
Autonomous vehicles developer Aurrigo International (AURR) raised £5.25m at 44p/share. The retail offer raised an additional £68,000. The cash will fund an increase in production capacity, as well as engineering.
Helix Exploration (HEX) has made a commercial helium discovery at the Darwin#1 well at the Rudyard field. It is 1.1% helium with the rest primarily nitrogen and the flow is sustainable. The Rudyard field could support multiple production wells, and each could generate $4m in cash/year. The company could begin to be cash generative in 2025.
Trading in Aura Energy (AURA) shares has been halted pending a capital raising. An assessment of future capacity expansion at the Tiris uranium project in Mauritania. The production target update in September increased the mine life from 17 to 25 years. Options to expand production capacity in the third year of operations from the initial plan to produce to produce 2MIbspa U3O8 to produce up to 4MIbspa U3O8. At 3MIbspa U3O8 NPV8 would be $544m, while at 4MIbspa U3O8 it is $521m. Tamesis has been AIM appointed broker.
Orosur Mining Inc (OMI) has received assays from the second and third holes of the current drill programme at the Anza project in Colombia. There was a composite intersection of 77.3 metres @ 7.68g/t gold from surface at the second hole and 75 metres at 5.6g/t from surface at the third hole. This shows a continuing trend to the North West. The fourth hole is completed.
Orcadian Energy (ORCA) has revealed heads of agreement for a farm out deal for the 145bcf Earlham/Orwell project in the North Sea. A joint venture led by Independent Power Corporation is earning a 50% stake and Orcadian Energy is fully carried to first gas. The joint venture, which has also acquired the $1.5m Shell loan, will be repaid this free carry spending through an additional 30% share of project revenues until the cost is covered. Orcadian Energy is also selling 50% of HALO Offshore UK to Independent Power Corporation, which is securing £5m of acquisition finance for gas field buy outs. Orcadian Energy has a 50% interest in the P2634 licence in the North Sea that has been acquired by Serica Energy (SQZ) from Parkmead (PMG).
Kazera Global (KZG) 70%-owned subsidiary Whale Head Minerals has secured an offtake agreement with Fujax South Africa for an initial 100,000 dry tonnes of heavy mineral sands from the Walviskop project in return for 80% of the anticipated final sales price less certain costs. Production recently started. Fujax will make a prepayment of $600,000 in two tranches in December and January.
Industrial monitoring and maintenance systems supplier Tan Delta Systems (TAND) says delays in orders mean that 2024 revenues will be lower than expected at £1.2m, down from £1.5m last year. The loss will be £1.2m. Net cash will be £3m.
Business recovery services provider Begbies Traynor (BEG) is benefiting from relatively high levels of insolvencies. In the six months to October 2024, revenues were 16% ahead at £76.3m, including organic growth of 11%. Underlying pre-tax profit was 16% higher at £11.5m, while earnings were 12% ahead at 5.1p/share. The interim dividend is raised 8% to £1.4m.
Seed Innovations (SEED) investee company Inveniam Capital has secured a strategic partnership with UAE-based AI company G42 to develop a platform for the financial markets. Seed Innovations owns less than 0.2% of Inveniam Capital.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) reports an increased underlying interim loss of £2.8m after a small dip in gross margins. Like-for-like revenues were 4% ahead with ecommerce growth faster than that of high street stores. There were 315,000 new customers buying in the period. Net debt is £4.2m due to deliberately increased stock levels. Management admits pre-Budget spending was subdued, but he business is second half weighted and there should be an improved full year outcome.
Investment company Thalassa Holdings (THAL) intends to raise cash to finance acquisitions. It believes this is an ideal time to pick up businesses at attractive valuations. The final price is being decided via a Dutch auction.
Alteration Earth (ALTE) has gained shareholder approval for the acquisition of Pri0r1ty AI. The company has developed a platform called Priority Adviser, which collects customer data for use in PR/investor relations. The enlarged company will move to AIM late in December.
Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) is proposing the all-share acquisition of Zero Carbon Technologies, which plans to develop lead-acid and lithium-ion battery recycling operations in Europe. It is acquiring land in Spain. The target is raising at least £10m ahead of the acquisition, while Aura Renewable Acquisitions intends to raise up to £2m.
