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Quoted Micro 25 May 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Time to ACT (TTA) says that Ruth Herbert has been appointed chief executive of EET Hydrogen and power, which is a potential client, and final investment decision for the HPP1 blue hydrogen project is due in the second half of 2026. Time to ACT has completed the acquisition of MTE Heat Treatment for £500,000.
Unigel Group (UNX) has decided it is best to leave Aquis and is asking for shareholder agreement. A general meeting is planned on 5 June.
Ian Bagnall has taken a 5.78% stake in Tomahawk Minerals (TMHK), formerly Shortwave Life Sciences. The company is concentrating on its gold and antimony, and it is planning a move to AIM.
In the first quarter of 2026, SuperSeed Capital (WWW) improved to 141p/share or 136.4p/share after notional management fee.
B HODL (HODL) has launched the Lightning Service Provider platform, which provides programmable liquidity for Bitcoin.
Quantum computing technology developer Delta Gold Technologies (LON: DGQ) pointed out a Wall Street Journal article concerning the award of up to $2bn in grants to the quantum computing sector. The company issued 28,571 shares at a warrant price of 50p each.
In the six months to February 2026, Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) had a cash outflow from operations was £612,000. There was £338,000 left in cash. Income from digital assets was £516,000, up from £20,000 in the first half of the previous year, but there was a sharp increase in operating costs. There was a £3.76m drop in the valuation of the digital assets.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has completed the acquisition of M3 Helium and Paul Mendell, who has a 9.37% stake, has been appointed technical director.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) made a strong start to the year and loan balances edged up to £2.32bn by the end of April 2026. Deposits were 1% ahead to £4.26bn over the same period. Funds under management and administration were 5% higher at £2.8bn. No reductions in interest rates so far this year has been good for Arbuthnot Banking, and the income on its surplus funds.
Nomad Compute (NMD) has raised £3.124m at 0.125p/share. A capital reorganisation is required to reduce the apar value to enable the shares to be issued. The cash is for “developing and operating modular, containerised edge AI compute infrastructure for global enterprise and sovereign markets”.
IntelliAM AI (INT) has appointed Joel Crawfod as chief revenue officer. He will be based in Texas.
Energy B (NRGB) has appointed First Sentinel as corporate adviser.
Oliver O’Donnell, head of equities for VSA Capital (VSA), has been appointed to the group board.
Roundhouse Digital has changed its name to Roundhouse AI (ETHL).
AIM
Asia-focused oil and gas producer Jadestone Energy (JSE) reported a loss of $133.7m on revenues of $408m for 2025, but that figure is complicated by $126m impairment charge and the $18.5m write off for the abandonment of the SKUA-11 well. That masks the strong cash generation of the business last year. Cash generated from operating activities was $91.4m, helped by lower operating costs, and along with the $39.4m proceeds from a disposal this was more than enough to fund capital expenditure and interest charges. Net debt reduced to $89.1m. Jadestone Energy has refinanced debt through a $200m bond issue, which increases the cash available. Production in 2026 could be at the lower end of the 18,000-21,000 boe/day guidance range – last year it was 19,829 boe/day – because of a storm stopping production at the Stag field. That should generate enough cash to cover investment this year. The farm-out process for the Vietnam asset has commenced.
Medical devices developer Creo Medical (CREO) has raised £5.5m at 15p/share and the Bank of Wales is subscribing for £2m of convertible loan notes. Creo Medical plans to sell the remaining 49% interest in Creo Medical SL to 51% shareholder CME at book value. The sale of the 51% stake raised £24.7m after costs CME will continue to distribute Creo Medical products in Europe. Cash was £12.4m at the end of 2025 and there was a subsequent dividend of £1.6m from CME. Creo medical made an underlying operating loss of £13.7m on revenues of £6m in 2025 and the additional cash will help to accelerate growth in sales. First quarter revenues were 60% ahead and full year revenues could grow at a similar rate. Operating costs should be reduced by 15%.
Energy efficiency technology developer Sabien Technology (SNT) is entering into an agreement for a proposed strategic commercial partnership and financing that will help to accelerate commercial deployment of the M2G technology. The partnership with Haydale (HAYD) and SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC) means that SMCC will be the M2G distributor in agreed commercial, industrial and public sector markets. Haydale would also help with improving manufacturing efficiency. Non-core investments are being reviewed, and additional opportunities will be assessed. A strategic investor group could acquire the 26.7% stake held by executive chairman Richard Parris and restructure the debt owed to Parris Group. A convertible loan note could raise up to £2m. Final terms have to be agreed. This announcement follows the settlement of a historical contract for £40,000 in cash and £50,000 in shares at 5.71p each.
