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Quoted Micro 3 August 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has agreed to exchange the Rureka project and related assets for the Rachiate prospect and the El Salto project in Argentina. The deal and transaction structure are still to be finalised. No cash will be involved. Ajax was previously planning to acquire the Rachiate prospect. Ajax has also entered a binding option agreement for the acquisition of Nueva Celti copper project in Spain. A non-refundable option fee of $10,000 has been paid. The total cost will be $300,000. Orca Capital owns 9.64% of Ajax and John E Story no longer has a notifiable stake.
Supernova Digital (SOL) interim revenues slipped from £297,000 to £72,000 and the loss increased from £215,000 to £1.23m. That is down to the fair value reduction increasing from £98,000 to £810,000 due to the weak cyber currency market. NAV is £1.81m.
Falconedge (EDGE) says the launch of the recurring referral fee programme will help overall revenues to grow. Further referral agreements are being discussed. Stefania Barbaglio has left the board.
Zentra Group (ZNT) subsidiary developing One Victoria has terminated its agreement with contractor Torsion Construction has been terminated after it went into administration. The One Victoria residential development will appoint a replacement.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) increased interim income from £157,000 to £478,000, helped by the sale of ICA Group, and it moved into profit. Net assets are £2.08m, including cash of £980,000.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had net assets of 87.6p/share at the end of May 2026. There are 16 companies in the portfolio.
NYCE International (NYCE) says it had cash of £63,000 at the end of June 2026. Talks with a potential bidder have ended. More cash is required. Management is seeking shareholder approval to reorganise the share capital and issue shares at the AGM on 6 August.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) has redeemed £1.73m of loan notes.
Majestic Corporation (MCJ) has appointed Allenby as corporate adviser and joint broker. VSA Capital has also become joint broker.
ASSET MATCH
Greenshields Agri Holdings (GAH) plans a share buyback in the fourth quarter. The Scottish agricultural land market remains resilient, although IHT changes could lead to more supply from 2027. Land values in England and Wales have slipped 1.5%. Wheat prices have risen with hot weather hitting production.
AIM
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) is taking advantage of the strong share price to raise £28.5m at 28.5p/share and a retail offer could raise up to £2m. This cash will finance the £9.8m cost of the proposed acquisition of a 60,000 sq ft warehouse freehold in Corby, as well as enabling further acquisitions of distribution facilities. The additional distribution facility will increase capacity to £300m each year. There are also £9m of bank facilities being negotiated. Net debt was previously expected to rise to £10.7m by the end of 2026 and net cash of £2.6m is now forecast.
Xcalibur Multiphysics Group has bought a 25.5% stake in subsurface resources data supplier Getech Group (GTC). Xcalibur is a global specialist in airborne and mapping geophysics. Octopus sold its 16.4% stake, and First Equity sold its 6.42% shareholding.
Cloud-based secure payments technology developer PCI-Pal (PCIP) did better than expected in 2025-26 and grew revenues 14% to £24.6m, which means the expected loss has been reduced to £800,000. Annualised recurring revenues were 29% higher at £24.4m, providing a strong base for 2026-27 forecast earnings of £27m, which will be reassessed when the full year figures are published. Net cash is £4m. The momentum continues, especially in the US. A new strategic partnership has been signed with reseller NiCE Systems Inc. Chief executive James Barham bought 26,466 shares at 56.5p each.
Cyber security software and services provider Shearwater Group (SWG) says the business won at the end of the period meant that trading was ahead of expectations in the year to June 2026. Revenues have been upgraded 18% to £42m and earnings have been raised from 4.5p/share to 4.9p/share. Net cash was £5.6m at the end of June 2026, which is around 50% of the market capitalisation. The board is considering share buybacks and /or dividends. At this point, Cavendish is not changing its 2026-27 forecast.
Brave Bison (BBSN) has launched a bid for System1 Group (SYS1), which valued the market research technology and services provider at £43.1m, or 327p/share, at the end of trading yesterday. The bid is 135p in cash and 2.04 Brave Bison shares for each Systems1 share. Brave Bison already owns 28% of Systems1 bought from founder John Kearnon and an institutional investor for an average cost of 242p/share. The original offer was valued at 297p/share and that was followed up with a 327p/share indicative offer. The combined business would have revenues of £79m.
Transport software and technology supplier Tracsis (TRCS) is acquiring UK rail software provider Mistral Data from FirstGroup for an enterprise value of £48m. In 2025-26, revenues were £13m and EBITDA was £4m. Annualised recurring revenues are 85% of group revenues. Using the cash pile to finance this will help the enhancement of earnings. The UK rail technology market is set to grow at 5%/year.
Furnishing fabrics and wallpapers designer Colefax Group (CFX) increased full year sales 5% to £115.9m, even though decorating sales declined, while pre-tax profit rose 18% to £10.5m due to a strong performance of the fabrics business in the US. Cash was £23.5m at the end of April, after £6.1m spent on share buybacks. The total dividend is 7% higher at 6.3p/share. US sales continue to be strong, but the UK is tougher.
Professional services network DSW Capital (DSW) full year revenues improved from £5m to £6.3m, helped by the contribution from DR Solicitors. Pre-tax profit fell from £1.6m to £1.3m. There was a decline in M and A revenues, down to 31% of the total, and there is caution about revenues this year. The dividend was increased to 3.2p/share.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) says US volumes of ACCRUFeR iron replacement treatment increased, but lower selling prices in the US meant that interim revenues from that market were lower. Group revenues were 41% ahead at $30.4m because of a $7.9m milestone payment from China. Operating profitability is being maintained, but it is not enough to cover interest charges. Cash was $8.3m at the end of June 2026, but there is debt to offset against this.
Media localisation and services provider Zoo Digital (ZOO) is seeing signs of improvement in the TV and film market for localisation and dubbing. Approaches from customers are increasing and Zoo Digital is moving into new areas such as live sport. Restructuring the business has helped to reduce costs. Revenues declined from $49.6m to $42.3m. The loss was reduced from $8.3m to $2.3m. The operations generated enough cash to more than cover investment in technology. The trading improvement has continued into the first quarter of this financial year.
Mobile games developer Gaming Realms (GMR) says interim revenues will be 3% lower at £15.5m. That is because non-core brand licence revenues slumped from £2.4m to £700,000. That will hit profitability in the first half. The core business did well. Net cash is £13.5m.
Fluidpower products distributor Flowtech Fluidpower (FLO) grew like for like sales by 13% in the first half as the company gains market share. Overall sales were 24% ahead at £70.4m. This was despite the lack of sales to two bridge infrastructure projects, which are likely to come through in the second half. Full year pre0tax profit is set to jump from £1.7m to £4m.
AI-enabled PR company Pathos Communications (NEWS) interim revenues rose 14% to $7.3m and it is on track to achieve full year forecasts, which appear conservative. Revenues of $14m are estimated with underlying pre-tax profit improving from $2m to $2.7m. This is despite adding to the cost base by investing in growing operations, including a new team in Asia Pacific. Cash generation is improving.
CyanConnode (CYAN) is recommending a 10.165p/share in cash from Esyasoft, valuing the smart meter technology company at £36.5m. Esyasoft previously bought Good Energy.
Newmark Security (NWT) is selling loss making physical security business Safetell for £1 and concentrating on the human capital management division.
MAIN MARKET
Online travel hostel agency Hostelworld (HSW) has reported its interims and they were in line with the trading statement with revenues 12% ahead at €52.2m. Profit was held back by one-off charges and an additional €2.3m of marketing investment. Underlying profit after tax fell from €5.1m to €4.9m. The interim dividend is €0.0083/share. Net cash is €2.5m. Guidance is unchanged with deferred income expected to unwind in the second half.
Fully listed financial management software developer Aptitude Software (APTD) has grown annualised recurring revenues for AI autonomous finance software by 12% to £20.1m thanks to Fynapse software sales. A $5.54m, three-year contract has been won in Canada. Overall annualised recurring revenues dipped to £49.9m because of lower legacy revenues. Churn should be reduced in the second half. The quality of revenues is improving and operating profit has increased in the first half. Net cash is £15.7m, after £2.6m of share buybacks.
US cybersecurity technology company Narf Industries (NARF) increased full year revenues by 50% to $4.5m. The cash outflow from operating activities was $226,000. There is $4.1m of revenues to be recognised this year. That is despite one project has been cancelled.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 6 July 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) has bought a 2.18% stake in FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, which is developing AI and machine learning technology for manufacturing, for £150,000 in shares at 1.5p each. The share price jumped 64.3% to 0.575p.
WeCap (WCAP) investee company WeShop has been added to the US Russell 3000 index. Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) is also a WeShop shareholder. It has made new investments in oil and gas explorer Colossal Energy Fields and Brazil minerals explorer Prospectiva Resources.
Majestic Corporation (MCJ) reported a dip in full year revenues from $49.3m to $38.2m, while pre-tax profit improved from $1.01m to $1.35m. The recycling business expects pre-tax profit to be much higher this year.
Coinsilium Group (COIN) chairman Malcolm Palle bought 750,000 shares at 2.05p each. He has a 3.43% shareholding.
Healthcare IT supplier DXS International (DXSP) says full year revenues will be slightly lower than the previous year at around £3.4m. There should be a small profit this year. Ten pilot deployments of the NextGen referral service are active. NHS decisions are still being delayed.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) had cash of €1.09m at the end of 2025 and since then it has received the final deferred consideration for La Zarza. In 2025, cash used in operations was €679,000.
Advanced technology developer Vault Ventures (VULT) reported a non-cash impairment of £2.12m for its Dubai activities. There was a cash outflow from operating activities of £2.85m. Cash was £766,000 at the end of 2025.
Vaultz Capital (V3TC) is convening a general meeting on 21 July to gain shareholder approval to end the Bitcoin buying and to sell the remaining holding.
Tomahawk Metals (TMHK) has entered into an advisory agreement with Sven Honig and Voytech Sesulka for new projects for the company to consider. They will also analyse the information on the antimony and gold licences in Slovakia. Sampling will be conducted at the Saturn gold project in Western Australia.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) had cash of £3.4m at the end of 2025. There was a cash outflow from operations of £2.62m and capital investment of £2.05m.
Marula Mining (MARU) has approved the budget and the mine development plan for the Tonto Tshipi and Derdepoort manganese mines in South Africa. Funding is being secured. The 2025 accounts should be audited by the end of July.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) had net assets of £16.3m at the end of 2025.