Nanoco (NANO) shareholders overwhelmingly voted against the appointment of two additional directors.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 10 June 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Skincare treatments developer Incanthera (INC) says the first production order for its Skin + CELL products from Marionnaud has been doubled to 100,000 units. The launch will be in September. The previous figure was already higher than the initial order and the revenues from the order will be £4m. Future production orders could be even larger. This will help group revenues for the year to March 2025 to be more than £10m. This has enabled Incanthera to raise £4.1m from a share issue at 15p/share to cover additional working capital. Lupus treatment developer ImmuPharma (IMM) raised £1.5m from the sale of its 9.98% stake in Incanthera, which was valued at £600,000 at the end of 2023, although it retains warrants.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) is talking to several potential commercial partners for its medical device technology, where the regulatory process is ongoing. The new board has improved relations with the inventor of the spinal stabilisation device IP. The investor relations website has been relaunched and a new medical advisory board will be put in place.
CBD products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) says another potential merger has fallen through. This follows the ending of the Northern Leaf deal. This has left Voyager Life short of cash. The business operations are being reviewed and there are talks about funding. The company has been winning new business and there are signs of an improvement in the retail stores.
RentGuarantor (RGG) increased full year revenues by 79% to £741,000. The rent guarantee services provider says arrears were 2.32% in 2023. The loss increased from £911,000 to £1.23m, after a £358,000 charge for the revaluation of the convertible loan note.
First Sentinel has resigned as corporate adviser of ChallengerX (CXS) and the shares have been suspended. ChallengerX is progressing with a potential acquisition, and it is required to appoint a new corporate adviser.
Helium Ventures (HEV) says that a shareholder in Trackimo is challenging the issue of a 19.4% stake to the Aquis company.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has leased an additional manufacturing facility in Motherwell. This should become operational in the third quarter and capacity should be more than 500MWh of energy storage per year. The Bathgate facility will also be upgraded.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $1m into the Avail Web3 infrastructure project in return for 12.5 million AVAIL tokens.
Video capture technology company Visum Technologies (VIS) has entered exclusive non-binding heads of terms for a licence agreement with Makeabl, which has developed cloud/app technology. This would be licensed in North American and European markets and help Visum Technologies to access new markets.
BWA Group (BWAP) has completed reconnaissance drilling at the Dehane 2 rutile sands project in Cameroon. The results were encouraging. Oberon Capital has been appointed as broker.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) has completed the renewal of its subordinated loan, which is classified as Tier 2 capital. The loan was increased by £1m to £26m and lasts until June 2034.
Psych Capital has changed its name to Shortwave Life Sciences (PSY).
AIM
Destocking hit the interim figures of Gooch & Housego (GHH) and pre-tax profit slipped from £4.7m to £2.6m on a 1% decline in revenues to £63.6m. This excludes the loss making EM4 defence business sold earlier this year. The dividend was edged up by 0.1p/share to 4.9p/share. Net debt increased to £22.2m. The destocking was primarily in industrial and medical sectors. Industrial remains the largest generator of revenues despite a 13% decline. There was not a recovery in the semiconductor sector as expected. The subsea cable market was strong. There was a reduction in the aerospace and defence division loss on higher revenues, but it still needs to improve manufacturing efficiency.
GRC International (GRC) is recommending an 8p/share cash bid from Bloom Seed Bidco, which values the cybersecurity company at £8.6m. The bidder is a vehicle for technology investor Bloom, which can provide increased financial backing for the business. GRC joined AIM in 2018 at a time when there was investor interest in the cybersecurity sector. The flotation valuation was £40.2m at 70p/share. GRC has been loss making and never moved into profit.
Pawnbroker Ramsdens (RFX) reported interims showing the expected progress. Precious metals revenues were strong, although margins dipped. Pre-owned jewellery sales offset weaker watch sales. The contribution from each main division was higher. Interim revenues were 12% ahead at £43.8m, while pre-tax profit improved from £3.68m to £3.99m. The dividend was raised by 9% to 3.6p/share.
Strip Tinning (STG) has won a battery technologies contract from a German automotive motion technology manufacturer, that could have a lifetime value of £43m. This is for a cell contact system for battery pack modules for a US customer. This has already generated £1.7m in pre-production work. Production supply will start in the fourth quarter of 2025 with further pre-production revenues of £1m ahead of that time. There will be additional investment in engineering resources. Demand for glazing products has weakened and copper prices are rising. There will be a trading statement on 16 July.