Building and plumbing products distributor Lords Group Trading (LORD) has reported better than expected results. Pre-tax profit still fell from £3.8m to £2.8m. There has been a rationalisation of plumbing and heating distribution sites and there was a small dip in sales. Online builders merchant CMO made an initial contribution. Market share is improving. There could be a further fall in profit this year.
FIH Group (FIH) will pay a 40p/share special dividend from the funds from the £11.6m sale of the Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company. The shares go ex-dividend on 5 June. Chief executive Stuart Munro gets a £478,000 bonus and finance director Reuben Shamu £293,000 for the successful disposal.
Gold producer Metals Exploration (MTL) produced 65,287 ounces of gold in 2025, but the higher gold price meant that revenues rose by 9% to $208.4m. Free cash generated from operations was 19% higher at $115.3m. Construction of the La India project in Nicaragua is one-third complete. The first gold pour could be in December. Gold production guidance for Runruno has been revised downwards to 40,000-48,000 ounces.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has won a project through FlexBase to design a GWh-scale vanadium flow battery to be deployed at the Technology Centre Laufenburg, Switzerland. This datacentre and technology campus required up to 1.5GWh and it could be expanded to 2.1 GWh. There should be phased manufacturing of the batteries.
Automotive interior components manufacturer CT Automotive (CTA) reported a 4% dip in revenues to $114.8m, while pre-tax profit improved by one-fifth to £9.5m. Earnings were 11.4 cents/share. A further improvement is expected this year.
TV programmes producer Zinc Media (ZIN) has won a $6m contract to produce an entertainment series in the Middle East. The international distribution rights should add extra income. The series has already been broadcast for 17 seasons, and it follows inventors developing ideas. Zinc Media has been brought in to refresh the format, and the programme will be shot in Arabic and English. Zinc Media is acquiring William Martin Qatar for an initial £400,000. The final purchase price will be up to £1.12m. This is an agency specialising in events and film in the Middle East and it fits well with the existing business in the region. Full year revenues of £3.4m and pre-tax profit of £300,000 are forecast.
Tap Global Group (TAP) recently launched the Tap Earn app and it has reached $3.5m of assets under management. The app offers a yield of up to 7% on supported stablecoin holdings, up to 3.5% on Ethereum and up to 2.5% on Bitcoin. Tap Earn is available across all the company’s markets and will generate revenues for the company by converting passive customer balances into generating income.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has secured surface rights to 270 acres of the Teck Hughes tailings project. This provides access and operational flexibility. The price is C$220,000 in cash and a 1.5% net smelter royalty. The net smelter royalty can be reduced to 0.75% for C$750,000 in cash and to 0.5% with a further C$500,000 payment.
Mkango Resources (MKA) subsidiary Mkango Rare Earths has filed a registration statement in the US concerning its merger with Crown PropTech Acquisitions. This helps to progress the proposed Nasdaq listing for Mkango Rare Earths.
Ariana Resources (AAU) is selling a 13.6% stake in the Zenit gold mining joint venture in Turkey to the majority shareholding for $19.5m – $17.2m after tax. Ariana Resources retains a 9.9% stake in Zenit, which could generate dividends, and has $29m in cash. The cash will be invested in the Dokwe project in Zimbabwe and the cash will fund the project up to the definitive feasibility study.
First quarter results from gold miner Thor Explorations (THX) show year-on-year revenues increasing from $64m to $74.3m and lower operating costs per ounce of gold. Net income rose from $34.4m to $46.7m. Net cash was $177.9m at the end of March 2026. A dividend of C$0.0275/share was announced. Full year production guidance is 75,000-85,000 ounces of gold with average costs likely to edge up.
Gene therapy technology developer 4basebio (4BB) increased 2025 revenues from £900,000 to £1.7m and it is forecast to rise to £2.5m. The loss was £17.9m. There should still be £8.5m in the bank at the end of 2025. The company has secured a clinical supply deal with a biotech company for supply of synthetic DNA to a phase II immunotherapy programme.
MAIN MARKET
Vehicle rental and claims management company Zigup (ZIG) traded strongly in the second half with profit at the upper end of expectations. Full year pre-tax profit is set to be around £160m. Cash generation has improved. The results will be released on 8 July.