S-Ventures (SVEN) had net assets of £2.78m, including an investment in AIM-quoted Tooru valued at £3m.
Sports business VVV Sports (VVV) is raising up to £5m. Campana Investments has exercised warrants and that has already raised £1.2m this year. Net assets were £611,000 at the end of 2025.
Gledhow Investments (GDH) had net assets of £996,000at the end of March 2026.
Globe Capital (GCAP) has appointed AlbR Capital as broker. Net liabilities were £670,000 at the end of 2025.
Inqo Investments (INQO) increased full year revenues by 31% to R33.8m. The main investment is Kuzuko Lodge, which nearly doubled revenues.
BWA Group (BWAP) chief executive Peter Taylor bought 256,000 shares at 0.39p each and 238,000 shares at 0.42p each. He owns 5.65%.
JP JENKINS
On 15 May, the JP Jenkins index was 52.5 points higher at 1297.16. A reweighting was planned for the end of June.
AIM
Futura Medical (FUM) has terminated its US agreement with Haleon for erectile dysfunction treatment Eroxon because of disappointing sales. Futura Medical has waived the patent milestone and will receive a $1.9m termination fee. The US commercial rights will be returned, as well as being granted permission to use existing marketing materials. Market Performance Group will distribute Eroxon on a commission basis in the US from the beginning of September. The home tests results for WSD4000 showed that 79% of women reported a general improvement in all or most aspects of sex and three-quarters had increased interest in sex.
Decision intelligence software provider ActiveOps (AOM) grew full year revenues from £26.8m to £38m from a combination of organic growth and a nine month contribution from Enlighten. Net revenues retention was 119%, while annualised recurring revenues are £41.5m. Pre-tax profit increased from £1.3m to £2.4m. Cash was £23.8m at the end of March 2026. The $10m from the sale of the WorkIQ trademark to Microsoft was received after the year end.
Battery technology developer Ilika (IKA) has raised £5.1m at 28p/share and a retail offer could raise up to £500,000 more. This will help to finance the commercialisation of the Stereax technology, as well as providing further development funding for Goliath batteries.
Advanced materials and paper producer James Cropper (CRPR) has refinanced its debt, which will provide greater flexibility. This includes a new invoice discounting facility of up to £15m. A one-off pension funding charge of £600,000 has been agreed. The next valuation has been brought forward to March 2027.
Consumer products supplier Supreme (SUP) increased full year revenues by 17% to £270.2m, while underlying pre-tax profit fell from £32.4m to £31m, partly due to higher depreciation. Recent acquisitions helped drinks and wellness to grow, but electricals and household was hampered by poor batteries and lighting markets, although there was a contribution from 1001, which was acquired last year. Spending on acquisitions and new manufacturing facilities was more than covered by cash generation. Vaping product sales grew despite disruption from the banning of disposable vapes. There is uncertainty caused by the new vape duty based on volume of liquids. This comes into force in October.
River Global (RVRG) has issued D shares to the holders of the A shares. The D shares will be entitled to receive a distribution of Liontrust Asset Management shares issued for the sale of the fund management business. The company will retain some shares in Liontrust and more than £2m in cash to help fund annual running costs of £400,000. Rover Global will remain on AIM for the time being and will decide whether to seek a reverse takeover transaction. The remaining interest in Parmeni9on is estimated to be worth £75m-£90m.
Huddled Group (HUD) raised £1.24m at 0.4p/share via subscription and the retail offer at 0.4p/share was nearly three times subscribed and the online retailer decided to accept £200,000, which was double the amount sought. That takes the total raised to £1.51m. The cash will be spent on increasing stock levels and on marketing activity. Management believes that this should take the business to cash flow positive.
Mercantile Ports & Logistics (MPL) says the hearing before the National Company Law Tribunal relating to Karanja Terminal & Logistics has been adjourned. There will be a further hearing on 7 August. The port handled 1.2 million MT of cargo in 2025, compared to 1.33 million MT in the previous year. Net debt is £49.6m.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has entered a non-binding $20m royalty financing term sheet with Chancery Royalty, which would also subscribe £200,000 for shares at 8.5p each. This covers tailings at the Teck-Hughes project. This involves a proposed 5% net smelter royalty and 2% could be repurchased for $10m.
Cyber security services provider Shearwater Group (SWG) has secured a five-year contract extension with a UK telecoms client worth £25m over the period. This is for packet monitoring, forensic analysis and assurance services. There will be £12.5m recognised in 2025-26. However, cash will not be collected until after the year end. Net cash is likely to be lower than expected at £5.6m at the end of June 2026. Pre-tax profit is still forecast to rise from £600,000 to £1.1m.
Titon (TON) has acquired G-Pack Manufacturing for £1m. The business supplies injection moulded plastic components for windows and doors and revenues were £1.3m last year. Manufacturing will be moved in-house. The deal should be earnings enhancing in the first full financial year and will create cross selling opportunities.
Electronics and batteries supplier Solid State (SOLI) reported pre-tax profit 11% ahead of the Cavendish forecast at £8.6m. Revenues were 3% ahead at £154.1m, which was 23% higher than the previous year and gross margin improved. Net debt was £4.2m. The order book is worth £102.4m.
Plugin overdraft provider Fiinu (BANK) is taking a £7.3m write-down on the Everfex acquisition. There are arbitration claims against the sellers of Everfex. That write-down increases the 2025 loss to £10.4m. Conister Trust is set to launch Plugin Overdraft during the summer. Further discussions have been held with ten banks in Europe. Monthly burn rate is £220,000. Sami Kalliola is stepping down from the board but will still be involved in developing European white-label opportunities.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) says the trustees of it pension fund have agreed a £53m bulk annuity buy-in with Royal London. This removes the risk of the defined benefit scheme. The income stream matches obligations. A full buy out and wind up of the pension fund is possible within two years. No pension contributions have been made since 2023. If there is any surplus at the next valuation it would be paid to the company.
KR1 (KR1) generated income of £56,228 during May. NAV was 19.73p/share at the end of May.
Shell Acceler8 Ventures (AC8) is offering 2.6797 shares for each Intuitive Investments Group (IIG) share. At 80p each, this valued Intuitive Investments, which is recommending the bid, at £600m and its shareholders will own 99% of the company. This enables Intuitive Investments to move from the Specialist Fund Segment to the Main Market. This should help to attract investors.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) is accelerating exploration at the Harts Range heavy rare earths and niobium project. The Kings Cross prospect will be prioritised.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 23 March 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) reported flat interim revenues and pre-tax profit of £84.7m and £4.2m respectively. Net debt is £84.7m and a £1m share buyback is planned. The dividend has been raised 3% to 4.5p/share. NAV is 1234p/share. Pubs traded strongly and that offset lower brewing volumes, which fell 6.6% representing a slowdown in the rate of decline. Over 37 weeks the like-for-like growth in retail pub sales it 4.4%, while tenanted pubs are 3% ahead over 35 weeks. Panmure Liberum forecasts a full year pre-tax profit of £7.7m, rising to £8.4m next year.
Stack BTC (STAK) raised £1.9m at 10p/share, including £94,700 from a retail offer. The cash will be used to fund acquisitions and purchase of Bitcoin. AlbR has been appointed as joint corporate broker.
Biotech company Cardiogeni (CGNI) has agreed a deal where Kira Health Invest AG will acquire 67.5% of subsidiary Cell Therapy in return for a 32.5% shareholding in Kira’s hotels and wellness clinics subsidiary Lumen Clinics, which has assets of more than €100m. Kira will make available to Cell Therapy up to $25m to fund the cost of achieving market approval for heart failure medicine CLXR-001. This will fund a phase 2b clinical study and provide enough cash for three years. This funding would be difficult to obtain in current stockmarkets.
S-Ventures (SVEN) is raising up to £2m at 3.5p/share and invest in HDL, a drone technology business. HDL is developing hybrid unmanned aerial vehicles and intends to raise cash from investors to finance progress. S-Ventures will invest up to £1.5m and could take a board position.
Marula Mining (MARU) says assay results from the Kilifi manganese processing plant indicate the potential for a significant manganese grade uplift from processing from four areas.
Investors were disappointed with drilling news from Wishbone Gold (WSBN) concerning Red Setter project in Western Australia, which is near to the Telfer mine.
BWA Holdings (BWAP) had a cash outflow from operations of £99,500 in the six months to December 2025. There was £47,666 in cash at the end of 2025.
Patrick Chophard and Oliver Murphy have stepped down from the Ethtry (ETHY) board and Steve Winfield has returned as an executive director. Ethtry says it plans to “concentrate on building a scalable platform at the intersection of digital infrastructure and next-generation computing, with particular emphasis on opportunities across data centre infrastructure, artificial intelligence and emerging quantum technologies”. There is also an Ethereum treasury policy.
B HODL (HODL) has bought one Bitcoin for £53,363. The total holding is 163.487 Bitcoin at an average cost of £82,319 each.
Coinsilium (COIN) has completed a strategic investment in Singapore-based Predictive Labs. It spent $150,000 for a 5.52% stake and Coinsilium could subscribed for shares to increase it to 16.3%. Additional options could take the stake to 29.85%.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) says results of an independent laboratory evaluation of Sulnox Eco™ confirmed full compatibility across all fuels tested and showed performance benefits.
Zentra Group (ZNT) has earned a £350,000 fee for the sale of the One Heritage Tower site. The residential developer has entered into a relationship agreement with majority shareholder GKU.
IntelliAM (INT) has appointed Cavendish as corporate adviser and broker.
TechFinancials (TECH) is changing its name to Ubuntu Mining and Metals Inc.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has reduced its stake in Mendell Helium (MDH) from 6.5% to 4.69%. Mustapha and Maya El Khalil have a 7.46% shareholding in Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP).
Ajax Resources (AJAX) chief executive Ippolito Ingo Cattaneo bought 123,840 shares at 7.25p each and Richard Heyward acquired 33,172 shares at 7.536p each. BWA (BWAP) non-exec John Byfield bought 2.22 million shares at 0.225p each. VSA Capital (VSA) finance director Galin Ganchev bought an initial 32,833 shares at 3p each. Equipmake (EQIP) chairman Tim Metcalfe bought 682,730 shares at 1.245p each.
