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Quoted Micro 13 April 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Oscillate (SRVL), which is changing its name to Serval Resources, raised £34,000 in its retail offer at 22.5p/share, which is below the maximum level of £300,000. It is acquiring Kalahari Copper and moving to AIM on 27 April.
Digital assets investor Valereum (VLRM) has received confirmation that the $300,000 cash element of the coupon is being paid in instalments over four days. Further amounts due from strategic partner Quorum Global Photonics (QGP), which is a 49.7% shareholder, are expected to be paid under the $200m royalty and streaming financing agreement. Pieter Scholtz and Gerhard Kotzee are directors of both companies.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) plans to acquire the Silver Lake project in Western Australia. Before that happens, historic data will be further analysed. If it goes ahead 3.57 million shares will be issued for the acquisition.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has made new investments in Central Gold, Futuro Resources and Cobra Resources (COBR). Investee company Mendell Helium (MDH) is moving from Aquis to AIM, and 49%-owned Sunshine Gold Capital has been granted a third tenement as part of the Dexter gold project, which is near to two existing gold mines in Western Australia.
Stack BTC (STAK) made a loss of £110,000 in the six months to January 2026. There was cash of £51,000 at the end of January 2026 and since then £4.28m has been raised. There have been 31 Bitcoin acquired. The focus is finding a business to acquire.
Ethtry (ETHY) has spent £100,000 to buy 66.6737 Ethereum. It owns 816.6737 Ethereum.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) was franchisor of the year (expanding food and non-food) in the 2026 Irish Franchise Association Awards, and a franchisee was named franchisee of the year.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) non-exec director George Barnes bought 2,173 shares at 458p each. Falconedge (EDGE) chief executive Roy Kashi and family have bought 2.9 million shares for an average of just over 1p each. The total holding has risen to 6.45%. EPE Special Opportunities (LON: EO.P) directors Clive Spears and David Pirouet each bought 5,968 shares at 176p and 168p respectively.
TechFinancials has changed its name to Ubuntu Mining and Metals Inc (UNTU).
ASSET MATCH
Brewer Wadworth and Company (WAD) says 2025 accounts should be published later in April. Strong Christmas trading meant like-for-like sales were 7% ahead. Beer volumes were 16% higher in the first two months of the year as the company sold more of its beer via its own pubs. Like-for-like sales of the group are 4% higher, but margins are under pressure even though gas and electricity costs are set until 2029. One pub was sold in January.
AIM
RentGuarantor (RGG) growth is accelerating with first quarter revenues more than doubling to £880,000 and this has sparked an upgrade. New partners have been brought onboard. It is also offering a new product with mydeposits that combines insuring rent deposits with the rent guarantee service. Allenby has increased its 2026 pre-tax profit forecast by 26% to £300,000. This would be a maiden profit.
Van Elle (VANL) is recommending a 52.3p/share cash bid from STRABAG UK, which values the ground engineering company at £58.8m. The share price has not been that high for more than three years. The directors had talks with other suitors before receiving this bid approach. Vienna-based STRABAG provides construction services, and it was seeking to expand in the UK.
Alien Metals (UFO) says joint venture partner GreenTech Minerals has identified material upside potential for the Munni Munni Platinum-Palladium-Copper-Nickel project in Western Australia not included in the current mineral resource estimate of 24Mt @ 2.9 g/t PGE₄ for 2.2Moz. Alien Metals has a 30% interest and a free carry until completion of a bankable feasibility study. High grade zones have been identified and there is potential for open pit mining. The results of the maiden drilling programme should be announced later this month. Joint venture partner West Coast Silver has announced a 1,500 metre drilling programme for the Elizabeth Hill silver project in Western Australia.
Data analysis software and services provider Celebrus Technologies (CLBS) says full year revenues are broadly in line with expectations at $23.3m, down from $38.7m because of a change in business model, and the loss will be around $200,000. Annualised recurring revenues grew from $13.6m to $15m. Two bank customers sold off parts of their businesses, so their payments were reduced. Some expected deals at contracted stage were lost or delayed and Celebrus Technologies is improving its skills in winning new clients. Cash was $32m at the end of March 2026. Another loss is anticipated for 2026-27.
Mercantile Ports and Logistics (MPL) is pursuing legal remedies to regain control of port operating subsidiary, Karanja Terminal & Logistics. One bank did not sanction an agreement for a one-time settlement of company debt with the consortium of banks. The court has told the Committee of Creditors holding the company debt to consider an offer to redeem 100% of outstanding debt. There has been no progress and there are potential buyers interested in the assets. An international oil and gas company is a potential provider of funds to help redeem the debt. A meeting was held to consider Mercantile’s proposal on Friday 10 April.
The shares of Secure Property Development and Investment (SPDI) returned from suspension. The property company amended heads of agreement with energy storage technology developer Adven, which it is proposed will acquired SPDI, so it is not a reverse takeover anymore. Instead, Adven intends to join AIM and launch a share exchange for SPDI. Adven can then raise money via EIS.
Steppe Cement (STCM) has increased cement sales in Kazakhstan in the first quarter of 2026 to 344,058 tonnes, from 276,217 tonnes in the same period last year. The average price was one-fifth higher at around $57/tonne. Market share increased to 16%. Capacity is being increased and the final estimated cost is $35m.
Atome (ATOM) is in the final stages of negotiations for the funding of the Villeta fertiliser project in Paraguay. Definitive documentation with the equity consortium is expected by 17 April. The potential funders are likely to be at the IMF and World Bank spring meetings at that time.
Physiomics (PYC) has accepted a general meeting request from Michael Whitlow, who owns 13.7%, and the meeting is on29 April. Michael Whitlow wanted to appoint Nicholas Tulloch, Ian Bagnall, Martin Gouldstone (later removed) and himself as directors and remove Dr Jim Millen, Shalabh Kumar, Dr Tim Corn, and Dr Peter Sargent, as long as least two of the new directors are appointed. The board did offer to appoint two non-execs to replace two existing ones, but it felt that the remuneration requested was too high. The board believes that the disruption could hamper the ability to commercialise its IP. They are asking shareholders to vote against the resolutions.
Quantum Blockchain Technologies (QBT) says a court has stopped enforcement of a €6m plus damages award against Sipiem relating to the Mediapolis business. The company has not been able to enforce the seizing of property of a former Sipiem director because he has declared bankruptcy. The liquidation of Mediapolis is being completed and a further distribution of €132,000 is expected to be received by the end of June.
MAIN MARKET
Financial management software developer Aptitude Software (LSE: APTD) has decided to seek a potential purchaser as well as considering other options for the business. It is possible that other businesses would be sold to concentrate on Fynapse. The refocus on that product led to a 1% dip to £49.8m even though Fynapse sales were higher. Recurring revenues were £54.4m and operating profit was flat at £10m. Net cash is £21.2m. The dividend is 5.4p/share.
Solvonis Therapeutics (SVNS) has been granted a US patent for its PTSD programme. The patent covers a chemically distinct monoamine modulator series designed to modulate serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline transporter systems (SERT, DAT and NET) and lasts February 2043.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 22 December 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Vault Ventures (VULT) has raised £555,000 at 1p/share. This will be invested in technology. The Vault Accelerator for blockchain and AI development and income generation is in the final stages of implementation.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says that the flow rate for the Rost 1-26 well in Fort Dodge, Kansas has more than doubled to 250Mcf of helium per day, which equates to $1.4m in income in one year. There are discussions with potential partners for additional wells.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has been granted a patent in Australia. It covers a range of formulation versions which includes both the Berol® 6446 Heavy Sulphur Fuel Oils (HSFO) emulsifiers and Sulnox Eco™ Fuel Conditioners which enhance all diesel, petrol/gasoline and biofuels, and marine fuels.
DXS International (DXSP) was hit by a cyber incident on 14 December. This should net have a material effect on the full year figures.
B HODL (HODL) has joined the US OTCQB Venture Market under the code BHODF.
Ananda Developments (ANA) is pleased with the US Presidential executive order to reschedule cannabis in the USA from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act. This recognises the benefit of medicinal cannabis. This will make it more straightforward to gain FDA approval and potentially make it easier to raise money. Trading in Ananda Developments shares ends on 22 December.
Mark Horrocks has reduced his stake in Lift Global Ventures (LFT) from 19.96% to 17.9%.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has not raised any cash from share subscriptions in the past two weeks, which takes it to four weeks since any subscriptions.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) completed a share issue raising £1.2m at 5.5p each and creditors have converted £110,000 of money owed into shares at the same price. Total cash is £2.6m.