Power Metal Resources (POW) has secured a £2m loan note investment from ACAM, which is also negotiating a uranium-focused joint venture, which would include all of Power Metal’s uranium licences. This would mean that the flotation of Uranium Energy Exploration will not happen – that has already cost £500,000 – and neither will previously proposed disposals. There would be a £10m investment in Power Metal Resources Canada so that ACAM would have a 70% stake. The loan notes bear interest of 10%/year and there will be 13.3 million warrants issued that are exercisable at 15p each.
Empire Metals (EEE) considers further positive exploration results as a major development for the Pitfield prospect. There is rutile at surface, and it should be easy to mine. Titanium dioxide mineralisation gets more prevalent at lower depths. This should improve project economics.
Pantheon Resources (PANR) has entered a gas sales precedent agreement with the state-owned Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, which is developing the Alaska LNG project. This is designed to supply Alaska and export up to 20 million tonnes of LNG each year. Pantheon Resources would supply up to 500 mmcf/day of gas at a maximum base price of $1/mmbtu. There are plans to increase the scale of the Ahpun development.
Jadestone Energy (JSE) says the Akatara gas processing facility, onshore Indonesia, is approaching final commissioning. The first gas should be processed in around a fortnight. Gas and LPG sales will start soon after that. The workover campaign on five Akatara wells has completed, and they will provide gas for the facility.
Seed Innovations (SEED) has completed its share buyback programme. This used up £510,000 on top of the £2m dividend. That followed the disposal of its Leaf Gaming stake for £2.4m. There has been a 11.6% share price decline so far this year, but that is not adjusted for the 1p/share special dividend.
Maritime systems developer SRT Marine Systems (SRT) admits that two coastguard contracts are unlikely to reach their project revenue milestones in the 15 months to June 2024. The largest contract is dependent on the completion of an inter-government loan. There should £45m of income recognised when this is finalised. Once the other contract is verified it should enable £9m to be recognised. Transceivers revenues have grown, and total revenues are expected to be £14m in the 15-month period. The six-month figure was £5.5m with no contribution from systems.
Hercules Site Services (HERC) reported a one-third increase in interim revenues to £48.8m as it continues to win additional contracts to supply construction staff. It moved back into profit in the period. The new training academy is up and running.
The Mission Group (TMG) has responded to the revised bid proposal of 13.9 Brave Bison (BBSN) shares for each share in the advertising and marketing services company. The board still believes that the bid does not reflect the underlying value of the business, but it is evaluating the bid.
Hostels operator Safestay (SSTY) has acquired a property in Brighton from the University of East Sussex for £2.275m. This will be converted into a 220 bed premium hostel. It is 600 metres from the sea front and will cost £1m to convert. Shore Capital has been appointed nominated adviser and broker. Safestay reported full year revenues 18% higher at £22.5m. EBITDA rose 15% to £6.8m. NAV was 50p/share.
Restaurants operator Tasty (TAST) gained court approval of its restructuring plan on Tuesday afternoon. Tasty has got out of the leases of 23 sites. This leaves 38 restaurants, which are predominantly the Wildwood brand. This should improve EBITDA by up to £2.1m between 2023 and 2025.
Clontarf Energy (CLON) has failed to move through to the next stage of the bids for the seven priority salt pans in southern Bolivia because of its offtake partner’s poor credit rating. Management hopes that it can argue the case that the credit rating is not relevant.
Mosman Oil & Gas (MSMN) is paying $500,000 for a 10% interest in a US helium project in Las Animas County, Colorado. This is an area with known helium deposits. There are five helium prospects and a well will be drilled for each of them. The sale of oil and gas asset will help finance the move into helium.
WIIT has decided not to make an offer for Redcentric (RCN).
MAIN MARKET
Credit provider S and U (SUS) says that its first quarter profit has fallen by one-third because of higher provisions due to lack of regulatory clarity.
Like-for-like sales at Hostmore (MORE) have fallen by 10%, but profitability has improved. Net debt is set to peak in the third quarter. The acquisition of TFI Fridays is progressing and the formal agreement should be signed shortly.
Motor dealer Caffyns (CFYN) has cut its dividend by one-third to 5p/share because it slumped into loss last year. There were property value write-downs.
Chill Brands (CHLL) shares have been suspended because of allegations relating to the use of insider information and concerns about commercial arrangements. This means that the board cannot provide accurate information about its financial position.