AIM
River Global (RVRG) plans to sell the asset management business it has built up to fully listed Liontrust Asset Management (LIO). The initial consideration will be £7.6m in Liontrust shares, followed by up to £2.1m shares depending on certain revenues being achieved. The deal will also release capital from the business. The Liontrust shares will be distributed to A share holders. The B shares are unaffected. The remaining interest will be a structured 30% interest in Parmenion, which is a high growth investment platform. Shareholders and the FCA have to approve the deal.
Pawnbroker Ramsdens Holdings (RFX) has published a second update in two months and it has sparked another forecast increase. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to be £24m, compared with £21.1m previously. Precious metals buying continues to boom with a 50% increase in volumes. Jewellery retail is 25% ahead, while pawnbroking is at record levels and forex is in line with expectations.
Africa-focused oil and gas company Afentra (AET), along with Sonangol and Etablissements Maurel & Prom S.A., is jointly acquiring Etu Energias’ 10% stake in block 3/05 and 13.33% stake in block 3/05A in Angola. Afentra will buy 3.33% and 3.66% of these bocks respectively. This will cost $15.2m, plus contingent consideration of up to $6.74m. The effective date of the transaction will be the end of 2023. Afentra has also launched a strategic review following bid approaches.
Retailer TheWorks.co.uk (WRKS) is closing its online channel and moving to a non-transactional website. Online is making a small and reducing contribution to revenues. There will be exceptional costs of £2m. There are plans to open more stores. Like-for-like growth has been 3.3% this year and the company expects to meet market EBITDA expectations of £11m, or £13.5m for continuing activities. Without the online loss, 2026-27 EBITDA has been upgraded from £12.7m to £15m.
Franchised lettings and property sales business The Property Franchise Group (LSE: TPFG) is well positioned for the Renters Rights bill coming into effect. In 2025, revenues were one-quarter higher at £84.3m. Organic growth was 9%. Underlying pre-tax profit improved from £22.3m to £31m, which was better than expected. Earnings jumped from 29.1p/share to 36.5p/share. Net debt has fallen to £2.3m and there will be net cash by the end of 2026.
Diagnostics developer and manufacturer Abingdon Health (ABDX) is benefiting from strong contract development revenues. Interim revenues were 44% higher at £4.5m. the loss was reduced from £2.6m to £2.3m. Capacity is being increased in North America, and this is helping to win new contracts. The full year loss is expected to fall from £3.2m to £1.7m.
Gaming technology and displays supplier Nexteq (NXQ) is diversifying its customer base and this helped when its major customer got taken over. Revenues improved 4% to $90.2m in 2025, while pre-tax profit fell by one-quarter to $3.6m. A further decline to $2m is expected this year, although the $25m cash pile could be used to acquire a business to boost profitability.
Payment services provider Boku (BOKU) increased 2025 revenues by 30% to $128.8m with the main growth coming from digital wallets and bundling. Active users are 31% higher at 114.4 million. Operating profit trebled to £18.9m. The company’s cash increased to £102.9m. The momentum is continuing. Boku intends to repurchase up to 4 million shares. Former boss Jon Prideaux is stepping down from the board.
Chemotherapy drugs developer CRISM Therapeutics (CRTX) has gained orphan drug designation from the US FDA for irinotecan for the treatment of malignant glioma. This utilises the company’s ChemoSeed technology, which is an implantable, biodegradable technology designed for the localised and sustained delivery of chemotherapy directly into cancer tissue. The orphan drug status will enhance the profile of the commercial development programme.
Strategic Minerals (SML) is raising £4.7m at 3.5p/share. A prominent international investor approached the company. The cash will be spent on the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper project in Cornwall. Following the fundraising, there was news concerning improvements in tungsten and silver recovery. Tungsten recovery is 85.8% and silver recovery is 58.7%. This will boost the forthcoming mineral resource estimate.
Cyber security services and software provider Shearwater Group (SWG) has grown interim revenues by 31% to £14m, but there was a loss. Contracts are being renewed and there is a good base for the second half. Net cash was £2.2m. Full year revenues are set to rise from £31.6m to £35.5m, and pre-tax profit is expected to be £1.1m.
Digital loyalty and promotions platform operator Eagle Eye (EYE) had a good first half and annualised recurring revenues were 3% ahead at £42.2m despite the loss of a major contract. There was a sharp decline in profit, but cash generated covered capital investment. The second half should mark the bottom for Eagle Eye before a strong bounce back next year. Pre-tax profit could slump to £900,000 this year before rebounding to £3m next year.
Retail software provider itim Group (ITIM) says 2025 revenues will be below 2024 levels at around £17.5m due to delays in contract wins. Former AIM-quoted retailer Quiz went into administration and that has increased the expected loss to £500,000. Cost savings could help itim breakeven in 2026 on limited growth in revenues.
Virgin Wines (VINO) is starting to see the benefits of its new strategy. There was a 40% increase in customers acquired in the first half and the new mobile app is yet to be fully launched. Interim revenues were 2% higher at £34.7m in a deteriorating market and growth has accelerated in the pre-Christmas period and accelerated further in January and February. Investment in the strategy led to a swing from profit to loss. Share buybacks continue.
Market research services provider Systems1 (SYS1) is trading in line with expectations and strong momentum has enabled a forecast upgrade for 2026-27. There have also been cost reductions. The current year forecast is maintained at £2.1m, down from £5.2m. A pre-tax profit of £4.5m is expected for 2026-27, up from £2.7m previously, based on unchanged revenues of £39.1m.
CPPGroup (CPP) says it has been told that it will not receive any of the potential $5m deferred consideration for its former business in India. CPPGroup is considering its options, but if it does not receive any cash it will have to raise funding within 12 months.
Concierge technology platform provider Ten Lifestyle (TENG) has increased first half EBITDA by 16% to £1m despite unfavourable foreign exchange movements. Active members are 23% higher at 436,000. Net cash is £9.3m.
Logistics Development Group (LDG) says 50.7%-owned WS Holdco has acquired transport and logistics business EV Cargo Solutions and Distribution. The combined business will have annual sales of more than £300m.
MAIN MARKET
Foam manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) is making strong progress and produced record results in 2025. Pre-tax profit improved from £15.6m to £21.2m. The OKC acquisition made a small initial contribution. There was growth in Europe and North America. Footwear volumes were strong, but they are expected to ease back this year. Transport and smart technologies provide growth potential. Aerospace volumes have been recovering. Construction has been weak but there is potential for recovery.
Panther Metals (PALM) has announced two batches of assay results for the Winston tailings project. The first results showed good grade consistency and were better than the preliminary results published last year. The second assay results also showed better results than the preliminary results.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) intends to accelerate activities at the NWQ copper project, including the Big One copper deposit where a mining lease is in the process of being obtained. There is a strong working capital position of A$2.62m with potential funding from grants and R&D rebates.
Singer Capital has initiated research on digital assets investor KR1 (KR1). The focus is increasing income to help the company to be self-funding and increasing exposure to Digital Asset Financial Infrastructure It set a 12-month target share price of 25p.
Nanoco (NANO) has entered a binding term sheet with Shoei to stay ongoing litigation with no compensation payable by either party. They will not sue each other for use of their respective quantum dot patents. A definitive agreement will be negotiated.
Taylor Maritime (TMIP) returned $143.4m to shareholders in February and plans to return at least $30m in the third quarter. Details should be published at the end of April. There will still be a regular quarterly dividend of 2 cents/share. The sale of a vessel raised $17m. The managed realisation of assets will continue.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 28 July 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) reported a slump in pre-tax profit from £20.8m to £10.9m, despite lower than expected impairments. The interim dividend was raised by 10% to 22p/share. NAV is 1649p/share. Shore has reduced its full year pre-tax profit forecast from £28.5m to £25.9m.
Gledhow Investments (GDH) has withdrawn the general meeting resolution to change the nominal value of the shares from 1p. The conversion price of convertible loan notes has been changed from 0.425p to 1p.
Watchstone Group (WTG) plans to gain approval for the reduction of the share premium account by £1m so £850,000 can be returned to shareholders, which is equivalent to 1.85p/share. The company will leave Aquis on 1 August.
Heart failure medicines developer Cardiogeni (CGNI) has generated £150,000 via an advanced subscription that will enable investors to subscribe for shares at a 25% discount to the price of the next funding round of more than £100,000. The cash may be used to gain an AIM quotation. A joint venture has been formed in UAE.
Coinsilium (COIN) has raised £5m from a placing at 6p/share and a retail offer raised the full £500,000 on offer, having received applications for four times that amount. The cash will be used for the Bitcoin treasury strategy.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says drilling has commenced at the Red Setter Gold Dome project in Western Australia.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has 1,825 Bitcoin that cost £146.9m. In the six months to April 2025, the company lost £720,000. This was before the flotation on Aquis and the money subsequently raised.
Vaultz Capital (V3TC) has added a further 20 Bitcoin taking the total to 70, which cost £5.79m. Recently appointed director Sarah Gow bought a further 100,000 shares at 10.39p each.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) has issued five million shares to AIM-quoted cybersecurity company Shearwater Group (SWG) in return for two exploration licences in Spain. The share price decreased 8% to 0.115p.
Amazing AI (AAI) chief executive Paul Mathieson bought 560,000 shares at 0.7p each.
NYCE International (NYCE) generated revenues of £104,000 in the quarter to June 2025. The loss was £159,000. The company has launched a new crypto advisory business focused on the igaming sector.
Supernova Digital (SOL) has sold 30 million shares in Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) to the company as part of the share buyback. Phoenix Digital Assets director Jonathan Hives sold 250,000 shares at 6.14p each.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) director Richard Heywood bought 203,061 shares at 4.9p each. He owns 2.59%.
Chris Akers has raised his stake in Global Connectivity (GCON) from 5.1% to 6.5%.
AIM
Ceramic brake technology developer Surface Transforms (SCE) says first half revenues are 72% ahead at £8.1m. Second half revenues could approach £10m. Production yields have improved to 77%. This is finally some good news. Production problems have held up progress despite significant orders. Gross cash was £1.2m at the end of June 2025, while there has been £9.8m drawn down from the available loan. Cash advances from customers are £12.9m. Zeus believes that at current production rates the company could reach EBITDA breakeven by the end of the year.
CPP Group (CPP) is selling its business in India for £15.7m, of which £11.8m is payable on completion. The rest is dependent on performance. Tax could be £2m. This means that CPP can concentrate on the Blink InsurTech platform, focused on travel disruption and cybsersecurity. The cash will accelerate investment and fund the restructuring of the group to cut costs. Blink has annual recurring revenues of £1.6m. Net cash was £8.1m at the end of June 2025.