Ground engineering and piling business Keller (KLR) reported stronger trading in the first four months of the year despite the global background. North America has done well. Higher costs are being passed on in new contracts. The order book is worth £1.7bn. The interim results will be published on 4 August.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) has visited the NWQ Copper project with partner Austral Resources to inspect the Big One Deposit and Big One North prospect. The historical copper stockpile was assessed. Mt Storm was identified as an under explored near surface target.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 6 April 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
In 2025, heart health products developer ProBiotix Health (PBX) increased revenues by 45% to £2.73m. The loss was reduced from £852,000 to £1.24m. Revenues continue to grow in the first quarter of the new financial year, and it has achieved profitability. Cash was £1.27m at the end of 2025. The order book has more than doubled to £1.3m. The company is diversifying into new medical areas.
Dermatology products developer Incanthera (INC) says direct to consumer sales of Skin + CELL products have been disappointing, generating £12,400. Discussions continue relating to retail distribution. No bulk sale will be achieved before the end of the March 2026 financial year, so stocks will be higher than anticipated. There are also technology licensing talks. The company has to be careful with working capital, but it believes it has enough cash for immediate requirements.
Oscillate (SRVL), which is changing its name to Serval Resources, is acquiring Kalahari Copper and moving to AIM on 27 April. The strategy is to build a business with a range of copper exploration and development assets. There will be a 50-for-one share consolidation. There will be a share issue to raise £2.9m at 22.5p/share. A WRAP retail offer could raise up to $300,000.
Mendell Helium (MDH) expects to publish the document for the move to AIM during April. That will spark the exercise of the option to acquire M3 Helium. The Rost 2-26 well has reached 4,540 feet. This will test helium prospects. There are preparations for the re-completion of Schneweis Ventures 13A well.
Valereum (VLRM) confirms the exclusivity agreement with Quantum Global Photonics and the definitive agreement is expected by the end of April. As part of the agreement, the first coupon payment for medium term notes of $3.9m will be a combination of cash and VGOLD-CORE (independently valued and verified) gold-backed tokens, where the launch is subject to regulatory approval. The deal involves technology integration, tokenisation and profit sharing. So far, $900,000 has been drawn down from the $2.5m investment from Blubird Global Inc. There are currently talks with Blubird Global about revising the terms of the funding, which could mean that funding could end.
Zak Mir is no longer chief executive of Lift Global Ventures (LFT) and he is not running the investor relations business Miriad any longer. The investment strategy has changed to an AI focus. Cash was £199,000 at the end of 2025 and subsequently a £40,000 settlement was agreed with a former consultant.
Heart medicines developer Cardiogeni (CGNI) says that the share swap deal with Kira Health Invest AG is progressing and could complete by 10 April. 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.
Time to ACT (TTA) has appointed VSA Capital as corporate adviser and has raised £415,000 at 6p/share. The company is in talks to acquire the assets of heat treatment business MTE Heat Treatment, which is in administration. This will fit with Diffusion Alloys. It is not buying any asset from Versarien. There are other potential acquisitions.
Investment company Gledhow Investments (GDH) had NAV of £1.2m at the end of September 2025. Net cash is currently £762,000 following recent disposals. This provides the opportunity to take advantage of market volatility.
IntelliAM AI (INT) has bought the business and assets of RBM Lubrications for £25,000 payable in cash at the end of 2029. This expands the business in Scotland.
Oberon Investments (OBE) has launched a global thematic equity fund called TM Oberon Theseus Fund. It will be structured around five to eight core themes and have up to 75 investments.
B HODL (HODL) has completed the initial At-The-Market equity offer and raised £42,300 at 7.05p/share. Another Bitcoin has been acquired for £51,234. The total holding is 165.487 Bitcoin which cost an average of £81,962 each.
Digital asset miner Sterling Digital (ASIC) did not have any revenues in the period to December 2025. There was £3.67m in the bank after the Aquis flotation. Data mining equipment has been acquired, and Bitcoin should be being produced by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
South west England focused minerals explorer Tamar Minerals (TMR) had £171,000 in cash at the end of 2025 following a £256,000 cash outflow from operations in the previous six months. Since, then £2.04m has been raised.
Fund of funds investment company SuperSeed Capital (WWW) made realised and unrealised gains of more than £452,000 in 2025. This increased NAV from 1.2544p/share to 1.3668p/share.
Mollyroe (MOY) has raised £470,000 through a convertible loan note issue and £155,000 at 0.25p/share, which is also the conversion price for the loan notes. The loan facility to AI film maker Cascade has been increased from £300,000 to £500,000. Mollyroe will receive and arrangement fee of £40,000.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) has raised £225,000 from the exercise of warrants at 25p each.