First Sentinel has resigned as corporate adviser to Valereum (VLRM) and trading in the shares The company is still trying to complete the transaction with Quorium Global Photonics SPC. The share price fell 7.41% to 12.5p prior to suspension.
EDX Medical (EDX) is commercially launching a new BC95 testing service for early detection of bowel cancer as well as providing assessments of hereditary risks. Interim revenues increased from £18,000 to £173,000, while the loss increased from £1.7m to £2.3m. Cash was £125,000 at the end of September 2025.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) is redomiciling to Gibraltar. This is due to the regulatory environment and crypto advisory infrastructure.
RootstockLabs Ltd has reduced its stake in Coinsilium (COIN) from 6.69% to 5.32%.
Oscillate (SRVL) has issued an unsecured convertible to raise $400,000. This is equal to the amount to be received for the sale of helium operations. That will be received over 5 months, and the loan note will provide cash in the meantime. It lasts five months and the annual interest rate I 15%. It can be converted into shares if the company moves to AIM.
Connecting Excellence (XCE) has bought 8.12682413 Bitcoin for £560,000, taking the holding to 24.77668182 Bitcoin at a total cost of £1.71m. The next update will be on 5 January.
Oberon Investments (OBE) published increased interim revenues rose 14% to £5.4m with the fastest growth from investment management. Investment in growing the business means that the loss increased from £1.24m to £2.39m. Management believes that like-for-like growth could be 30% this year.
In the six months to September 2025, business assurance provider Adsure Services (ADS) revenue dipped from £5.06m to £4.89m, and pre-tax profit edged down from £330,000 to £310,000. Management says the decline was down to timing issues. Cash was £610,000.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has not raised any cash from share subscriptions in the past two weeks, which takes it to four weeks since any subscriptions.
Property investor Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) chairman Dr. Antonios Ghorayeb bought 200,000 shares ag 60p each, taking his stake to 0.89%.
JP JENKINS
Bitcoin mining company Argo Blockchain (ARB) has exited the Main Market and joined JP Jenkins on 15 December.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) has left AIM and joined JP Jenkins on 18 December.
Powder Monkey (PMGL) has appointed Jon Radford as managing director of the UK brewing operations.
ASSET MATCH
Greenshields Agri Holdings (GAH) improved revenues from £3.95m to £4.27m, while there was a swing from loss to a pre-tax profit of £3.12m. However, this was due to a £4m gain on disposals. Cash generated from operations increased from £340,000 to £1.65m because of a reduction in working capital. Net cash is £1.3m.
Shareholders in Gulfsands Petroleum (GPX) agreed to the capital reorganisation
AIM
Technology enabled PR company Pathos Communications (NEWS) raised £5m at 30p/share ahead of joining AIM on 15 December. Management plans to invest in staff, marketing and technology. The share price ended the week at 32.5p.
Music management company All Things Considered (ATC) switched from Aquis to AIM and raised £8.6m at 125p/share. The share price ended the week at 131.5p.
Kettle components supplier Strix (KETL) is transforming its balance sheet through the £110m sale of Billi, which supplies multifunctional taps, to a private equity-backed Australian bidder. Billi was acquired three years ago for £38m, although Strix has invested in the business since then. Billi has been a growing contributor to the group at a time when other parts of the business have found trading conditions difficult. There are plans for a manufacturing and development agreement. Shareholder approval is required so the sale will not be completed until early next year. Strix will move to a net cash position and a £10m share buyback is planned. The sale equates to 47.8p/share.
The Zimbabwe government has revised its changes to mining royalties and that is good news for Caledonia Mining Corporation (CMCL). The proposed royalty rate of 10% will only come into effect when the gold price exceeds $5,000/ounce, rather than $2,500/ounce. Changes to tax have been withdrawn. The rise in the gold price means that the payback on investment in the Bilboes project could be less than one year. Cavendish has raised its 2025 pe-tax forecast to $131.3m with $163.8m expected in 2026.
The new strategy of Naked Wines (WINE) is already showing signs of paying off and Panmure Liberum has upgraded expectations due to strong pre-Christmas trading. The wines supplier expects full year EBITDA to be at the top of guidance of £5.5m to £7.5m. Panmure Liberum forecasts £7.2m, up from £6.2m. Pre-tax profit of £800,000 is estimated when previously a small loss was expected.
Mkango Resources (MKA) joint venture HyProMag USA, a rare earth recycling and processing business, has expanded the Texas hub facility and is planning a listing in the US in around one year’s time. The NPV of the Texas project and two other sites is $409m based on current market prices. The figure is much higher based on forecast prices. Up front capital costs are $142m.
Chariot (CHAR) has completed a financing for two wind projects in South Africa. The funding is via a subsidiary, and the wind farms should be commissioned in mid-2027. Chariot retains 65% of the subsidiary and Mahlako is paying $17m for 35%. Chariot’s stake is valued at 2p/share. This is the start of the strategy to build up a portfolio of renewable energy assets. The water business, which primarily held the proof-of-concept desalination project in Djibouti, has been sold.
Scotland-based housebuilder Springfield Properties (SPR) has secured a deal with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks which covers 293 homes across six sites. This will provide income from rentals to help cover building costs on the sites. This deal is part of the new strategy in the north of Scotland, where home will be leased to workers improving the electricity transmission infrastructure.
Bars operator The Revel Collective (TRC) is in discussions with potential acquirors of its businesses and they would not lead to any return for shareholders. There is no likelihood of raising money through a share issue. Trading in the shares will be suspended on 29 December because the 2024-25 annual report will not be published by the end of the year.
Offshore energy market services provider Tekmar Group (TGP) has won a contract with an existing customer worth €8m. This for a major UK offshore wind farm. Revenues should be recognised this year and next year.
Quantum Helium (QHE) says an independent resource report has been published and the best estimate for the Coyote Wash project in Colorado is 0.97bcf of gross recoverable helium. This takes the gross recoverable resource of the company’s projects to 1.1bcf, which have a gross value of $330m. There are also potential oil resources of up to 750,000 barrels. The company also has a 90% working interest in the Sagebrush helium project which has 2U helium reserves of 101MMscf net.
Gaming machines hardware and displays supplier Nexteq (NXQ) has traded in line with expectations in 2025, but management is cautious about next year. A small dip in revenues from $85.5m to $85m in 2026. This has been downgraded from $94.1m because the largest gaming customer has been acquired and the product range rationalised faster than anticipated.
Groundworks company Van Elle (VANL) completed the sale of the Canadian rail business. This raised C$2.7m with a deferred payment of C$2m to be paid during 2026. The total is equivalent to £2.5m but subject to balance sheet adjustments. Meanwhile, revenues of the continuing business rose 12% in the first half.
MAIN MARKET
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) investee company ICEYE along with its joint venture partner Rheinmetall has secured a €1.7bn contract for space-based reconnaissance capabilities for the German Armed Forces. This involves a dedicated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation with AI driven image evaluation. The contract starts at the end of 2025 and lasts for five years. ICEYE recently raised €150m in a financing round, which valued the company at €2.4bn. ICEYE is by far the largest investment at just over one-third of the portfolio. The latest contract indicates the maturity of the business and ICEYE could consider a listing in the future. At the end of September 2025, the Seraphim Space IT NAV was £283.6m, which is equivalent to 119.55p/share.
Cash shell Medcaw Investments (MCI) is proposing to acquire Ulvestone, which holds licences for the Eagle Lake gold project in Ontario, Canada, plus a move to AIM.
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 17 March 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
All Things Considered (ATC) has raised its stake in Brighton venture Concorde 2 to 80% and acquired the remaining shares in bar services provider JTR Productions for £2.49m and 60% of Brighton venue Volks, which is close to Concorde 2, for £400,000. This broadens the range of music-related services that can be provided by All Things Considered. In 2024, Concorde 2 generated pre-tax profit of £240,000, while JTR Productions made pre-tax profit of £150,000. The initial interest was acquired through Joy Entertainment, previously McKeown Asset, last year.
Marula Mining (MARU) has made the first copper concentrate sales from the Kinusi copper mine in Tanzania. The payment of 90% of the initial estimated value will be made in the coming week. The rest will be paid when specifications for the concentrate have been met.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) will supply a 10.8MWh of its ENDRIUM flow batteries in Hungary and a 0.9MWh VS3 battery to a US customer. Progress is being made with the LODES project in the UK and grant funding may be recognised this year. OFGEM has published a technical decision document on the long electricity duration storage cap and floor. This will be designed to attract investment, which should be good for Invinity Energy Systems.
Richmond Hill Resources (SHNJ) has signed a letter of intent with Three Mile Beach to acquire mineral exploration licences in Quebec. There is a 60-day exclusivity agreement. The Saint Sophie copper project is located in the Beauce. There have been historic mines and there are also high-grade discoveries.