Payments services provider Boku (BOKU) increased interim revenues by one-third to at least $63m, with the fastest growth coming from digital wallets. There was also the benefit of higher pricing for a client during a launch phase. Stripping that out, the growth was 27%. Own cash was 16% higher at $87m. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to be $33.8m.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) is raising £1.05m at 3p/share. The cash will help to advance the Teck Hughes mine gold tailings project and complete a mineral resource element, as well as environmental assessment. It will also fund the annual payment for the licence for the Extrakt technology that will be used to process tailings. There will be a partial repayment of £211,000 of a convertible loan note maturing on 31 July. The £445,000 left will be converted into shares at 3p each. Metals One (MET1) is making an investment of £175,000 as part of the Fulcrum Metals fundraising.
Manolete Partners (MANO) has come to an agreement over a truck cartel case and will receive £3.2m in cash this week. The settlement is 6.6 times the investment, but the book value of the claim was higher at £4m. The trial for the group of claims has been delayed until September 2026, so the immediate cash is attractive. The retained cases valuation is £10.3m. These types of cartel cases are not the core business.
Jangada Mines (JAN) has signed heads of term for the potential acquisition of 33.3% of MTGOLD MINERACAO, the owner of the Paranaita gold project in Brazil, with an option to increase the stake to 50.1%. The initial cost is £1m worth of shares and £250,000 in cash. Jangada Mines has raised £800,000 at 0.6p/share and directors are converting £350,000 of fees into shares at the same price. Paranaita has a measured, indicated and inferred gold resource of 210,000 ounces at a grade of 3.165g/t.
Broadcast technology supplier Pebble Beach Systems (PEB) increased interim revenues by 13% to £5.9m and margins have improved due to cost cutting. Order intake was one-third higher. Cavendish has raised its full year pre-tax profit forecast from £1.9m to £2.4m on maintained expected revenues of £11.5m.
Online gaming marketing services provider B90 (B90) revenues were accelerating during the first half. June was a record month. Flat operating costs mean that profit is improving. Zeus is maintaining its full year pre-tax profit forecast at €1m but believes that it could be better if the momentum continues.
Fire prevention fluids developer LifeSafe Holdings (LIFS) says first half revenues fell from £1.6m to £900,000 due to the change in sales model. There was also an unauthorised reseller on Amazon in the US. The loss increased. Management is hopeful of significant US orders in the second half. Cash was £140,000 at the end of June 2025.
Ground engineering contractor Van Elle (VANL) reported a 6% decline in revenues to £130.5m in the year to April 2025. Underlying pre-tax profit fell from £6.7m to £5.3m. The Canadian rail business is being discontinued.
Unilever has commissioned additional work from Aptamer Group (APTA) relating to the use of Optimers in deodorants. This will generate additional revenues under the existing agreement.
Personal Group Holdings (PGH) improved interim revenues by 11% to £23.3m and underlying EBITDA increased 41% to £5.5m. Full year pre-tax profit is still expected to rise from £6.8m to £8.1m. New insurance sales grew, and June was a record month. The SaaS benefits platform has annualised recurring revenues of £6.9m. Net cash was £26.9m at the end of June 2025 and around £17m would be available for acquisitions.
Iron replacement treatment provider Shield Therapeutics (STX) had a strong second quarter with revenues of $12.8m doubled the previous quarter. This means it is on track to reach cash flow positive by the end of the year. Cash was $10.8m at the end of June 2025.
MAIN MARKET
BATM (BVC) has sold three non-core businesses, and it will focus on networks, cyber and diagnostics. Two of the businesses were loss-making. The sale of a 51% stake in Progenetics was also completed. The sales generated $2.4m. Other non-core businesses may be sold.
Fintech software provider Aptitude Software (APTD) increased annual recurring revenues by 3% to £49.8m. Core products growth is offsetting loss of business from legacy software. Interim operating profit will grow in double digits. The exchange ate is hampering revenues and some opportunities have been deferred.
Hamak Gold (HAMA) says the joint venture has commenced drilling at the Nimba project in Liberia. The company will receive 100 million shares in joint venture partner First Au and A$250,000 in cash at the beginning of August, subject to shareholder approval, for the 35% stake.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 14 July 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
TechFinancials (TECH) has entered into an agreement to potentially acquire a 60% stake in the Dilotiko high-grade iron ore project in Kenya. The mining permit application is going through final evaluation. There has been historical exploration. This could be an open pit mine with a 20 year life. TechFinancials is issuing 20 million shares at a deemed share price of 0.25p for an option to acquire 60% of Dikotiko. Then, within 60 days 80 million shares, depending on the price will be issued to acquire 25% of project owner Dilotiko Ltd. Further shares will be issued to take the stake in the project to 60%. The deal was introduced by Gathoni Muchai Investment Company, which can appoint two directors to the TechFinancials board following the formal acquisition. The firm will also underwrite a placing to raise £250,000 at 0.25p/share.
Zentra (ZNT) intends to transfer to the newly launched Aquis Real Asset Market. Zentra has completed the acquisition of a site on Old Mill Street in Manchester for £1.425m. The former car park is near a tram stop.
Broker VSA Capital (VSA) returned to profit in the year to March 2025 as revenues rose from £1.89m to £2.78m. A small loss was reported, but that was due to the amortisation charge of £330,000. Underlying pre-tax profit was £323,000. There was £537,000 in the bank at the end of March 2025. The number of retained clients increased from 27 to 30.
AI technology developer IntelliAM AI (INT) generated pro forma revenue of £3.92m in the year to March 2025. Annual recurring revenues are £810,000 and it is expected to grow to £2m by next March. There is cash of £2m.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) increased the size of its fundraising from £375,000 to £450,000, still at 1.125p/share.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) raised a further £10.3m at 325p/share, which follows the previous placing raising £22.9m at 327p/share earlier in the week. The company currently owns 1,275 Bitcoin at a total cost of £100.1m. There is £31m left to be invested. In the past 30 days there has been a Bitcoin yield of 497% on its treasury holding.
Vaultz Capital (V3TC) director Neil Ritson has left the board. The company has submitted an application to commence share trading on the OTCQB Venture Market in the US. Bryan Reid has built up a near-11% stake.
Coinsilium (COIN) ay that its Forza! subsidiary holds 86.67 Bitcoin. Shareholder agreement to the issue of new shares will enable further investment. Trading activity in the shares has increased.
Ajax Resources (AJAX), which moved from the Main Market, plans to list on Euronext Growth Oslo. The second closing of the company’s subscription by 25 July. An Environmental Impact Study has been submitted for the Eureka copper and gold project in Argentina.
Oscillate (MUSH) has made a non-refundable payment of £500,000 to Kalahari Copper for the acquisition of a subsidiary holding the rights to the Daisu copper and silver prospects in Botswana.
Richmond Hill Resources (SHNJ) has modified terms for the purchase of Three Mile Beach with the long stop date extended until 15 October.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has applied for 12 exploration tenements near to the Red Setter gold dome project. They are also close to the Telfer gold mine operated by Greatland Resources (GGP).
Inqo Investments (INQO) has appointed Bowsprit Partners as corporate adviser.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) director James Richardson has acquired 10,350 shares at 600p each.
JP JENKINS
Computational biological data analysis business e-therapeutics (ETX) has made progress with lead candidate, ETX-312, a GalOmic siRNA therapy for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The doses administered in a trial were not toxic.
Sports consultancy and data analysis company 4GLOBAL (4GBL) started trading on JP Jenkins on 8 July.
The JP Jenkins index of the 15 largest companies on the platform rose 0.96% to 1063.19 in the month to 7 July.
AIM
Water and energy efficiency technology services provide Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) says revenues will be lower than expected for the year to January 2025, but pre-tax profit will be in line with forecasts. Revenues of £81m were forecast but the outcome is going to be £63m. A £7m project substantially completed last year is recognised as accrued revenues. There have been delays in the receipt of payments and further deferral of projects in the current year. This has led to the requirement for additional funding. The disposal of a non-core business should raise £1m. Subsidiary Cenergist has been placed in administration due to an adverse adjudication. Trading in the shares has been suspended because of the financial uncertainty.
Executive search firm Norman Broadbent (NBB) reports interim net fee income up by one-third to £6m. This is helped by the rise in the average fee per mandate. Underlying EBITDA is more than £750,000. The company has moved into a net cash position of £200,000. Third quarter contracted revenues have increased.
Begbies Traynor (BEG) has launched a buyback of up to one million shares on the back of its full year results announcement. This shows the confidence in cash generation. Pre-tax profit was 7% ahead at £23.5m. Net cash was £900,000 at the end of April 2025. Total future earn out payments are £12.2m. Insolvencies remain relatively high compared with recent years. Growth is offsetting the increases in costs. There are headwinds for property advisory. Pre-tax profit could rise to £24.2m this year without further acquisitions.
IT training company Northcoders (CODE) warns that there is limited visibility on government funding of regional training. Some regions have not even launched tenders for the training. Northcoders has a good reputation but cannot guarantee how much business it will win. This makes revenues unpredictable for the full year and Zeus has withdrawn its forecasts. Fixed costs are being reduced.
Plastic products supplier Coral Products (CRU) says full year sales will be slightly lower at £30.5m, but profit will be much better than expected. Cash was £750,000 at the end of April 2025. This year profitability is significantly better than anticipated and there will be an initial contribution from Arrow Film Converters.
Premier Miton (PMI) reported a small decline in assets under management to £10.5bn at the end of June 2025. There was a positive performance over the latest quarter and outflows were lower. After the period end a new $50m mandate was gained.
Jarvis Securities (JIM) has confirmed the sale of its execution-only broker business to Interactive Investor. The initial £9m will be paid shortly and the other £2m deferred for up to 18 months. The settlement business is being wound down and the company will become a shell.
CML Microsystems (CML) has secured a 12-year design and supply agreement with a leading manufacturer of industrial Global Navigation Satellite System equipment. This deal will be worth more than $30m. Shore Capital is still not providing forecasts for this year because of the underlying uncertainty.
Data analysis software provider Celebrus Technologies (CLBS) reported a rise in full year pre-tax profit from $7.4m to $8.4m, although it is likely to be loss making this year. That is du to the switch to a subscription model.
Cybersecurity services provider Shearwater (SWG) issued a positive trading statement. The pre-tax profit forecast was raised from £400,000 to £600,000 and the 2025-26 figure is maintained at £1.1m.