BWA Group (BWAP) managing director James Butterfield bought 1.4 million shares at 0.29p each and owns 8.02% of the company.
JP JENKINS
Surrey-based Oomisoft (OOMI) joined JP Jenkins on 1 April. The company provides membership management software, CRM and digital services. The customer is not for profit and professional organisations.
ASSET MATCH
Anti-microbial technology developer Byotrol (BYOT) has raised £250,000 at 016p/share. The cash will help to fund growth opportunities.
Recruitment services provider Macdonald and Company (MAC1) is asking for shareholder approval for a share buyback from William Buck and Robin Glover. This relates to a restructuring of interests in Asia. The general meeting is 16 April.
AIM
Building products supplier BRCK (BRCK) has received an unsolicited bid approach from Atlas Holdings LLC and after initial contact and exchange of information a 65p/share indicative offer was made. The share price has not been that level since June 2025. That offer was rejected by the board on 23 March. Atlas will be provided with additional information to see whether it can come up with a better offer, but it says this would not be enough for a firm bid.
CleanTech Lithium (CTL) has published the pre-feasibility study for the Laguna Verde lithium brine project in Chile. This shows a NPV10 of $699m over a 25-year period. This assumes extracting 15,000t per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate. The operating cost is assumed to be $5,768/t and a sale price of $22,500/t. Upfront capex is $748m. First production would be 2031.
Steel structures supplier Billington (BILN) has gained new contracts worth £50m even though the market is still relatively weak. This helps to underpin expectations for 2026, although some of the work will be done in 2027. The 2025 results are due to be published later this month. A pre-tax profit of £3.5m is forecast before a recovery to £8.3m. Manufacturing has been streamlined and Cavendish may reassess forecasts when the results are published.
Whisky supplier Artisanal Spirits Company (ART) was hit by tariffs and the US government shutdown. Elsewhere, there was an improvement in revenues last year. However, overall revenues dipped from £23.6m to £19.9m and that meant that the loss was raised from £3.1m to £7m. Net debt was £31.5m and this should start to reduce this year. The company has changed its way of trading with the US and taken on the distribution in the country.
There was a return to growth at CML Microsystems (CML) in the second half. However, the company will still make a full year loss, rather than the small profit previously expected, because the growth was in lower margin revenues. Supply chain problems have eased. Shore says it will publish 2026-27 forecasts after the latest results are published on 16 June.
Mobile games developer Gaming Realms (GMR) has been hit by changes to stake limits in the UK and there will be another setback when the tax rate increases this year. Revenues improved from £28.5m to £31.4m, while pre-tax profit rose from £8.3m to £9m as management adapted to the stake changes and kept control of costs. More games and adding licence partners have helped revenues continue to rise. North American revenues continue to grow.
Wound healing technology developer AOTI Inc (AOTI) says 2025 revenues were $66.5m, up 15% on 2024. Underlying pre-tax profit was $3.1m, compared with a loss last year. Net debt reached $6.5m. There is a $1.7m provision on money owed by Arizona. Revenues could still rise this year even though AOTI is pulling out of Arizona due to difficulty in getting paid, but profit could decline to $1.2m before starting to grow again. Outstanding debt from Arizona may eventually be reclaimed. A CMS local coverage determination is still expected in the near-term and that will provide some positivity.
Greatland Resources (GGP) benefited from a recovery in the gold price to $4,677.28/ounce. Earlier in the week, it revealed a mineral resource estimate for the O’Callaghans tungsten copper zinc lead deposit. There is 70Mt @ 0.35% of tungsten trioxide. The Telfer mineral resource estimate has been raised by 150% to 8 million ounces. Together with Havieron, the resources could be mined for many decades.
Abingdon Health (ABDX) has won a series of contracts worth £4.8m with a US client. This covers the development of multiplex quantitative lateral flow assay systems for human testing which will be delivered over 27 months. This supports the decision to expand capacity in the US. There could be a subsequent manufacturing contract. The company is set to move to around breakeven in 2026-27. The share price gained 10.3% to 8p.
Ariana Resources (AAU) reported a £12.4m loss for 2025, but this is almost all down to the change in valuation of the Turkey joint venture. That is a non-cash adjustment. The cash outflow from operating activities was £2.6m. Progress is being made with the Dokwe project in Zimbabwe and there is £5.4m in the bank to fund its development.