Gledhow Investments (GDH) reported a reduction in NAV from £1.41m to £989,000 in the year to September 2024. That includes £150,000 in cash and subsequent disposals have increased cash to £220,000.
Oscillate (MUSH) became a hydrogen explorer during the year to November 2024. Net assets were £1.75m, including £1.59m in cash and £158,000 in short term investments.
Peel Hunt has a 13% stake in WeCap (WCAP). Virya Solutions Group has taken a 7.37% stake in ChallengerX (CXS), while Hub Affiliations owns 10%.
There was a 62.2% take up of the One Health Group (OHGR) open offer and it raised £300,000, taking the total fundraising to £7.8m. Trading on AIM will start on 20 March.
ASSET MATCH
Remote Services provider RA International Group (RAI) has joined Asset Match on 11 March. The facility is expected to operate for a minimum of 12 months.
JP JENKINS
Eresos Holdings (ERS) joined JP Jenkins on 11 March. Eresos, which is a village in Lesbos, makes CBD-based cosmetics and nutraceutical products using Greek botanical science. Chief executive Carl Jat was previously part of the management team of Claire’s Accessories and is founder of Wellverse. The accounts of Eresos Holdings, which was formed in March 2023, for the year to May 2024 have not been published on the Companies House website yet.
Gosport-based brewer Powder Monkey Group Ltd (PMGL) joined JP Jenkins on 13 March. The company has acquired a range of brewing brands and hospitality sites in the UK and Australia. Further international acquisitions are planned. NAV was £4.33m at the end of 2023, including £342,000 in cash. Former England rugby union player Steve Thompson is a director of subsidiary Power Monkey Brewing. The company also owns Australia-based Southern Highlands Brewing.
Edison has published research on Studio Stays Hotel Group (SSHG). The recent start-up plans to buy underperforming hotels and encourage a combination of short and long stays. In 2025-26, management believes revenues could be £4.3m, which is enough to be profitable.
AIM
Shares in cash shell Rosebank Industries (ROSE) returned from suspension after it ended discussions with Cerberus Capital about the potential acquisition of critical electrical distribution systems supplier Electrical Components International Inc (ECI). Rosebank Industries says that there was support for the deal from existing and potential new shareholders it has decided not to go ahead with the deal because of stockmarket volatility.
Cakes retailer Cake Box (CBOX) is buying Indian sweets maker Ambala Foods from the executors of the founder for £22m. This includes the freehold of the Ambala facility. Ambala is a profitable business and Cake Box has identified £1m of annual cost savings. This includes head office and distribution efficiencies. Ambala has its own outlets, and the sweets could be sold via Cake Box stores. There is also scope for increasing online sales. Cake Box raised £7m through a placing at 180p/share and a retail offer could raise up to £200,000 more. The rest of the purchase price will come from debt. Panmure Liberum believes the acquisition could add £1.1m to pre-tax profit in 2025-26. This will enhance earnings by 5%.
US-based government relations and public affairs services provider Public Policy Holding Company Inc (PPHC) continues to grow via a combination of organic and acquisitive growth. In 2024, revenues rose 11% to $149.6m with organic growth of 3%. Underlying pre-tax profit edged up to $34.3m. Net debt was $17.5m, but this will rise when the acquisition of TrailRunner is completed at the beginning of April. The dividend was cut from 14.3 cents/share to 9.4 cents/share to preserve cash. Last year, the company made its first UK acquisition and TrailRunner further increases exposure outside of the US. The latest deal is earnings enhancing and 2025 pre-tax profit is forecast to be $41.8m.
Hornby (HRN) is the latest company to want to leave AIM. Phoenix Asset Management investment company Castelnau owns 54.9% of the hobby products supplier and other shareholders take the total in favour to more than 70%, so the departure is almost certain to be approved at a general meeting. Liquidity is limited and annual costs of £400,000 will be saved. JP Jenkins will provide a matched bargain facility. There is also an exchange facility where Hornby shares can be swapped for shares in fully listed investment company Castelnau at the equivalent of 19.3p/share to retain an indirect interest in Hornby.
Respiratory treatments developer Synairgen (SNG) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM less than two months after TFG Asset Management subscribed £18m at 2p/share. A related fundraising did not reach the minimum to scale back the investment by TFG. The general meeting is on 28 March and the cancellation is expected on 9 April.
Concrete levelling equipment supplier Somero Enterprises (SOM) reported a decline in revenues and profit in 2024, but that masks an improved second half. In 2024, revenues fell from £120.7m to £109.2m, which is well below the 2022 figure of $133.6m. Pre-tax profit dipped from $34.5m to $25.4m and that led to a decline in the dividend to 16.9 cents/share, which is twice covered by earnings as is normal. The excess cash enabled an additional special dividend of 4.1 cents/share. Net cash was $29.5m at the end of 2024. There remains uncertainty in the core US market because of labour shortages and concerns about the economy and the possible effect of tariffs. A flat pre-tax profit is forecast for 2025.
Ground engineering contractor Van Elle (LON: VANL) says the Building Safety Act id delaying approvals of residential projects and there are also delays in the Canadian subsidiary’s rail work. The future of the Canadian business is being considered. The construction market remains difficult with residential particularly weak. Zeus has reduced its 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast by one-third to £4m, while next year’s forecast has been reduced from £7.6m to £7m.
Surveillance technology developer Thruvision (THRU) says potential contracts have been delayed. This means expected 2024-25 revenues will be between £5m and £6m. The previous expectation was £9m. Cash should last until May and talks have commenced with potential acquirers or providers of additional cash.
Distil (DIS) shares have recovered some of the loss sustained following yesterday’s trading statement. The drinks brands owner expects to improve fourth quarter revenues by one-third, but full year revenue is expected to fall to 31% to £1.1m. Trading remains difficult. Management believes that the switch of UK distributor to Global Brands will help to return the business to growth. Costs are being reduced and strategic options assessed – but not including an offer for the company. There will be a need for more cash by September.
Developer of kinase inhibitors for autoimmune disease and cancer treatments Sareum (SAR) raised £1.07m at 1.25p/share. This follows the acquisition of the licence for SRA737, which targets cancer cell replication and DNA damage repair mechanisms, following its return to the CRT Pioneer Fund by a US biopharma company. The deal includes an increase in Sareum’s share of future revenues to a net 63.5%, from 27.5%. In the short-term, the ongoing costs will be limited to data storage and IP management.
SIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE) has been awarded a capacity contract for the AW1 120MW BESS project at Uskmouth in Wales. It will receive £60/KWh for 15 years in return for a reliable source of electricity supply. This will help to secure funding for the project.
Kingswood Holdings (KWG) has received a bid offer of 7p/share from HSQ Investments, which already owns 68.4% of the wealth management firm and it is in talks to buy the 21% stake of KPI (Nominees). There is a lack of liquidity in the shares. Kingswood’s growth HSQ has also provided additional loans to Kingswood in the past year, taking gross debt to £90.7m. The Kingswood independent directors “would be minded to recommend” the potential offer.
Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) says February crude palm oil production was 6% lower at 3,527 tonnes as better extraction rates only partially offset the reduced crop. Year-on-year sales volumes rose 28.5% because of the timing of sales. The average sales price was €950/tonne, which is well above the average price assumption of €775/tonne for 2025. Palm kernel oil production rose, and the average price jumped 54.4% compared with one year ago. Raw cashew nut purchasing has started, and production rates are increasing. Quarterly data will be published next month.
Savannah Energy (SAVE) has completed the acquisition of Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Nigeria, which gives it 100% of the Stubb Creek oil and gas field. This produces 2,700 barrels of oil equivalent/day and there are plans to increase production. The Stubb Creek field petroleum mining lease lasts until 2043.
Empire Metals (EEE) has reported positive test results and delivered a product which assayed at 91.6% TiO2. Purification and product finishing steps have been optimised. There are limited levels of deleterious elements. Larger scale test work will be undertaken.
NWF (NWF) has acquired Northern Energy Oil, which distributes 42 million litres of oil annually from five sites in north east England. This will cost a total of £8.3m and increase NWF’s volumes by 6%. Last year’s revenues were £35.1m and underlying pre-tax profit was £700,000.