Foreign exchange services provider Finseta (FIN) says interim revenues rose 16% to £5.9m and the number of customers has risen to 1,101. Corporate client generated the majority of revenues. Finseta had already warned that profit would be lower this year due to investment in expansion and there was a slump in the first half. Net cash was £400,000 at the end of June 2025. A stronger second half is expected.
Professional services firm DSW Capital (DSW) had a strong end to the financial year and expects M&A business to be much less important this year. Pre-tax profit was flat at £1.4m. Revenues were higher, partly due to direct solicitors rather than franchise business. Two-thirds of revenues came from M&A, and this will fall to one-third this year.
Futura Medical (FUM) is replacing James Bader as chief executive after disappointing sales o of its main erectile dysfunction product Eroxon. Jeff Needham is also leaving the board. Alex Duggan will become interim chief executive.
Security services provider Westminster Group (WSG) has secured a £500,000 credit facility from Pantheon A Family Office Ltd, which is already a shareholder. There is no interest charge on draw downs and an existing convertible, but the conversion price has been cut from 3p to 2p.
Petro Matad (MATD) has raised £2.84m at 0.8p/share – more than expected – and could raise a further £500,000 from a retail offer. The cash will be invested in lower cost power generation.
Active Energy Group (AEG) has closed a substantially oversubscribed placing raising £346,180. The biomass-based renewable energy technology developer will use the cash for working capital. The company is evaluating a digital assets strategy for its treasury management. A proportion of the fundraising is likely to be invested in Bitcoin and other digital assets.
MAIN MARKET
Motor dealer software provider Pinewood Technologies (PINE) has bought contracts from its South African reseller. The purchase price is £2.5m and this deal includes taking on employees. BSFA
Online travel hostel agency Hostelworld (HSW) says interim revenues were flat at €46.1m and profit will be lower. Reduced bed prices have led to improved demand. Direct marketing costs have risen, holding back profit. Net cash is €6.1m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 2 December 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Incanthera (INC) has been accused of potential patent infringement in the formulation of its Skin + Cell skincare range. Even though Incanthera believes that there is no merit to the accusation, but the launch of the Skin + Cell range of products has been delayed. There is cash in the bank following a £2.6m subscription at 15p/share.
WeCap (WCAP) has converted £7.75m of loan notes in WeShop Holdings in return for 3.21 million shares, which is 1.33 million shares at 300p each and 1.875 million shares at 200p each. This increases the shareholding to 16.2%, including shares owned by 235%-owned Community Social Investments. WeCap says that the value of the shareholding is £24.6m, based on the last fundraising share price of 476p. WeCao has extended the discounted capital bond issued to Hawk Holdings for 18 months. The total owed is £6.18m.
Electric vehicle technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) increased full year revenues by three-fifths to £8.1m. Bus repowering revenues grew fastest, but this is labour intensive at low volumes. The loss increased from £5m to £9.1m. The cash outflow from operations declined from £9m to £6.29m. Costs are being reduced. There was £2.5m in the bank at the end of May 2024. A potential licensing agreement could provide cash flow over the next two years.
Water sector installation works provider Field Systems Design Holdings (FSD) improved annual revenues from £13.8m to £17.8m, with a small contribution from power generation. This enabled pre-tax profit to increase from £287,000 to £490,000. There was £2.59m in the bank at the end of May 2024.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 57.79p/share at the end of October 2024, down from 62.15p/share at the end of the previous month. There was nearly £600,000 of income generated from digital assets during the month.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) reported a fall in the full year cash outflow from operating activities from £171,000 to £55,000. Net debt is £86,000 at the end of June 2024. The sae of assets has raised $150,000, as well as a R and D tax inflow of A$173,000.
Inqo Investments (INQO) reported full year revenues improving from R7.37m to R8.2m. There was a movement from loss to profit.
Essentially Group (ESSN) has terminated its retainer with broker Clear Capital Markets.
In the year to June 2024, there was a cash outflow from operating activities of £375,000 at BWA (BWAP). Further exploration drilling is underway at Dehane and sample analysis results should be available in the near future. Chairman Jonathan Wearing has subscribed for 40 million shares at 0.5p each.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has appointed Fuelonomics Hydrocarbons Innovations as distributor of SulNOxEco fuel conditioners in Nigeria.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has received the initial order of Bitcoin miners and they are up and running in Nebraska.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) chairman and chief executive Sir Henry Angest has bought 116,000 shares at 900p each. He owns 58% of the voting shares. Barry Hersh has reduced his stake in Global Connectivity (GCON) from 6.97% to 5.96%. Newbury Racecourse (NYR) chairman Dominic Burke has bought 7,500 shares at 540p each.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has appointed Tony Moore as chairman and Jack Sun as finance director. Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has hired Adam Howard as finance director. He was previously at the National Walth Fund.
AIM
Frasers Group has taken a 6.4% stake in electricals retailer Marks Electrical (MRK). Frasers has a record of taking stakes in other retailers and it also has shareholdings in AO World and Currys. Canaccord Genuity has reduced its stake from 5.24% to 2.4%. Founder Mark Smithson still owns 73.8%. Rockwood Strategic (RKW) has built up a 4.54% stake in Kooth (KOO). This follows Canaccrd Genuity cutting its stake from 8.97% to 3.38%. River Global Investors recently nearly doubled its stake to 10.1%.
Bars operator Loungers (LGRS) has agreed a 310p/share cash bid from Fortress Investment, which values it at £338.3m. Irrevocable acceptances are 40.2%. Singer does not believe that this fully values the business and thinks 375p/share is a fairer value. Interim pre-tax profit grew 51% to £5.95m, while net debt was £12.2m. Like-for-like growth in revenues has been 3.9% so far in the third quarter.
Rare books dealer Scholium (SCHO) intends to leave AIM and believes this will save at least £75,000/year. In the six months to September 2024, underlying pre-tax profit improved from £43,000 to £221,000 on revenues that improved 30% to £4.97m. A matched bargain facility will be provided by JP Jenkins. The AIM cancellation is likely to be on 6 January. NAV is 74.6p/share.
In the six months to September 2024, TPXimpact (TPX) revenues fell from £41.6m to £37.8m, but underlying pre-tax profit improved from £600,000 to £1.1m. Most of the benefits from £3m of annualised cost savings will come through in the second half and next year. Net debt is £7.9m. The forecast 2024-25 revenues are already more than 90% underpinned by the current order book. Pre-tax profit should improve from £1.8m to £5.5m.
Trading at sustainable wood materials supplier Accsys Technologies (AXS) improved in the first half and full year figures will be better than expected. Interim revenues were 1% higher at €72.2m and there is also an initial contribution from the US joint venture of €1.9m. Arnhem plant volumes grew 5%. Underlying EBITDA rose from €1.6m to €4m. There was an exceptional charge of €20.8m due to the winding up of the Hull plant and the share of the joint venture loss jumped from €1.2m to €6.1m. Net debt was €40.2m at the end of September 2024. Full year EBITDA of €10m is forecast.
Gift wrap supplier IG Design (IGR) reported an 11% decline in interim revenues to $393.1m with North America still a problem area. Elsewhere, revenues fell at a slower rate. Stationery and party-related sales both fell by more than one-fifth. Higher sourcing and freight costs hit gross margins and there was a knock-on effect on operating margins. Pre-tax profit was 62% lower at $13.3m. The second half is the most important part of the year and even though full year revenues are set to fall, pre-tax profit is still forecast to improve from $25.9m to $32.7m.
Helix Exploration (HEX) reports that the Amsden formation at the Clink#1 well in the Ingomar Dome in Montana has sub-economic grades of helium. Amsden was always thought to be a small proportion of the potential resource. The more important Flathead formation at the same well had 2.5% helium. The company believes that there could be helium below the Amsden formation and there will be appraisal testing of the Charles formation.
Strix (KETL) says that the kettle controls market has weakened, particularly in higher margin markets in the UK and Germany. The positive signs in the first half did not continue. This is due to poor consumer confidence, while there are also cost pressures. Zeus has reduced its 2024 pre-tax profit forecast from £23.6m to £17.5m.
Nativo Resources (NTVO) owns 50% of Boku Resources, which owns the Tesoro gold mine. Boku has entered an agreement to sell vein material from the Bonanza mine to a local processing plant. It will receive the spot price minus 20-30%. Production is about to be built up and the cash from the deal will help to finance this.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) is placing its main subsidiary 3radical into administration after it failed to raise additional cash. The fall in the share price and apparent lack of liquidity before trading was suspended meant that the digital media business could not gain funding.
i-nexus Global (INX) intends to leave AIM. The cloud-based software provider says poor share price performance and liquidity has led to the proposal. There should be direct cost savings of £250,000. The business has been consistently loss making. There is a three-year growth plan. i-nexus Global raised £10m at 79p/share when it joined AIM in June 2018. The cancellation will happen on 27 December if shareholders agree.
Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) announced a maiden JORC compliant mineral resource estimate for the quicklime project in Zambia. This shows a near-doubling of the resource tonnes compared with the 2017 estimate. There is 145.2Mt at 95.7% CaCO3, including 11.8Mt in the measured category. This could provide more than 50 years of production. There is growing demand from copper and industrial clients.
Ultrasound simulators developer Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG) has court approval for the capital reorganisation that will allow distribution of cash generated by the AI technology sale. There is £39.6m in the bank. Ultrasound revenues have fallen from £8.4m to £7.4m in the period to 22 November. The rate of decline has slowed in the second half.
Mercia Asset Management (MERC) has unchanged NAV of 43.4p/share at the end of September 2024. Income more than covered costs before any investment valuation movements. The interim dividend is 0.37p/share, up 6%, and there is £46m in cash on the balance sheet. The strategy is to grow assets under management to £3bn, from the current level of £1.8bn.
In the six months to September 2024, Cloud-based services provider Iomart (LSE: IOM) reported flat revenues of £62m, with a like-for-like decline when acquisitions are excluded, and a slump in pre-tax profit from £7.6m to £4.3m. The dividend has been reduced from 1.94p/share to 1.3p/share due to the lower earnings. The £57m purchase of Atech broadens the range of services provided and deepens the relationship with Microsoft. Atech provides fully managed and security services for mid-market business and enterprise customers. Net debt was £29.8m, but it is expected to rise to £79m in March 2025 following the payment for Atech.