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) has left the standard list.
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
Quoted Micro 22 August 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has signed a memorandum of understanding with US Vanadium to create a US-based 50/50 joint venture to build and sell vanadium flow batteries. Arkansas-based US Vanadium produces high-purity vanadium pentoxide and electrolyte for vanadium flow batteries. Invinity Energy Systems has also delivered and installed a 1.8MWh VS3 flow battery system at the European Marine Energy Centre hydrogen R&D facility in the Orkney Islands.
Valereum (VLRM) is swapping its 20 bitcoin miners in the US for a 24% stake in new company Vinanz, which is conditional on the company listing on a recognised stock exchange. The final stake will depend on the money raised at the time of the listing. This will enable Valereum to concentrate on the Gibraltar Stock Exchange when the deal gets regulatory approval.
CBD and hemp products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) generated revenues of £178,000 in the period to March 2022. There is £1.43m in the bank.
DXS International (DXSP) has entered a licence and services agreement with Deontics, which is a clinical AI company. The technology will be integrated into the DXS clinical software.
Shares in TECC Capital (TEC) remain suspended ahead of a readmission document for the proposed EDX Medical acquisition. There was £1.03m in the bank at the end of March 2022.
Goodbody Healthcare (GDBY) increased revenues by £2.55m to £7.4m in the first half of 2022. This was driven by revenues from the testing clinics. The loss grew from £1.27m to £1.41m. There is cash in the bank of £3.74m.
Psych Capital (PSY) investee company Awakn Life Sciences, where Psych Capital owns 426,000 shares, has entered the US addiction treatment and relapse prevention market through a licensing partnership with Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness Ltd, a ketamine wellness clinic chain. Awakn has a treatment that was validated in a phase II a/b trial, which delivered 86% abstinence for six months after treatment versus 2% before the trial. Revitalist will pay an annual fee and a revenue share per treatment.
Ingraine (KING) says AZD1656, which is being developed as a treatment for people with diabetes suffering from Covid-19, has shown evidence that it activates T-regs that might suppress the inflammation that is the prime cause of tissue damage in autoimmune disease. LANCET eClinicalMedicine is publishing the results of the phase II clinical trial. Ingraine owns 2% of Excalibur Medicines Ltd, which has exclusive rights to AZD1656.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has a second drill rig is on site at the Red Setter gold copper project in the Patersons Range area in Western Australia. The drilling has shown the intersection of multiple zones of quartz veining, carbonate and chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite.
Premium Nickel Resources Ltd, where Evrima (EVA) owns 1.11 million shares, has been readmitted to TSX-V after the reverse takeover of North American Nickel Inc. The first assay results from the Selebi nickel copper cobalt sulphide mine in Botswana have been published. There was a positive update for the Molopo Farms complex project in Botswana, where Evrima has an 8.93% project-level interest.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) is starting a US roadshow from 22 August, following the start of trading of the shares on OTCQB Venture Market. Recent US legislation could increase investor interest in the clean energy market.
Altona Rare Earths (ANR) is raising £1.1m at 8p a share ahead of the planned move to the Main Market at the end of September.
Chris Akers has increased his stake in Oscillate (MUSH) from 13.1% to 14.25%. The share price fell 11%.
AIM
Fashion brand Joules (LON: JOUL) was the worst performer of the week, falling by more than one-third. Trading has deteriorated in recent weeks, although wholesale sales are higher. This means that it will not make a profit this year, even if second half trading improves. Peel Hunt has downgraded its forecast for 20222-23 from a profit of £4m to a loss of £4.2m. Jonathan Brown becomes Joules chief executive at the end of September. Talks with NEXT about a cash injection continue.
Agricultural products supplier and retailer Wynnstay Group (WYN) raised £10.5m in a placing at 560p a share, which was above the minimum price indicated of 550p a share. The plan is to redevelop the Calne feeds site that came with an acquisition earlier this year. This can be developed into a feed mill with a 185,000 metric tonne capacity that produces poultry and ruminant feed. There are also opportunities for further acquisitions.
Online fashion retailer boohoo (BOO) has made a strategic investment in cosmetics supplier Revolution Beauty (REVB), which recently announced a profit warning. boohoo has bought a 7.13% shareholding. Revolution Beauty products are sold through several of boohoo’s websites.