In the six months to December 2024, Optimer binders developer Aptamer (APTA) increased revenues from £298,000 to £653,000, while the loss was reduced from £1.9m to £1.2m. The cash outflow was £1.3m. Net cash is £1.95m. Fee for service revenues have risen and progress has also been made with programmes that could lead to licencing deals. Unilever is starting human skin trials for deodorant using Aptamer’s ingredient.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) proposes a company voluntary arrangement and a subscription to raise £300,000 at 0.24p/share, plus £55,000 from heavily discounted convertible loan notes. The nominal value of the shares will be reduced to 0.01p so that new shares can be issued. The business has been sold. Debts are currently nearly total £1.4m. The debts would be converted into 236.8 million shares. The CVA requires £115,000 of cash to be contributed from the subscription. The CVA has to be approved by creditors.
MAIN MARKET
Thalassa (THAL) has taken a 21.3% stake in AIM-quoted Newmark Security (NWT). It also has a 5.21% shareholding in US-based Encision Inc.
LMS Capital (LMS) plans a managed realisation of its assets because of the discount to NAV and lack of liquidity. An initial capital distribution is promised, but the realisation could take years.
First Tin (1SN) has been awarded two new exploration licences near its Taronga tin project in Australia.
BSF Enterprise (BSFA) is progressing the commercialisation of its lab-grown leather. Collaborations will help to assess potential opportunities. There is a separate subsidiary called Lab-grown Leather Ltd, which could attract outside investment.
Bitcoin miner Vinanz (BTC) is considering a dual listing on Nasdaq. The company is relatively small for a Nasdaq listing.
Pyx Resources (PYX) reported more than halved revenues of $11m in 2024. The loss was reduced from $10.5m to $4.1m. Net cash was $5m.
Georgina Exploration (GEX) says staff has returned to the EP513 Hussar helium and hydrogen prospect in Australia to complete the environmental study and heritage reports. The reports should be completed in May. This will enhance the future field development.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 27 May 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Samarkand (SMK) says revenues will be slightly lower than expected – with a decrease of up to 4% – but the ecommerce services provider’s EBITDA will be halved in line with expectations. Owned brands generated 46% of revenues with the decline coming in third party brands. Samarkand has acquired Optimised Energies, which has brands Natures Greatest Secret and BeNatural, for £600,000 in cash and deferred consideration of £700,000. The acquired company made EBITDA of £300,000 last year. Executive directors have lent £400,000 to the company for fund the acquisition.
Aquis-quoted Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) is proposing a tender offer of up to £33.7m at a share price of 5.39p/share. That covers up to 57.9% of the current share capital. The tender price is equivalent to the current NAV since the recovery in Bitcoin and adjusted for potential tax. The tender offer is open until 13 June. The company has available cash of £40.6m. Phoenix Digital Assets also has 17.4 million shares in Flex Labs Inc (FLEX) after it acquired AI software company IO+ PTE, for 110 million shares in total. Supernova Digital Assets received 771,930 shares in Flex Labs.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) improved 2023 sales 3% to £66.3m, but the pre-tax loss increased from £2.3m to £4m. Net debt was £15.9m at the end of 2023 and there is still some headroom in the loan facility despite the review of how to finance the long-term future of the company. Off trade volumes were 14% higher. First quarter group sales were 11% ahead. Cost pressures are easing.
Flow battery technology developer Invinity Energy Systems (IES) raised £56m at 23p/share via a placing with £25m committed by the UK Infrastructure Bank and £3m from Korean Investment Partners. The open offer raised an additional £1.38m out of the £6.6m of shares that were on offer.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) says trading is in line with expectations, although loan growth has been minimal. Specialist lending has been growing faster.
Metals One (MET1) has terminated the farm-in agreement with Gunsynd (GUN).
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) reduced the outflow from operating activities from £306,000 to £144,000. The NAV of the fund of funds company improved from 97.31p/share to 113.33p/share. That was helped by an unrealised gain of £297,000.
Paul Ryan has sold his 3.9% stake in Mortgage Chat (MCAI). Non-exec CP Freeman bought 500 shares in Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) at 948p each.
AIM
Telecoms testing equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) reported 2023-24 revenues two-fifths lower at £16.3m and it fell into loss. The final dividend was maintained at 0.62p/share. The telecoms market remains subdued, and Calnex Solutions is moving into new markets, such as defence. The distribution agreement with Spirent ends in July, but management is advanced with its plans to replace this source of income. Net cash declined to £11.9m because of higher inventory levels and capitalised R&D. A return to profit is expected this year and the cash level should be maintained.
Automotive interior components supplier CT Automotive (CTA) returned to profit in 2023, while net debt was reduced to $3.8m. Liberum expects underlying pre-tax profit to improve from $8.3m to $10.2m in 2024, even though revenues are forecast to decline. Improved efficiency is helping to boost margins. The Mexico factory is operating at 50% of capacity so there should be further improvement as this figure increases.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) has sold its Nordic operations to management – including Bigblu Broadband chief executive Andrew Walwyn who is stepping down – at an enterprise value of £1.3m. There could be contingent consideration. Finance director Frank Waters becomes chief executive. The disposal leaves operations in Australia, which could be sold or floated on the ASX, and a stake in Quickline. Cavendish forecasts a 2023-24 pre-tax profit of £3m.
Coatings company Hardide (HDD) has appointed Matt Hamblin as the new chief executive, who has been a non-exec and previously ran a similar coatings business. The interim figures had been flagged. The pre-tax loss increased to £960,000. Lower depreciation means that the full year loss will not be as high as originally thought and it could be similar to the interim loss. Hardide has been EBITDA positive for the past two months. There is cash of £700,000 in the bank.
Another strong trading statement from Kinovo (KINO) with profit and cash ahead of expectations. The property services provider says 2023-24 revenues were £64.1m and net cash is £400,000The pre-tax profit estimate has been raised from £5.8m to £6.1m. Next year’s profit forecast has been raised from £6.3m to £6.6m. Most of the costs relating to the guarantee for DCB have been paid.
Energy and water efficiency services provider Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) reported 2023-24 results in line with the trading statement earlier in the year. The business moved from a pre-tax profit of £10.1m to a £6m loss because local government contracts were delayed. Cost savings have been put in place and additional work has been won so Eneraqua Technologies could move back into profit this year. A change of government could lead to additional incentives for energy saving projects.
Education software and services provider Tribal Group (TRB) has finally reached a settlement with Nanyang Technological University. This dispute has been hanging over the business for years. Tribal Group will pay £3.1m over 18 months. A further exceptional charge for the dispute will be taken in the first half of 2024.
MRI device developer Polarean Imaging (POLX) launched a heavily discounted placing, subscription and open offer. The placing and subscription raised £8m at 1p/share with £2m of that invested by NUKEM Isotopes and £1.6m by Bracco – both existing investors. Up to £2m could be raised from an open offer. The cash is being used to accelerate commercialisation of the XENOVIEW technology and further development.
Pennant International (PEN) has raised £1.51m at 25p/share. The training and software products supplier is trading in line with expectations, but order conversion has been slower than anticipated. The cash will fund the development and integrations of software products.
Watkin Jones (WJG) returned to profit in the first half to March 2024. The student accommodation and rental property developer generated an improvement in revenues from £153.9m to £175.1m. There is no dividend as cash is conserved. Borrowings have been reduced and net cash is £44m.
B90 Holdings (B90), which provides online marketing services to the gaming sector, says Oddsen.nu, an affiliate that is part of the group, has secured fixed listing fee marketing agreements that will generate income of €200,000 during 2024. There could be additional income on top of this based on marketing performance.
Scientific instruments manufacturer Judges Scientific (JDG) says that there is unlikely to be a material revenues contribution from coring contracts at the Geotek subsidiary. The potential contract is unlikely to commence until near to the end of 2024 and then make a significant contribution in 2025. Trading is subdued against tough comparators. WH Ireland still expects a full year pre-tax profit of £33.8m, although that assumes a stronger second half.
Secure payments company PCI-Pal (PCIP) has been successful in the Court of Appeal for the unfounded case brought by Sycurio against its patents. This means that £1.1m of cash should be released from escrow. The finding upheld the original court judgment. PCI-Pal will seeking further costs. The full ruling will become available in a few days.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) expects 2023-24 revenues to be £140m, which is a like-for-like reduction of 12%. Last November, Rock & Alluvium was acquired, and its volumes are 30% higher than pre-acquisition. Housing and infrastructure sectors are expected to recover and a move into energy transmission will help the overall improvement for the business. The order book was worth £36.8m at the end of March 2024. Net cash is £5.5m.
Healthcare communications technology developer Feedback (FDBK) says delays in the NHS procurement process means that 2023-24 revenues will be lower than expected at £1.2m. Management hopes that the contracts will be secured in 2024-25. There was still £4.3m in the bank at the end of April 2024.
Chamberlin (CMH) has been placed in administration. Coal miner Bens Creek (BEN) has also gone into administration.