In the six months to September 2024, thermal insulation and acoustic material manufacturer Autins Group (AUTG) was hit by a 17% drop in revenues, but gross margins improved. Underlying EBITDA fell 46% to £400,000. Net debt is £1.18m but there are more than £3m of available borrowing facilities.
Building services provider Northern Bear (NTBR) interims show a small improvement in revenues from £36.9m to £37.6m, but higher overheads meant that pre-tax profit dipped from £1.68m to £1.54m, although this was slightly better than expected. There was an operational cash inflow of £2.2m. Net debt is £1.4m. Hybridan forecasts a dip in full year pre-tax profit from £2.14m to £1.84m, although there is potential for an upgrade.
Cyber security services provider Shearwater (SWG) improved interim revenues by 8% to £11.3m and it is on course to be profitable for the full year. There has been an increase in demand for on-premises cyber security, which Shearwater can provide. Net cash should be £6.8m at the end of March 2025.
Quadrise (QED) has signed two long-awaited agreements. The deal with shipping company MSC and Cargill involves production of bioMSAR and MSAR fuels in Antwerp and will enable vessel trials on board the MSC Leandra. Cargill will supply feedstocks and sell the fuels to MSC. The trial should start in the first quarter of 2025. There is also an agreement with fuel supplier Auramarine to develop decarbonisation products in the marine sector. They will enable companies to comply with new environmental regulations.
Oracle Power (ORCP) has received the final batch of assay results for the drilling at the Northern Zone intrusive hosted gold project. These show high grades over an expanded area. A mineralisation report is expected by the end of November and then a mining lease application will be submitted. Cantor Fitzgerald has reduced its stake, and Mahfuz Chowdhury has taken a 3.72% shareholding.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) says revenues in the 10 months to October 2024 are 4% lower. This represents a steady performance in current markets with new business being won. Net dent is £4.7m. National Insurance and other budget measures will cost £1.5m/year.
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) reported a decline in NAV from 96.2p/share to 93.96p/share over the first quarter to September 2024. A foreign exchange loss offset gains. The S/£ exchange rate has strengthened, and the value of the portfolio has increased by more than the first quarter loss. Shares in NASDAQ-listed AST SpaceMobile more than doubled in value during the period. There was £24.9m in the bank.
Cardiff Property (CDFF) grew NAV from 2844p/share to 2931p/share. The dividend was raised from 22p/share to 23.5p/share. Net cash was £2m at the end of September 2024.
Motor dealer Caffyns (CFYN) improved interim underlying pre-tax profit from £259,000 to £452,000. The interim dividend is maintained at 5p/share. Net debt is £11.5m. There is £38.4m of property in the balance sheet at book value and there is unrecognised surplus of more than £10m on top of that. Caffyns is selling a property in Lewes for an amount that exceeds one-quarter of the company’s market capitalisation of £12.3m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 27 November 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Guanajuato Silver (GSVR) produced 787,086 ounces of silver equivalent and the loss fell by one-fifth to $7m when compared with the second quarter. The all-in sustaining cost increased to $26.22/ounce due to changes in mining and temporary closures.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) generated 78% IRR combined from two exits. There were £220,000 of realised gains in the nine months to September 2023. There is £430,000 of cash on the balance sheet. NAV is 112p/share.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has teamed up with Luxor Technology Corp to improve its bitcoin mining operating efficiency. Luxor’s firmware improves mining margins when profitability is low and can increase a machine’s hashrate when profitability is higher.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has secured an option to acquire 100% of the Crescent East lithium and gold project in the Mosquito Creek area of Western Australia. Shares were issued at 1.25p each to pay the £25,000 option fee.
Fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of drop-in fuel conditioner SulNOxEco in the shipping sector. Monaco-based dry-bulk ship management company Marfin Management trialled the additive onboard a 60,000 MT DWT bulk carrier over a three-month period. This showed improvements in fuel consumption.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says investee company Hastings Technology Metals has agreed a $50m equity funding facility for the Yangibana rare earths project. Hastings Technology Metals can draw down up to $50m from Alpha Investment Partners to provide working capital for the development of the mine. Project financing talks are progressing and there have been offers from potential partners and debt providers. Cadence Minerals has a 1.4% stake in the investee company.
Steve Xerri, who owns 4.81%, has been appointed as an executive director of Oscillate (MUSH) and he intends to focus on special situations either through individual investments or via a reverse takeover.
One Health Group (OHG) has gained two new contracts with NHS Trusts. One is to supply orthopaedic services and the other is for orthopaedic and gynaecology services. They will help to reduce waiting lists.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) says Sproutly Canada has completed due diligence on the acquisition of the company’s global cannabis-related assets in return for 49% of the enlarged share capital of Sproutly Canada. The effective valuation is likely to be around £4.2m. Regulatory approvals are required.
Kasei Holdings (KASH) has a digital asset portfolio worth $2.07m at the end of October 2023.
EDX Medical (EDX) has entered into a collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific. They will jointly develop and commercialise cancer diagnostics.
Looking Glass Labs (NFTX) has raised $1m at $0.10/unit – one share and one warrant exercisable at $0.10/share. A further ten million units have been swapped for $1m of debt. Further sources of finance are being sought.
Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) has appointed VSA Capital as corporate adviser, while Pharma C (PCIL) has appointed First Sentinel as its corporate adviser.
Res Privata NV has increased its stake in NFT Investments (NFT) from 3.33% to 4.09%.
AIM
Telecoms enterprise software provider Cerillion (LON:CER) grew strongly last year, while the rate of growth might slow this year it is still likely to make good progress given the recent €12.4m contract win. In the year to September 2023, revenues were one-fifth higher at £39.2m, while underlying pre-tax profit was two-fifths ahead at £16.8m, helped by a reduction in impairment charges from £1.77m to £256,000. The growth has come from software with a dip in services revenues. Net cash reached £24.7m at the end of September 2023. The dividend has been raised from 9.1p/share to 11.3p/share.
Light Science Technologies (LST) is acquiring the Injecta Fire Barrier trade and assets from Fire Barrier International. The Injectaclad product expands when heated and prevents the spread of fire and smoke. There is no initial payment with consideration in the form of a deferred profit share agreement. The deal should be earnings enhancing and generate cash. There are maintenance and installation synergies with the contract electronics subsidiary. The cash generated will help to finance the growth of the group.
Video games developer Team17 Group (TM17) says 2023 trading is slightly better than expected, although some titles are not performing as well as anticipated and that has hit margins. There has also been overspending and delays on some development projects. That means that underlying EBITDA will be around one-sixth lower than forecast at around £40m. Some titles are being reassessed and that is likely to lead to impairment charges of up to £11.5m.
Parity (PTY) announced the sale of its remaining business yesterday afternoon. It will become a cash shell. Parity will receive up to £3m depending on working capital adjustments for recruitment business Parity Professionals. The deal costs will be £240,000. There will be £639,000 including costs spent to settle the pension liability and finance the search for an alternative business. The company will change its name to Partway.
Velocys (VLS) is the worst performer on the day after the sustainable fuels company said that there is a potential bid at 0.25p/share from a consortium including Lightrock and Carbon Direct Capital Management. This would ensure long-term funding of the business. The low share price makes it difficult to finance the sustainable fuels operations. The share price dived 63.7% to 0.25p, which values Velocys at £4.5m. A large multiple of that value needs to be raised to fund development and production. Interim funding will be required.
musicMagpie (MMAG) is in bid talks with BT Group (BT.A) and asset manager Aurelius. The talks are at an early stage.
Cyber software and services provider Shearwater Group (SWG) appears set to return to profit this year. The core software businesses have been integrated, as have two of the three consultancy businesses. In the six months to September 2023, revenues dipped from £10.8m to £10.5m. That was due to much lower software revenues. Even so, gross profit improved and, stripping out amortisation and exceptionals, the underlying loss reduced £493,000 to £93,000. That is before restructuring costs. The cost savings will show through in the second half.
Telecoms testing instrumentation supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) has been hit by a reduction in spending by telecoms companies. In the six months to September 2023, revenues slumped from £12.7m to £7.8m and the company moved from a pre-tax profit of £3.1m to a loss of £600,000. Trading did not pick up in September as is normally the case. Non-telecoms revenues make up one-quarter of total revenues. The cost base is being kept steady in expectation of a recovery, even though that may not be until the next financial year. There is £13.5m in the bank.
There were no revenues from systems in the first half at SRT Marine Systems (SRT), but that will change in the second half when transceivers revenues will be well below the systems contribution as work on contracts reaches points where revenues can be invoiced and recognised. Interim revenues fell from £18.8m to £5.5m, although transceivers revenues were higher. Last year’s loss could be turned into a £7.2m profit this year.
Battery technology developer Ilika (IKA) has achieved its D4 development point for the Goliath battery. This is the start of turning the development into a battery product. Ilika will be able to create P1 samples for testing by customers. At the end of the week, Ilika confirmed that its interims will be in line with expectations with revenues of £1.3m and there is £13.2m in cash left.
Neometals (NMT) has completed the A$9m from a placing at 10p/share and wants to raise a further £6.8m from a one-for-eight entitlement offer. The cash will fund the development of the nickel, cobalt, lithium recycling business Primobius, including the delivery of a facility to Mercedes Benz, and potentially to purchase a stake in Canadian licensee Stelco.
Empire Metals (EEE) has released initial results for the first diamond drillhole at the Pitfield project in Western Australia. This shows significant grades of titanium oxide. There will be results from two more diamond drilling holes in the coming weeks. A further 6,000 metres of drilling is planned with more likely early next year. Copper is still potentially in the area as well.
Interim figures from diagnostics company Cambridge Nutritional Sciences (CNSL) showed the benefits of concentrating on its core personalised health and nutrition business. Revenues rose 44% to £4.9m and the loss was reduced. Production problems have been sorted out. There was strong growth in North America as management puts more resources into the region. A small full year loss is expected.
Lifestyle concierge services provider Ten Lifestyle (TENG) has moved into profit for the first time. It swung from a loss of £2.7m to a pre-tax profit of £3.2m thanks to economies of scale. There was also a tax credit recognised due to past tax losses. Investment in its digital platform and the international spread of business is helping Ten Lifestyle. New contract wins will help to increase this year’s pre-tax profit to £3.9m, according to Singer.
Gold explorer Oriole Resources (ORR) has announced heads of terms with contractor BCM International for the development of the Bibemi and Mbe gold projects in Ghana. BCM can earn up to 50% of the Bibemi project by making a cash payment of $500,000 and commit to spend $4m on the project. BCM will pay $1m in cash and spend a further $4m to earn a 50% stake in Mbe project.