Frasers Group (FRAS) has bid 2p a share for MySale Group (MYSL), which values the retailer at £13.6m. The bid is not recommended.
Newcrest Mining is not taking up the option to acquire a further 5% stake in the Havieron asset, so Greatland Gold (GGP) will retain a 30% stake. The price for the 5% stake had been set at $60m and much of that cash was earmarked to pay off loans from Newcrest. Greatland Gold management says that it is happy to retain the larger stake. The latest mineral resource for the Havieron deposit announced by Newcrest is 5.5 million ounces of gold and 223,000 tonnes of copper.
AI product revenues at Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG) reached £300,000 in the first half. There were royalties from the GE deal and direct product sales. Full year revenues are expected to be £600,000. In the six months to June 2022, group revenues grew 62% to £5.9m, although that includes £1.4m of one-off ultrasound simulation orders from an NHS training initiative. There was a 13% decline in US revenues to £1.1m, but they should recover in the second half. The group remains loss-making and there is cash of £3.5m, which is expected to decline to £1.8m by the end of 2022.
MTI Wireless Edge (MWE) has been winning contracts that should benefit the second half. In the six months to June 2022, revenues improved from $21.3m to $22.7m, while pre-tax profit barely changed from $2.05m to $2.04m, due to a higher interest charge and amortisation related to the recent acquisition of communication and monitoring systems developer PSK WIND Technologies. Russia accounted for 6% of revenues and 5% of profit in 2021.
Full year revenues of digital services provider Made Tech Group (MTEC) were 120% higher at £29.3m and it moved into profit. There was cash of £12.3m at the end of May 2022. The contracted order book is worth £38.2m.
Flexible electrical connectors manufacturer Strip Tinning (STG) shocked the market when it revealed that a Croatian customer wants to terminate a contract from 1 October. This contract for cell management systems for electric vehicles was supposed to be worth €2m a year once peak volumes were hit in a couple of years.
Fishing equipment retailer Angling Direct (ANG) increased interim revenues by 1% to £38.9m, but they weakened in the second quarter and management says that full year revenues will be lower than previous guidance of £82m. That will lead to a sharp reduction in expected EBITDA to between £3m and £3.4m.
In-game advertising services provider Bidstack Group (BIDS) has extended its contract with Sports Interactive, which created the Football Manager game. This is a multi-year renewal of a contract that initially began in 2017.
Specialist recruitment firm Gattaca (GATC) says net fee income grew by 4% to £44m in the year to July 2022. There was an increase in permanent recruitment income offsetting a decline in contract income. There is good demand but a shortage of candidates for the roles.
Frontier IP Group (FIPP) has sold 391,200 ADSs in Exscientia at an average price of $11.97 each. This raised £3.88m. That is £1.85m below book value. Frontier IP still holds 782,400 shares in Exscientia. So far, sales have raised £9.96m compared with a cash cost of less than £2,000.
Property services provider Kinovo (KINO) nearly doubled its operating profit in the year to March 2022. Net debt was reduced to £340,000. First quarter revenues have risen by 28% to £14m and Kinovo has moved into a net cash position. The latest estimate for the liability for DCB, which has gone into administration, is that it will cost £4m plus expenses to complete work, which is lower than previous estimates.
Sustainable energy projects developer SIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE) finance boss Andrew Dagley was voted off the board at the AGM on Thursday. There were 53.5% of the votes against his re-election. There were also 45% of votes against the audited financial statements for 2021 and 27% against the directors’ remuneration report.
MAIN MARKET
Private equity firm Thoma Bravo LP has made a preliminary approach to artificial intelligence (AI)-based cybersecurity services provider Darktrace (DARK) concerning a possible cash bid. Discussions are at an early stage.
Plant hire company Vp (VP.) has ended its formal sales process after the board unanimously decided to conclude the process.
Flavouring ingredients supplier Treatt (TET) says that profit will be below expectations in the year to September 2022. Restrictions in China have hampered progress, while costs have increased, and sales of iced and leaf tea in the US have been lower than expected. Currency movements have made things worse. The order book is ahead of this time last year.
Mears (MER) has acquired IRT Surveys, which provides data-led services focused on addressing fuel poverty and energy efficiency, for up to £4.1m. The initial payment is £3m, with the rest payable depending on performance over a two-year period. There should be a £200,000 profit contribution this year.
Andrew Hore