Victorian Plumbing (VIC) has acquired rival Victoria Plum for £22.5m. The business had been in administration and costs are already being reduced, so it should break even in the second half.
MAIN MARKET
James Gundy, chief executive of shipbroker Braemar (BMS), bought 6,600 shares at 290.5p/share following the full year results. Pre-tax profit fell from £18m to £14.6m on maintained revenues. The total dividend was raised from 12p/share to 13p/share. The new financial year started with an order book of $82.6m.
Power products supplier XP Power (XPP) received an indicative bid approach at £19.50/share. XP Power has rejected the proposal by Nasdaq-listed Advanced Energy Industries.
Admiral Acquisition (ADMR) has agreed to buy critical asset integrity and testing services provider Acuren for $1.85bn from American Securities. The business generates EBITDA of $190m.
Associated British Engineering (ASBE) had net assets of £391,000 at the end of March 2024, including cash of £419,000.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 30 October 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Natural language processing company Cykel AI (CYK) joined the Aquis Stock Exchange on Wednesday. It raised £1m at 3p/share and the shares ended the week at 10.25p. There was initially significant buying of the shares, but trading levels dwindled over the week so there was only one sale of 100,000 shares at 10p each on Friday.
Healthcare provider One Health Group (OHGR) generated 12% higher revenues of more than £11m in the first half. There was £3.6m in the bank at the end of September 2023. There is additional surgical capacity, and two new contracts were awarded in the first half. A new surgical hub could open in 2025. The second half is normally stronger.
Valereum (VLRM) says that US funding it secured in August is no longer available. The talks with the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission concerning the purchase of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange are dragging on. Richard Poulden, Jack Sun, Patrick Young and Alan Gravett have resigned from the board. James Formolli, who has links with Gibraltar, has been appointed chairman. Patrick Lyle Young has rejoined the board as chief executive. These changes may make it easier to gain regulatory clearance for the acquisition.
Gunsynd (GUN) investee company Omega Oil and Gas estimates maiden gross 2C contingent resources of 1.73 trillion cubic feet of gas in its area in Queensland’s Taroom Trough. The next phase of exploration includes a horizontal well. The $21m raised in August will finance this next stage of exploration.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has sold 49.9% of Lithium battery storage project developer Forepower Lincoln (250) Ltd for £1.5m, which is payable on the sale of the project or on the fifth anniversary of the agreement. The buyer will loan £500,000 and this will be offset against the consideration when it is due. This will be drawn down as the project progresses.
Ananda Developments (ANA) made an interim loss of £990,000. There was cash of nearly £12,000 at the end of July 2023. Since the end of the period, operations at the cannabis cultivation facility were paused to reduce cash burn.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) reported a reduction in loss from £5.05m to £1.95m. Net cash was £580,000 at the end of June 2023, while NAV was £19.5m.
Cooks Coffee (COOK) has appointed RSM as administrator to its Triple Two coffee shop franchise business. There are currently eleven stores, which are trading poorly. The Esquires chain is trading well and will not be affected.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) says that fuel savings of more than 5% have been verified for seagoing vessels with a two-stroke engine when fuel conditioner SulNOxEco. This will help to increase interest from shipping companies.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) non-exec Jayne Almond has acquired 3,000 shares at 895p each and her husband bought 5,617 shares at 890p each.
AIM
After the market closed on Friday evening, SafeStyle (SFE) said that it intends to appoint administrators to three subsidiaries. Potential buyers of the replacement windows operations have withdrawn their interest and management already revealed it would not be able to raise additional finance. This means there is unlikely to be anything left for shareholders.
Fire Angel Safety Technology (FA.) has agreed a 7.4p/share bid from fire safety products manufacturer Siterwell Electronics, which already owns 17.5%. The share price has not been at that level for six months. The offer values FireAngel Safety Technology at £27.7m.
Mining investment company Starvest (SVE) plans to cancel the AIM quotation and commence a voluntary liquidation. This would involve the distribution of stakes in Greatland Gold (GGP) and Ariana Resources (AAU) to shareholders, while the other stakes will be sold. The share price improved by 77.8% to 8p, valuing Starvest at £4.7m. This is still a discount to the March 2023 NAV of £6.75m, although for one the Ariana Resources share price has fallen since then. Shareholder approval will be sought on 21 November and the AIM cancelation could happen on 29 November.
Northern Bear (NTBR) intends to launch a tender offer to buy up to five million shares (26.7% of share capital) at 62p each. The building services provider will ask for authorisation at a general meeting on 15 November and the tender will be funded by the company’s cash and an additional £1m of debt. This will be earnings enhancing. Some shareholders say they will not tender shares, which means that other shareholders can tender at least 35.6% of their holding. Shares have to be tendered by 22 November. Jeff Baryshnik will retire as chairman after the general meeting. Trading is ahead of the previous year and a trading update will be published in the next few days.
Angling Direct (ANG) improved UK sales and European online sales recovered. The fishing tackle retailer has plans to open its first store in Europe. Interim revenues rose 11% to £43.3m, while pre-tax profit recovered from £1.1m to £1.7m. Like-for-like store sales were 4.9% ahead. Net cash reached £17.6m at the end of July 2023, helped by a reduction in working capital. August and September sales were 14% higher than the same time last year, although the comparative was a weak period. Market share is still growing.
Argentex (AGFX) has appointed Jim Ormonde as interim chief executive. He replaces previous chief executive Harry Adams, who is the second largest shareholder with 12.3%. A strategic review has identified areas of the payments sector to focus on. Jim Ormonde was boss of Cardsave, which was bought by WorldPay, and he has been a consultant to Argentex. Current trading is in line with expectations even though activity levels have been lower.
Security products supplier Thruvision (THRU) has raised £3.2m at 23.5p/share. The money has been invested by Pentland Capital, which has taken a 10% stake, and existing shareholders. The cash will be invested in sales and marketing. Earlier this month, Thruvision revealed that it had not received the expected order from US Customs and Border Protection due to budgetary problems. Forecast revenues for 2023-24 were slashed by two-fifths to £8.1m – £3.5m has been generated in the first half. A full year loss of £3.2m is expected.
Bradda Head Lithium (BHL) interims show a $6.24m cash outflow leaving $1.5m in the bank at the end of August 2023. Since the year end, an updated mineral resource showing contained metal of more than one million tonnes triggered a Lithium Royalty Company payment of $2.5m to Bradda Head Lithium, which was received in October.
Fourth quarter trading at The Mission Group (TMG) has got tougher with clients spending less. This follows a relatively upbeat trading statement at the time of the interims. The cost base was raised in anticipation of additional demand and cost cutting will not be done until next year. Canaccord Genuity slashed its pre-tax profit forecast from £7.9m to £3.1m and net debt is set to rise to £24m, which contravenes debt limits. The interim dividend is cancelled. Interest will be covered just over two times.
Sustainable fuels technology developer Velocys (VLS) has launched its new technology facility in Ohio. Velocys contributed $2m of the $10m capital investment with the rest invested by a subsidiary of The Pagura Company. The equipment will be fully up and running by mid-2024. There should be enough capacity for projected orders stretching out to 2028.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) has Rock and Alluvium for an initial £1.8m and agreed a new five-year trading deal with Galliford Try, which could add more than £10m/year to revenues. This increases the group’s presence in the residential market in Greater London.
MAIN MARKET
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) investee company ADOR Diagnostics has secured funding of $7.5m and BATM is providing $3.5m of this cash. This is payable in two tranches, one immediately and the other after the achievement of milestones over the next six months.
First Tin (1SN) has published a definitive feasibility study (DFS) update for the Taronga project in Australia. The DFS should be completed in the first quarter of next year. It is already clear that the resource is significantly larger than previously estimated due to additional mineralisation and lower cut-off grade and that means processing capacity will need to be larger. The additional capital investment should improve recovery rates.
Cash shell Mining, Minerals and Metals (MMM) has entered into heads of terms with Georgina Energy, which is exploring for helium, hydrogen and hydrocarbon the Amadeus and Officer Basins in Australia. The transaction to acquire Narnia Mauritius Gas will not go ahead until the renewal of the company’s licences.
Intuitive Investments Group (IIG), which recently moved from AIM to the Specialist Fund Segment, is issuing 1.91 billion shares to acquire Hui10, a Chinese company that owns 33% of Beijing Huishi Dehua IT, which has a digital payment platform for the Chinese lottery and 60% of Lucky World, which has developed a platform that enables China’s lottery shops to access a wider range of consumer goods. The businesses are losing money. Hui10 will not be consolidated in the company’s figures. Investments Group currently has 86.9 million shares currently in issue and, at 11p/share, it is valued at £9.6m. A ten-for-one share consolidation is planned. There is already permission to issue more shares. Chief executive Rob Naylor bought 100,000 shares at 9.5p each.