Mercia Asset Management (MERC) has exited one of its older investments, raising £30.2m – a 2.7 times return on invested capital. Virtual reality games developer nDreams has been acquired by Aonic for £90.3m. This was Merica Asset Management’s largest investment and £3.8m of the proceeds are being reinvested in Aonic. The consideration was 17.5% ahead of the March 2023 valuation.
Duke Royalty (DUKE) generated a 17% increase in recurring cash revenues to £12.2m with a 35% increase in all cash revenues to £14.1m. During the period, Duke Royalty made one of its biggest initial investments in glass architectural products supplier Glasshouse Products. The $11.5m investment is backing a member of the original founding family buying back the business.
Maritime AI provider Windward (WNWD) has signed a five-year contract with a European national coastguard that is valued at €3.2m. The cash is expected to be paid upfront, while annual contract value will be increased by $700,000/year.
MAIN MARKET
Structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) reported lower interim revenues, but a higher profit. In the six months to September 2023, revenues were 8% lower at £215.3m, but underlying pre-tax profit improved 17% to £14.2m. This includes an unchanged contribution of £600,000 from the India joint venture, while the modular products business made a maiden profit. The interim dividend was raised 8% to 1.4p/share. The UK and Europe order book is worth £482m, even though the £50m contract for Hertfordshire-based film studio Sunset Studios has been delayed.
Standard list shell Tertre Rouge Assets (TRE) is attempting to raise up to £50m to buy rare cars and acquire cash generative businesses involved in supercar events. Around £30m is set to be invested in a range of cars that have already been identified. They are worth between £1m and £10m. The plan is to generate gains on these investments -15% annual returns are targeted – while hiring them out to photoshoots and other income generating activities to cover overheads. The Run To Group Ltd, which organises supercar adventures to the Monaco Grand Prix, will also be acquired and management will remain with the business. The group’s board of directors includes racing drivers and business men and they can expand this business and others. There will be cash left over to buy other companies.
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) says lower volumes and prices meant that revenues fell 2% in the nine months to September 2023. New customers are being attracted and this will help future volumes. Margins are increasing.
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) improved its NAV to 96.5p/share at the end of September 2023. That was helped by positive currency movements and a small uplift in valuations, predominantly due to a fundraising by an investee company.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 28 August 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Pharma C Investments (PCIL) has received a general meeting requisition from one of its shareholders. The directors are reviewing the request.
Technology marketing start-up Inteliqo (IQO) generated income of more than $400,000 and pre-tax profit of $250,000 from the distribution rights of the Langaroo app, which has still to be launched on Google Play and the Apple app store.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) has realised one of the five investments it took on from Chelverton Asset Management. Qualification Check B shares were bought by a trade buyer, and this will generate fees that will be shared by Macaulay Capital and Chelverton Asset Management. The net amount receivable by Macaulay Capital is £212,000.
Guanajuato Silver Company (GSVR) generated record production of 941,338 silver equivalent ounces in the second quarter and all-in sustaining cost was $22.47/ounce. Realised prices improved on the previous quarter. There was a small dip in net loss of $8.5m. Drill results from the Topia mine in Durango, Mexico have been promising.
Capital for Colleagues (LON: CFCP) investee company Bright Ascension provides software for the space sector, and it has been selected to lead onboard and ground software development for the three-year OS2-VOLT mission. This OS2-VOLT mission is being led by another investee company, Craft Prospect.
Marula Mining (MARU) has moved to the Apex section of the market. The construction of the initial modular processing plant for the Kinusi copper mine has been completed and is ready for transportation and commissioning.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) raised £50,000 at 0.75p/share.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) chief executive Eddy Travia bought 1.5 million shares at 1.25p each.
Andrew Offit has taken a 4.77% stake in AQRU (AQRU).
AIM
Education software and services provider Tribal (TRB) reported a 2% increase in interim revenues even though the NTU project has been cancelled. Annualised recurring revenues are 3% ahead at £51.9m. The NTU project is still the subject of dispute, but there will be no more non-legal costs. The second half is expected to be better and pre-tax profit is forecast to recover from £3.7m to £9.1m.
Loyalty technology provider Eagle Eye (EYE) has revealed that a previously announced three-year contract is with department stores operator Hudson Bay Company, which was formed in the seventeenth century and who’s backers included Prince Rupert. Hudson Bay Company will relaunch its digital loyalty programme using Eagle Eye technology.
Fulcrum Utility Services (FCRM) intends to seek shareholder approval to leave AIM. This announcement followed the release of full year figures showing an increased loss. The utility infrastructure business reported a £25.7m loss on a 18% decrease in revenues to £50.6m. Even excluding write-downs and restructuring charges there was a loss.
Compliance and maintenance services provider Kinovo (KINO) revealed a non-binding bid approach from Rx3 Holdings, which the bid target said was at 56p/share. Management says that the offer is at the lower end of board expectations. Rx3 has confirmed that the offer price will be at least 40p/share, because 29.9% shareholder Tipacs2 Ltd recently bought shares at that price from Western Selection (WESP).
Wellhead equipment supplier Plexus Holdings (POS) says a £5m rental contract for POS-GROP HG wellhead equipment and sealing technology announced in March has been increased in value to £8m. These revenues will be recognised in the year to June 2024, which should enable Plexus to move into profit. The 2021-22 revenues were £2.31m and they are expected to decline in 2022-23.
Bivictrix Therapeutics (BVX) has been granted a US patent for lead asset BVX001 and it expects to gain a Japanese patent in a few weeks. BVX001 is an antibody drug conjugate than targets leukaemia.
Cake Box (CBOX) reported like-for-like sales growth of 6.8% in the first 17 weeks of the financial year. That represents an acceleration of growth in recent weeks as marketing is stepped up. There are 212 outlets with scope for more. After paying the final dividend there is £6m in the bank.
Redx Pharma (REDX) says zelasudil (RXC007), an oral, selective Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 2 (ROCK2) inhibitor, has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for the potential treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The treatment is being used in a phase 2a clinical study for IPF and data is expected in the first quarter of next year. IPF is a disease of the lungs which progressively causes scarring and a reduction in lung function.
Neometals (NMT) says battery recycling joint venture Primobius has received an order for 10 tonne/day of lithium-ion battery recycling spoke with Mercedes. The facility will recover lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and other materials and feed them back into production of 50,000 batteries for new Mercedes vehicles. This is important because it will help the joint venture to gain credibility and win more business.
Cybersecurity firm Shearwater Group (SWG) has delayed publication of its full year results due to audit delays. They are set to be published on 5 September. On a brighter note, delayed contracts have been received in the first quarter of the new financial year. Market conditions are becoming more favourable.
Coro Energy (CORO) has sold its 18.76% stake in ion Ventures for £1.25m in cash, of which £250,000 is deferred until March 2024. The book value was $259,000.
MAIN MARKET
Graft Polymer (UK) (GPL) signed a manufacturing services agreement for production of haemostatic wound care products. The partner is in the Israel pharma market and the Graft Bio facility will provide manufacturing services for the partner’s patented haemostatic powder. This changes from a self-emulsifying powder to a gel when coming into contact with blood, thereby helping to clot the blood effectively.
Ferro-Alloy Resources (FAR) warns that problems with the delivery of concentrate material to its secondary processing facility will hit third quarter results. This follows record second quarter vanadium, molybdenum and nickel production.
Zamaz (ZAMZ) is changing its name to Dispensa, although the strategy remains the same. It will acquire growing, speciality food brands.
Ashington Innovation (ASHI) has signed heads of terms for the acquisition of Calon Cardio-Technology. Calon is developing a left ventricular asset device, an implantable heart pump for patients with severe heart failure.
Mode Group Holdings (MODE) is changing its name to R8 Capital.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 29 November 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Energy (GOOD) is selling its 47.5MW of renewable generation capacity and then reinvest the cash. The portfolio is valued at £56.8m, with £39.1m of related debt, and could be sold in the first quarter of 2022. Good Energy is investing in the latest funding round for Zap Map and the disposal cash may be received at around the same time. The company is investing in its decentralised energy services platform, and this will be rolled out next year. There will be further investments in these areas. Competition has fallen away in the domestic energy supply market and management believes that more normal conditions could return next spring. There will be £2.5m of additional costs to cope with the knock-on effect of higher prices and the exit of rivals. There is still a possibility of achieving full year expectations.
Oberon Investments (OBE) nearly trebled revenues in the first half with the growth coming from the broking business. In the six months to September 2021, revenues improved from £1.2m to £3.4m, while funds under management were £765m at the end of the period. Investment management fees doubled, but corporate finance income jumped from £89,000 to £1.56m. Oberon moved from a loss of £514,000 to a pre-tax profit of £128,000. New product launches should enhance growth in funds under management, while the broking side remains busy.
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) investor NFT Investments (NFT) is investing $250,000 in Afterparty Inc, a platform where creators generate revenues from music events. This was set up by former Disney executive David Fields.
Eastinco Mining and Exploration (EM.P) plans to acquire battery metals explorer Aterian Resources and move to the standard list. There will be a ten-for-one share consolidation and the company’s name will change to Aterian. AIM-quoted Altus Strategies (ALS) will become a major shareholder. A fundraising has raised £850,000 from convertible loans and £100,000 from shares at 1.5p each, which is the conversion price of the convertible loans. Aterian Resources has a portfolio of 15 exploration projects.
Investment company Gunsynd (GUN) had net assets of £6.3m, including £1.07m of cash, at the end of July 2021. Investee company Low6 still intends to float.
KR1 (KR1) has contributed 350,000 Polkadot tokens to the Acala Network auction. It already has more than 10.2 million Acala tokens and more will be received after 96 weeks, when the Polkadot tokens will be returned. A further 350,000 Polkadot tokens were contributed in the auction of smart contract platform Moonbeam Network. Again, these will be locked up for 96 weeks and a undecided number of Moonbeam tokens will also be received.
Newly crowned Aquis company of the year DXS International (DXSP) reported a small dip in interim revenues from £1.72m to £1.62m, while pre-tax profit fell from £151,000 to £21,000. The second half is expected to be stronger, although additional costs will hold back profit. The healthcare IT provider continues to develop its cloud-based product and it is accelerating the development of products aimed at long-term conditions, such as diabetes.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) is closing its Bin 1301 bar in Washington DC and concentrate on the bigger De Rhum Spot site.
Pioneer Media Holdings (PNER) is planning to acquire NGMI Labs Inc in return for four million shares. Pioneer has 45 days to undertake due diligence. NGMI was founded by three people with significant experience in the decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) tokens sector.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) expects to receive a tax rebate of $275,000 by the year end.
Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) has persuaded ASDA to stock 17 of its Vitality CBD products.
Scott Livingston has taken a 5.54%, not 5.16%, stake in Silverwood Brands (SLWD).
AIM
Marshall Motor Holdings (MMH) says that 64.4% shareholder Marshalls of Cambridge is thinking about selling its stake. Constellation Automotive has made it clear that it is interested.
Alien Metals (UFO) has acquired 30% of the Munni Munni project in Western Australia from ASX-listed Platina Resources for A$2.23m in shares and cash. This is one of the largest platinum group resources in Australia and it is near to the Elizabeth Hill project, which has platinum, silver, copper and nickel potential. Munni Munni has a historic non-compliant JORC resource estimate that suggests that there is 1.14 million ounces of palladium, 830,000 ounces of platinum, 152,000 ounces of gold and 76,000 ounces of rhodium. Artemis Resources owns the other 70%.
Telecoms billing and customer relationship management software provider Cerillion (CER) more than doubled its full year pre-tax profit from £3.7m to £8.5m, helped by much higher software revenues. New orders are building up and the order book is at record levels. The dividend was raised from 5.5p a share to 7.1p a share.
Driving safety technology developer Seeing Machines (SEE) has won its largest ever driver monitoring systems (DMS) order and raised £30.4m at 11p a share on the back of this announcement. The cash will be used for technology development and boost sales resources. The DMS deal, which has come through Magna International, is worth A$120m. In the year to June 2021, revenues improved from A$39.9m to $46.6m, while the loss was substantially reduced to A$16.7m.
Credit hire and legal services firm Anexo (ANX) has won a new contract with MCE Insurance to provide claims services for non-fault motorcycle accidents, which tends to be higher margin business. This will boost market share.
Appreciate (APPS) made the expected, although lower, loss in the first half, but the 50% increase in the interim dividend to 0.6p a share suggests confidence in the future. Revenues were 50% ahead at £41m with the faster growth coming in the consumer business even though the Christmas savings order book is lower. Appreciate has withdrawn from lower margin corporate business and there is volatility in bookings in recent months.
Asset management services provider MJ Hudson (MJH) achieved organic revenue growth of 14% and it is on course to grow full year revenues from £25.5m to £31m, helped by acquisitions, which would produce a pre-tax profit of £4m. Demand for ESG services is growing rapidly. On top of that, there is increasing outsourcing of the services provided by MJ Hudson.
Ashtead Technology (AT.) provides services and rents equipment to the offshore oil and gas and offshore wind markets. Services can be provided for installation, ongoing maintenance and decommissioning. It raised £15.5m at 162p a share to help it to grow internationally. The offshore wind services market is set to grow at 19% a year up until 2025. The shares ended the week at 162p.
Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) is well positioned to take advantage of the increasing focus on energy and water efficiency. It raised £12m at 277p a share and the shares ended the week at 285p. Eneraqua Technologies supplies and installs technology that improves energy and water efficiency in multiple occupancy social housing and commercial projects. The systems installed include the company’s Control Flow HL2024 technology, which will be manufactured in Spain. The order book for between August 2021 and January 2022 includes £22m of contracted revenues and there a further £21.3m of contracted revenues for the following two years.
Brickability (BRCK) is paying an initial £3.3m for HBS NE, which takes it into the renewable energy products market. It supplies and maintains solar, battery storage and electric vehicle charging. Brickability has relationships with housebuilders, which are being required to install EV charging points in new homes. Even before cross-selling, the deal is earnings enhancing.
Cyber security services provider Shearwater (SWG) reported a small decline in interim revenues due to lower services sales. Software revenues were flat, but margins improved. There is 50% visibility for second quarter revenues.
Treated sustainable wood producer Accsys Technologies (AXS) increased interim revenues by 31% in the first half. Accoya production remains limited because the new reactor will not go into service until next year. The Hull Tricoya plant will should commence production next July. The plans for the potential US Accoya plant are also progressing with a final investment decision expected in the next few months.
Omega Diagnostics (ODX) grew its health and nutrition revenues to pre-pandemic levels. Sales of the global health division also grew but Covid-19 test sales were disappointing. DAM Health has ordered £750,000 of tests since the end of the half year. Net cash was £3.9m at the end of September 2021. Omega remains loss making, and it is difficult to predict how quickly revenues will grow. There are some orders coming in for the VISITECT CD4 test.
Workflow technology provider ActiveOps (AOM) has improved gross margin and interim revenues grew by one-fifth. Annual recurring revenues are running at £19.8m.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane (MACF) is trading ahead of expectations. Revenues are 25% higher than last year and the pre-tax profit is ahead of 2020. There are cost pressures and some customers have had supply problems elsewhere so their demand for packaging has reduced. Net debt was £2m at the end of October 2021.
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has announced a dividend of 0.74p a share.
JLEN Environmental (JLEN) is targeting a dividend of 6.8p a share in the year to March 2022. The interim dividend is more than covered by earnings. The portfolio of renewable energy and environmental assets has been diversified in recent years and that means that the company is not as dependent on revenues from wind power, which were hampered by low wind speeds in the period. Other assets performed well and there are plenty of investment opportunities in Europe. NAV is 98.4p a share.
Marine technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) has secured a multi-year contract with Minnowtech. It will supply sonar technology for the jointly developed shrimp farming technology. Commercial launch is planned in Asia and the initial order will be more than $200,000. OTAQ owns 15.2% of Minnowtech. A major customer has given notice and OTAQ is seeking additional sources of funding.
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) has signed an agreement with Dalriada Drug Discovery Inc of Canada, which will provide research and development services on compounds that Oxford Cannabinoid has access to via the Canopy Growth Corporation agreement.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 4 January 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
BWA (BWAP) has been unable to sell Kings of The North Corp (KOTN) back to St Georges Eco-Mining and there are problems with the title to claims held by KOTN. It appears that two licences had not been renewed by St Georges. Three more licence areas are being reviewed. St Georges has claimed C$200,000 for work it is claimed that has not been done. There is already a claim for cash from a KOTN director and there could be further claims against directors of KOTN and St Georges.
Gunsynd (GUN) says trading in investee company Empress Royalty commenced on the TSX Venture Exchange. Gunsynd invested £146,000 in October and owns 1.4% of Empress.
MiLOC Group Ltd (ML.P) has terminated its endorsement agreement with BrandKing Worldwide and First Strong Workshop for AKFS+ haircare products and also ended the commission agreement with CN Workshop. In the recent interims, inventories increased in part due to AKFS+ haircare products.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) generated revenues of £5.74m and lost £2.96m in the period between 24 October 2018 and March 2020. This was before Vulcan raised £2.2m. The subsequent quarter trading was poor, but the second quarter was ahead of expectations. Further acquisitions have been identified.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) lost £448,000 in the six months to September 2020. There was £567,000 in the bank.
Evrima (EVA) has sold a commercial property in Leeds for £200,000, which after costs is slightly below its purchase price in 2017. The cash will be reinvested in Kalahari Key Mineral Exploration.
AIM
Small business finance provider Vector Capital (VCAP) joined AIM on 29 December. It raised £3.1m at 38p a share and ended the week at 39.5p. In the six months to June 2020, revenues increased from £1.59m to £2.13m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £954,000 to £1.26m, even though new loans were not issued in the second quarter. The business has been profitable for the past four years. The loan book was worth £34.7m at the end of September 2020. The Jain family owns 80.85% of Vector Capital. Prior to flotation the original shareholders received a total dividend of £400,000.
Xpediator (XPD) has sold its online shopping logistics business in order to concentrate on the core freight business. EshopWedrop Holdings was losing money and the total consideration is £300,000 paid in equal instalments over three years. The book value was £700,000. Xpediator will achieve annual cost savings of £350,000 following the disposal.
MJ Hudson (MJH) is acquiring fund performance analytics business PERACS and this will widen the services it can provide to the asset management sector. The initial payment is 586,016 shares and there is deferred consideration in cash and shares over a three-year period.
Shareholders voted against the reappointment of Ian Visagie as a director of Goldplat (GDP).
Cyber security services provider Shearwater Group (SWG) says that October and November revenues were 39% ahead of the same period last year and the momentum continued into December.
UFG Asset Management has a total shareholding in Trans-Siberian Gold (TSG) of 54.9%.
DBAY Advisers has sold more of its stake in Wynnstay Group (WYN) and it has fallen to 3.7%.
MAIN MARKET
National World (NWOR) is paying £10.2m for the former Johnstone Press group of newspapers. No debt is being taken on. JPI Media Publishing is the third largest local news group in the UK and includes titles, such as Yorkshire Post, Portsmouth News and the Scotsman. JPI is estimated to have generated revenues of £85m and EBITDA of £6m in the past year. National World will use the assets to build a local online news publishing model. There is an initial cash payment of £5.2m with two further instalments. National World is issuing £8.425m of 10% loan notes and plans to issue more. Trading in the shares remains suspended until a prospectus is published and it may not resume until April.
Oil-focused shell Wildcat Petroleum (WCAT) joined the standard list on 30 December. It raised £600,000 at 0.1p a share and was capitalised at £2.4m.
Argo Blockchain (ARB) is investing $100,000 in hashrate management platform Luxor Technologies. The technology can help cryptocurrency miners to increase their returns.
Standard list shell Rockpool Acquisitions (ROC) is still talking to Greenview Gas in its attempt to find a Northern Ireland-based acquisition. Greenview has downgraded its 2020-21 pre-tax profit expectation from £1.4m to £1m. Rockpool had loaned more than £1m, including interest, to Greenview. The initial loan agreement was three years ago. In November, this was repaid out of new borrowings.
Marwyn Acquisition Co I Ltd (MAC1), one of three shells floated by Marwyn during December, has appointed Vin Murria as chairman. She has built up two software companies on AIM and then sold them. The appointment means that the focus of this shell will be the software sector, with the first acquisition likely to be worth more than £100m. Last month, Vin Murria joined the board of AIM shell Summerway Capital (SWC) and it is also seeking software and digital acquisitions, but it is likely to be assessing smaller acquisitions.
Andrew Hore