BSF Enterprise (BSFA) has formed a separate subsidiary called Kerato to develop lab-grown corneas. This company can focus on advancing clinical trials.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 30 January 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) says 2022 trading was in line with expectations. The 2022 results will be published on 30 March.
Electric vehicle drivetrain technology developer Equipmake Holdings (EQIP) has raised £6.235m at 5p a share. That was slightly more than initially indicated. A lease is being secured on additional premises. The contracted order book is worth £8.6m. Interim revenues were £1.05m and the full results will be announced on 15 February.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) says existing contracts underpin growth in in 2023. There are £22m of vanadium flow battery systems due for delivery in 2023 and a further £7.4m order book for 2024. There was £5.1m of cash in the bank at the end of 2022. Pilot projects with Siemens Gamesa should begin in the summer and a next generation product should be available in the first half of 2024.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) has completed the sale of its joint venture interest in Yangibana rare earths project for A$9m of shares in ASX-listed Hastings, which is equivalent to 1.9%. Evergreen Lithium is expected to list on the ASX on 10 March – Cadence Minerals owns 15.8 million shares, which are expected to be valued at A$3.96m.
A full year update from Chapel Down Group (CDGP) shows string growth in sparkling wine sales. Group revenues were 10% ahead at £15.6m with momentum increasing in the second half. Margins should have improved.
Ace Liberty & Stone (ALSP) reported a small dip in interim pre-tax profit to £731,000, partly due to additional charges relating to a property in Sunderland. There is available cash of £9.5m for further property investments and contracts have been exchanged on a Dorchester property.
Helium Ventures (HEV) had £157,000 in cash at the end of October 2022. The proposed acquisition of Vestigo Technologies, which supplies tracking software, continues to be progressed.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) is partnering with Datar Cancer Genetics to offer the Trucheck circulating tumour cell screening service.
Tap Global (TAP) has signed up its first client for its crypto app. Global cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex will use the service to offer clients a prepaid Mastercard and convert cryptocurrency to Euros.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) says the SuperSeed II LP has invested in eight SaaS companies and a further investment should be made in the first quarter of 2023.
RentGuarantor Holdings (LON: RGG) is licencing its software to Clever Student Lets to use on its student letting platform.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd (GSVR) has published fourth quarter production figures. Silver output was 401,000 ounces in the period, while gold output was 4,000 ounces. Full year production was one million ounces of silver and 11,000 ounces of gold.
AQRU (AQRU) has launched its lending pool via subsidiary Accru Finance. This allows investors to generate yield from tax credit receivables originating from the IRS in the US. Annual returns of up to 10% are indicated.
Good Energy (GOOD) was one of three energy suppliers criticised for not providing enough help to their prepayment customers to claim the £400 of support vouchers from the government.
Marula Mining (MARU) says that initial deliveries of 1,000 tonnes of high-grade lithium ore from the Blesberg mine will commence shortly and take four weeks. Processing of existing stockpiles is ongoing, while site infrastructure is upgraded.
Chris Akers continues to build up his stake in Asimilar Group (ASLR) and it has reached 8.01%.
AIM
Spectacles supplier Inspecs (SPEC) is expected to report slightly better than expected full year figures. The figures are still much worse than expected prior to the previous warning, where destocking and poorly performing businesses led to a significant downgrade. Sales were flat at $246m, although there was growth before currency movements. Pre-tax profit is set to more than halve from $17.9m to $7.7m.
Battery technology developer Ilika (IKA) has been awarded a UK government grant of £2.8m for taking a leading role on a 24-month Faraday Battery Challenge in collaboration with BMW and Williams. This will further the development of Ilika’s Goliath battery, which is designed to be cost-effective and recyclable. There were no surprises in the interims earlier in the week. In the six months to October 2022, revenues improved from £179,000 to £204,000, which all came from UK grants. Net cash outflow from operating activities increased from £2.19m to £3.84m. Net cash is £17.8m. The Stereax M300 miniature battery should be launched by the summer.
Results from aerospace composites kits supplier Velocity Composites (LON: VEL) were as expected following the trading statement at the end of 2022. In the year to October 2022, revenues were 22% higher at £12m, while the loss was flat at £1.5m. A further loss is forecast for this year, while the US deal with GKN Aerospace builds up later in the year. A full year contribution from the US GKN business should push the company into profit.
Fire Angel Technology (FA.) reduced its loss last year, even after higher procurement costs, and it expects significantly enhanced margins this year. The home safety products supplier increased 2022 revenues by nearly one-third to £57.5m. A further reduction in loss is expected this year with helpful currency movements providing potential for further upside.
Healthcare data analysis provider Diaceutics (DXRX) beat expectations with revenues 44% higher at £20m, helped by currency movements, and margins are being maintained despite inflationary pressures. Diaceutics has secured two agreements with top ten global pharma companies. The order book is worth £15.6m. Investment in data and technology is being increased.
Following the departure of the recently appointed chief executive Inland Homes (INL) has sold its greenfield strategic land portfolio. There was a £3.5m profit on the sale that raised £9.5m in cash. There will also be fees generated for assisting the purchaser. Despite the disposal, net debt has risen to £100m and trading conditions have deteriorated. The 2021-22 loss is expected to be £91m and NAV has fallen to 40p a share.
Fiinu (BANK), which offers the Plugin overdraft to individuals with accounts with other banks, has completed the core banking platform configuration and its testing. General testing of the service is continuing. There is £35m-£40m required to fund the bank and a staged fundraising will commence before Easter.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) had already flagged the interims, but the pre-tax profit was still slightly higher than expected at £3.3m. The interim dividend is 0.4p a share. Full year pre-tax profit forecasts have been maintained at £5.2m, although next year’s figures has been trimmed to £6m.
Gaming Realms (GMR) has signed a brand licensing deal with Tetris Inc, the holder of the rights to the eponymous falling blocks game. Tetris Slngo mobile will be launched globally before the end of 2023.
MAIN MARKET
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) is due to commence a phase 1 clinical trial for its lead programme OCT461201 for the treatment of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy with the interim results due in the second quarter. Management says it has enough cash to get it into the first quarter of 2024. GHS Capital has reduced its stake to below 3%.
Motor dealer Pendragon (PDG) says fourth quarter trading is slightly ahead of expectations and this has offset inflationary pressures. Underlying full year pre-tax profit should be more than £57m, down from £83m for the previous year. Net debt is around £23m. There continue to be constraints in the supply of new vehicles.
One Heritage Group (OHG) expects a further impairment charge of between £750,000 and £1.25m. Martin Crews is being replaced as development director by Paul Westhead on an interim basis. The major shareholder loan facility has been raised from £9.5m to £11m.
Mode Global Holdings (MODE) is winding down its operations because it was unable to raise the cash it required to grow the business.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 8 August 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Guernsey-based Inteliqo Ltd (IQO) plans to become a distributor of a range of technology products. The first is an earbud that can translate 42 languages in real-time. There is limited liquidity with little more than 2% of the shares not held by the five main shareholders. A lock-in agreement means that more than 90% of the shares cannot be sold for 12 months. This is reflected in the bid/offer spread of 1p/4p, which effectively means that the share price was unchanged on the first day of dealings. There were no trades. Pro forma net assets are £557,000, which is equivalent to 0.5p a share.
Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) has made a £450,000 investment as part of a £12m fundraising by QLM Technology Ltd, a photonics hardware and technology developer. It has developed a gas imaging camera based on quantum technology. The technology will be integrated into lead investor Schlumberger’s end-to-end emissions solutions business. It can be used to quantify greenhouse gas.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) says that the instrument sterilisation testing for the FDA 510k submission has been delayed due to problems getting a supply of medical grade steel.
Love Hemp Group (LIFE) says full year revenues fell 16% to £3.6m. This was hit by delays to the UK novel foods product register. Second half operating costs have been reduced. Two major listings of CBD products have been agreed.
VVV Resources (VVV) had £87,000 in cash and net assets of £148,000 at the end of 2021. A share purchase agreement should lead to VVV owning 100% of the Mitterburg copper project in Austria and the Shangri La polymetallic project in Western Australia – it already owns 51% of this project.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN), which is also quoted on AIM, reported encouraging visual drilling results at the Red Setter project, Patersons Range, Western Australia. This has prompted management to secure a second drilling rig.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has won its first order for fuel conditioner in Costa Rica for evaluation and an additional order in Germany.
MiLOC Group Ltd (ML.P) revenues declined from HK$20.5m to HK$4.94m and a profit became a loss.
Chris Akers has increased his stake in Quetzal Capital (QTZ) from 21% to 22%. John Mahtani has cut his stake from 3.83% to below 3%.
AIM
Bumper fuel profit meant that NWF (NWF) produced record results in the year to May 2022. Group revenues were 30% ahead at £878.6m, while underlying pre-tax profit jumped from £11.9m to £20.9m. That was excluding a £8.3m impairment charge for feeds division assets. There was a continued steady increase in the total dividend to 7.5p a share. All three divisions improved their profit during the year and NWF has net cash of £9m. There were no acquisitions last year, but the cash in the balance sheet will help to finance further fuels deals. The plan is to spend £10m a year, paying around six times operating profit. That will enhance earnings.
Filtronic (FTC) narrowly beat June’s upgraded full year results for the year to May 2022. Revenues improved from £15.6m to £17.1m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £200,000 to £1.5m. The mix of product sales boosted margins. Higher margin defence and critical communications sales grew, while lower margin Xhaul telecoms revenues fell, although they were stronger in the second half. There is likely to be a greater proportion of Xhaul sales in this year’s forecast revenues of £19m. That means that group margins will decline. Pre-tax profit is expected to be £800,000 and net cash could rise to £4.4m.
Cosmetics supplier Revolution Beauty (REVB) has delayed its 2021-22 results and cut its expectations for 2022-23. Poor retail demand in the US and the loss of £9m of Russian and Ukraine revenues have hit the early part of the new financial year. Online demand is switching to store sales and cost increases have hit profitability. Zeus has cut its 2022-23 EBITDA forecast by 38% to £19m, while higher net debt means that earnings are reduced by 64% to 1.5p a share.
Lithium-ion battery cell technology developer AMTE Power (AMTE) has secured a partnership with Cosworth for its Ultra High Power (UHP) rechargeable pouch battery cells. This follows the announcement that AMTE Power has chosen a site in Dundee for a new 0.5GWh battery production facility. Cosworth is a global technology business that used to be famous for making Formula One engines. It can design, develop and manufacture engines. Cosworth recently acquired electrification business Delta and this deal will add to the expertise.
TV programme producer Zinc Media (ZIN) is acquiring The Edge Picture Company and raising £5m at 100p a share. The Edge is based in London and Qatar and is a brand and corporate film maker. Clients include Barclays, Amazon and FIFA. In 2021, revenues were £8.2m and EBITDA was £800,000. There is initial consideration of £2.1m in cash and shares with up to £3.875m payable if a total of £5m of operating profit is made over the three years to June 2025.
Omega Diagnostics (ODX) has completed the sale of the CD4 business for up to £6.1m. The initial £1.1m has been paid. A further £4m will be paid when a clinical study is completed in Kenya. There was a monthly cash outflow of £300,000 a month from CD4. The ongoing focus will be the health and nutrition business.
Yacht services provider GYG (GYG) is asking shareholders to agree to drop its AIM quotation at a meeting on 31 August. Disappointing trading in recent years and lack of investor interest are two reasons for the proposed cancelation. Costs can be reduced by €700,000 a year. The half year trading update says that revenues are in line with expectations and the order book is strong. However, there is a lack of capital to grow the business.
Symphony Environmental (SYM) raised £1m at 18p a share from Sea Pearl Ventures and there are four million warrants associated with the placing that are exercisable at 25p each. Sea Pearl will own a 17.4% stake in the oxo-biodegradable plastics technology developer. First half revenues dropped from £4.9m to £3m due to logistics problems and orders delayed.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) reported much improved figures for the year to April 2022 with revenues were 48% ahead at £124.9m, while the group returned to profit. Rig utilisations levels have improved. This year, pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £3.6m to £5m this year.
Franchise lettings group Belvoir Group (BLV) revenues increased 11% in the first half of 2022 with lettings growth offsetting lower property sales after stamp duty incentives ended. The fastest growth came from financial services, where revenues are 19% ahead.
MAIN MARKET
Ground engineering and piling business Keller (KLR) operating profit increased by 19% to nearly £50m as revenues jumped 31% to £1.38bn. Revenue expectations have been raised, but higher costs will reduce margins and there is an additional £1m interest charge, which means that the pre-tax profit forecast is cut by £1m to £101m.
Motor dealer Pendragon (PDG) has ended discussion with a potential bidder, which was potentially going to offer 29p a share. One major institutional shareholder was not supportive of the deal.
First Tin (1SN) has commenced the definitive feasibility study at the Taronga tin deposit in Australia.
Canadian Overseas Petroleum (COPL) has confirmed that the Wyoming deep discovery has total original oil in place of 993.5 million barrels. Three horizontal wells are planned for the 2022-23 drilling campaign.
News publisher National World (NWOR) increased first half revenues from £42.1m to £43.5m and the underlying pre-tax profit improved from £3.5m to £5.6m. This masks a 41% increase in digital revenues. There are £3m of annualised savings planned by the end of 2022. There is even a plan to announce a dividend with the full year results.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 23 August 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Adnams (ADB) says that trading has improved since 17 May with strong demand for hotel accommodation. Interim revenues were flat at £20.5m, while the loss dipped from £3.87m to £3.34m. Net bank debt was £13.4m at the end of June 2021.
GP software provider DXS International (DXSP) increased its full year revenues from £3.28m to £3.61m, while pre-tax profit improved from £239,000 to £254,000 even though the amortisation charge was significantly higher. There was £1.24m of cash generated from operations, although that is less than the £1.5m of capitalised research and development spending.
Good Energy (GOOD) continues to reject the 340p a share bid by Ecotricity because it undervalues the company. Management believes that the company can grow significantly as an independent entity. They also point out that Ecotricity is loss-making.
Oscillate (MUSH) has made a pre-IPO investment in Psych Capital, which would be one of first quoted psychedelic healthcare companies. Oscillate has acquired a 10.4% stake for £300,000. The Oscillate finance director is also finance director of Psych Capital. Richard and Charlotte Edwards have increased their stake in Oscillate from 5.94% to 8.31%. Oscillate has a 24.6% stake in Igraine (KING) which says that the report on the ARCADIA trial – relating to a potential treatment for people with diabetes suffering from Covid-19 – will be published by Excalibur Medicines on 6 September. Igraine has a 2% stake in Excalibur Medicines and also a co-investment agreement.
Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) is making the first of its promised acquisitions. It is paying up to £10.2m in cash and shares for Birmingham-based Vitality CBD, which sells its products through Boots, Tesco and Asda. Revenues were £1.6m in the first half of 2021.
Clarify Pharma (PSYC) has also made its first acquisition since joining Aquis. It has contributed $700,000 to a fundraising by Beckley Psytech. This gives Clarify a 0.26% stake. Beckley is developing psychedelic compounds to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Dispersion Holdings (DEFI) has invested $200,000 in Blimp Technologies Inc, which has a platform that rewards homebuyers and sellers for contributing value to a tokenised network established by Home Network Foundation. Dispersion has made a second investment in Defi Yield Technologies Inc. The C$800,000 investment follows an initial investment of C$200,000, which was at a lower share price. This takes the shareholding to 2.24 million shares.
Watchstone Group (WTG) reduced its underlying admin expenses but there was still a £2.31m cash outflow in the first half of 2021. NAV was £15.4m at the end of June 2021. Watchstone has £14.1m in the bank and £1.8m more in escrow. The focus is on continuing litigation.
Eastinco Mining (EM.P) had a £528,000 outflow from operating activities in 2020. There was £52,000 of cash at the end of 2020.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) reduced its loss from £1.81m to £856,000 in the year to March 2021. SulNOx intends to move to AIM.
Coinsilium (COIN) has invested £300,000 in shares in financial services firm Greengage Global and is subscribing for up to £200,000 in convertible loan notes.
Evrima (EVA) has completed its investment in Eastport Ventures Inc, which is planning a flotation.
Abdelatif Lachab has increased his stake in Helium Ventures (HEV) from 5.94% to 6.23%.
AIM
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) switched from The International Stock Exchange to AIM last week and raised £10m at 25p a share. The cash raised will provide working capital for growth and cash for acquisitions. There will also be investment in further distribution centres, including a larger site in Manchester. Likewise chief executive Tony Brewer joined Headlam in 1991 and became chief executive in 2000. He left the company in 2016. The plan is to be a national distributor with revenues of more than £200m and an operating margin of more than 5% are targeted. Trading has been ahead of budget in the first half of 2021. Daily revenues exceeded £250,000 in each of May and June. The share price has risen to 31p.
Interim figures from plastic packaging manufacturer Robinson (RBN) led to a sharp downgrading of the 2021 pre-tax profit forecast. Raw material prices have soared, and volumes have not grown as fast as expected. Interim revenues were 19% higher at £21.2m – there was modest like-for-like growth excluding the Schela acquisition. A slump in gross margins meant that the business fell into loss. An interim dividend of 2.5p a share has been announced.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) lost money last year, but it should return to profit this year. In the year to April 2021, revenues were flat at £84.4m, which was a good outcome because revenues were sharply lower in the first quarter due to lockdown. The underlying loss was one-third higher at £1.2m. The cold winter also held back progress. Van Elle plans to pay a dividend next year if trading goes to plan.
SkinBioTerapeutics (SBTX) had more cash than expected at the year end and it has set the price for its AxisBiotix-Ps food supplement. In the UK, the psoriasis treatment will cost £1.50 per sachet, which is higher than expected. There was £4.6m in the bank at the end of June, compared with expectations of £3.4m.
Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG) AI technology has yet to make a significant contribution to revenues. GE is offering ScanNav Assist as an option on its SWIFT ultrasound machine, but first half revenues were minimal because of Covid-19 restrictions holding back marketing. Even so, interim revenues increased by 36% to £3.6m due to higher sales of training simulators. That growth is continuing and AI revenues will build up over the longer-term.
MTI Wireless Edge (LON: MWE) has continued to grow its profit and demand is improving for its antennas with new contracts from space and naval customers. In the first half of 2021, revenues improved from $19.6m to $21.3m, while pre-tax profit rose from $1.83m to $2.05m.
Engineer Tricorn (TCN) has appointed administrators because it is running out of money and the board is trying to sell the trading operations. Trading in the shares has been suspended and Arden has resigned as nominated adviser.
DBAY Advisors has decided not to bid for credit hire and legal services firm Anexo (ANX). Trading has been ahead of expectations at Anexo.
MAIN MARKET
Trading in standard list shell Pineapple Power Corp (PNPL) shares has been suspended following the announcement of the reverse takeover of BVP Investments and its sustainability-focused investment portfolio.
Canadian Overseas Petroleum (COPL) has completed the reverse takeover of Atomic Oil and Gas. This adds producing assets. Oil production is expected to continue to increase. Other potential asset acquisitions are being assessed.
Tirupati Graphite (TGR) is acquiring Suni Resources SA, which has a portfolio of graphite interests in Mozambique. They include the Montepuez graphite project which is already under construction. The acquisition will cost £6.6m.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 25 January 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Rutherford Health (RUTH) has signed contracts with the NHS that underpin a significant proportion of its fixed costs. More cash will be required in order to take advantage of the potential for the cancer care clinics. The cash will be needed in the next few months and could be raised at the same time as moving to AIM. Capacity of the Cardiff site could be fully utilised in 2021 and patients have been booked in at three other sites.
Broadband services provider Rural Broadband Solutions (RBBS) has grown its number of connections to 2,500 by the start of January and is signing up 25 a month. Digital marketing is being increased to attract clients that have access to the Rural Gigabit voucher funding scheme. There is interest from 300 households so the company can apply for £1m of government funding. The target is 5,000 monthly paying customers by October 2023.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has acquired 75.1% of We Love Purely Ltd by issuing 1.53 million shares at 9p a share, which is equivalent to £137,600 and paying off a loan of £30,000. We Love Purely is a snacks supplier and it sells Purely plantain chips. Under new ownership the product range will be expanded. Two S-Ventures directors held shares in the acquired company.
Investment company Gledhow Investments (GDH) raised £1.69m from investment disposals in the year to September 2020. That generated a profit of £508,000 after admin expenses. NAV increased from £884,000 to £1.3m. That includes £382,000 of cash compared with a market capitalisation of £539,000.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) says that the value of its crypto currency position has increased by two-fifths. On 21 January, there was cash of $1.5m, which is mainly crypto currencies. There are also $164,000 of RIF tokens that will vest over 22 months.
Gunsynd (GUN) has converted part of its loan to Rogue Baron at 3.97p a share and that gives it a 19.7% stake in the drinks company. Once Rogue Baron joins Aquis Stock Exchange the rest of the loan stock will be converted. Warrants have been exercised that raised £200,000 for Gunsynd.
Engineer Vulcan Industries (VULC) says third quarter trading was in line with expectations. Third quarter revenues were 14% higher the second quarter at £1.6m. Order books are strong. The proposed acquisition of E Lowe will not happen.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has maintained its NAV at 52.75p a share at the end of November 2020. There are 16 investments in the portfolio.
NQ Minerals (NQMI) has filed a draft prospectus for its move to the standard list.
Dozens Savings has issued just over £1m of retail bonds and demand is outstripping supply.
AIM
Business restructuring company Begbies Traynor (LSE: BEG) has acquired rival CVR Global for up to £20.8m, which is its largest acquisition. CVR’s annual profit was £1.2m and there are potential cost savings of £750,000 a year.
Beximco Pharmaceuticals (BXP) is acquiring Sanofi Bangladesh for £35.5m. The deal is still subject to regulatory approval. This will broaden the product range and helps the group move into new sectors. It will also add more manufacturing capacity. The deal should be earnings enhancing. Sanofi made a pre-tax profit of £4.3m in 2019.
Ground engineering contractor Van Elle (VANL) made a loss in the first half of 2020-21 and trading remains mixed. Interim revenues fell by 21% due to the original lockdown and delayed rail work, but there should be a recovery in the second half. Cost reductions are coming through and helping to stem the loss. This puts Van Elle in a stronger position for the next financial year. Improving utilisation of equipment will help the company return to profit and start paying dividends again.
Acoustic materials supplier Autins (AUTG) would have reported halved second-hand revenues without the contribution from PPE. Full year revenues fell from £26.9m to £21.5m as one major automotive customer was hit by production problems. The loss increased from £1.54m to £1.76m. The high depreciation charge means that £1.48m of cash was generated from operations during the year. The Neptune product is gaining new contracts, particularly for electric vehicles.
Flexible printed circuit technology developer Trackwise Designs (TWD) disappointed the market with its trading statement. Growth in revenues has been slower than expected due to short-term problems, but finnCap has maintained its 2021 forecast, which predicts a rise in revenues from £6.2m to £14.2m. That would be enough to make the company profitable.
Alumasc (LSE: ALU) traded ahead of expectations in the six months to December 2020 and this has led to a large upgrade in the full year pre-tax profit forecast to £8.9m. There has been a bounce back in building and construction activity.
Trans-Siberian Gold (TSG) produced 15,217 ounces of gold at the Asacha mine in the fourth quarter, taking the total for the year to 45,066 ounces. Annual revenues were $81m. Production has stopped at Vein 25 because of an accident that killed two people. Mining in the main zone continues.
CCTV equipment supplier UniVision Engineering Ltd (UVEL) has signed a supplementary agreement with MTR Corp in Hong Kong for an additional £1.53m of work.
Jade Road Investments (JADE) is the new name for Adamas Finance Asia.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) traded at the top of expectations in 2020, helped by a strong second half. Pre-tax profit will be around £29m, up from £15.8m in 2019. Cash generation is strong and net debt has declined to £18.3m.
Castillo Copper (CCZ) is considering selling its Broken Hill Alliance (BHA) project. This will enable the company to focus on the Mt Oxide project in Queensland, where there have been positive drilling results. Plans are being made to accelerate the development of this project. There should be more news about the other assays from the drilling and there will be modelling of a JORC resource. It makes sense to focus on this asset. BHA has is highly prospective for silver, zinc and lead in the west zone and iron oxide copper gold in the east zone. There should be interest from companies operating in the region. BHA could be sold or spun off into a quoted vehicle.
Personal care products supplier InnovaDerma (IDP) is raising £4m from a placing with up to £500,000 more to come from an open offer. This cash will finance investment in ecommerce and improve the balance sheet. The business continues to lose money. It could be profitable in 2021-22.
Argo Blockchain (ARB) has raised £22.4m at 80p a share and the cash will be invested in more crypto currency mining equipment. This will be installed between February and June. Capacity will be increased by nearly three-fifths.
Strong footwear sales helped Zotefoams (ZTF) to achieve slightly higher revenues in 2020 with pre-tax profit at the top end of expectations.
Flavour ingredients supplier Treatt (TET) continues to perform strongly in the first four months of the financial year. Drinks volumes have increased despite Covid-19 restrictions and this has helped Treatt. Forecasts have been raised with the 2020-21 pre-tax profit figure increased from £15.2m to £18.2m.
Tiziana Life Sciences (TILS) has switched from AIM to the Main Market.
Pensana Rare Earths (PRE) will drop the ASX listing on 24 February.
Andrew Hore