Monoclonal antibodies developer Bioventix (BVXP) reported interim revenues 9% lower at £6.2m. China was a tough market and some products are maturing. Pre-tax profit was slightly lower at £4.9m. Cash was £5.1m at the end of 2025. The customer base is being broadened and there is longer-term potential for royalties from the company’s antibodies that are included in products. Full year pre-tax profit is set to fall from £10.2m to £9.6m. The full year dividend is set to be unchanged at 150p/share even though it is not going to be covered by earnings.
Digital finance hub Tap Global Group (TAP) interim revenues fell from £1.8m to £1.7m. There was also £210,000 of income from settlement with crypto currency exchange Bitfinex. Cash was £433,000 at the end of 2025.
In-game advertising technology developer Mirriad Advertising (MIRI) says that the expected upturn in February and March did not happen because of the Middle East conflict. It did sign a services agreement with a UK media conglomerate. There is £675,000 in the bank, but more cash will be required before the 2025 accounts are published.
Wellheads and connectors Plexus Holdings (POS) reported a reduction in interim revenues from £2.9m to £1.2m because of delays in projects, particularly in the North Sea due to tax uncertainty and inability to offset decommissioning costs. Activity is likely to remain subdued in the second half with the assumption that work will recover in 2026-27. A full year loss is forecast before a return to profit in 2026-27. The estate of William Black has built up a stake of 5%.
MAIN MARKET
Construction equipment hire company Speedy Hire (SDY) has not made the expected progress in the second half. Contract delays hampered revenues. The latest trading statement has led to a reduction in forecast earnings for 2025-26 and 2026-27. A loss of £1.5m is estimated for the year to March 2026. Net debt is expected to be £159m. The dividend is set to be slashed to 1p/share.
Solvonis Therapeutics (SVNS) has been granted a US patent for a “monoamine modulator compound series from its post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)” programme. This market covers more than 20 million people in the US and major European markets. This programme is part of a broader platform. SVN-114 is the lead candidate.
Digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) generated technology infrastructure income of £106,000 from staking activities and that takes the total for 2026 so far to £283,000. Financial income of £2,350 during February. NAV is 21.3p/share, down from 23.8p/share at the end of January 2026.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 16 February 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Quantum computing IP developer Delta Gold Technologies (DGT) has secured a research sponsorship and technology licensing agreement with Penn State University. The sponsorship could cost $2.99m over three years. This will provide exclusive access to IP developed. Penn State will receive a running royalty of 1% of net sales of licensed products once net sales exceed $20m.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) will earn £330,000 in fees from clients that invested in inspection business ICA, which is being acquired by Germany-based Certania for an enterprise value of £30.45m. AIM-quoted CEPS (CEPS) is selling its stake in for an upfront payment of £14m, which includes the repayment of loan notes. The disposal requires CEPS shareholder approval.
All five requisition resolutions were defeated at the Lift Global Ventures (LFT) general meeting. There were 60.5% of the votes against each resolution. A vote on the waiver of pre-emption rights did not receive the 75% of votes required.
Marula Mining (MARU) has agreed terms for the acquisition of 50% in a special purpose vehicle that holds mining rights in South Africa that include the operation ready Derdepoort manganese mine, which has a processing plant. Proven ore reserves of approximately 4.38 million tonnes of manganese ore at an average grade of 34.78% Manganese Oxide. Marula Mining will pay £1m in shares at 5p each and provide £1m of initial funding. A further £1m will be paid after due diligence. A bankable feasibility study targeting one million tonnes of manganese each year, or when the project is thought to be viable, will trigger a £9m cash payment. A further 20% stake can be acquired for £100,000. Marula Mining has already acquired the nearby Tonto Tshipi manganese mine.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had was cash of £14.1m at the end of January 2026. The NAV was 360p/share. The Luceco (LUCE) share price recovered, and Whittard of Chelsea was refinanced. Recent acquisition LSA has been integrated into Rayware. A £3m share buyback has been launched.
Valereum (VLRM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RWO.io, which will integrate VLRM markets into its infrastructure. Longer-term, there are plans to develop a decentralised exchange and enable token assets to be used to secure loans.
Oscillate (SRVL) has agreed to acquire Kalahari Copper, which has interests in the Kaoko Basin in Namibia and the Kalahari copper belt in Botswana. The acquisition will be combined with a move to AIM. A further $80,000 has been received from Pulsar Helium Inc for the sale of hydrogen assets. One more payment of $80,000 is due.
Fibre optic cable materials supplier Unigel Group (UNX) increased full year turnover from £29.2m to £38.2m, enabling a jump in pre-tax profit from £2.13m to £3.75m. There was a recovery in international demand. This is set to continue due to investment in AI and 5G. Production capacity has been increased in the US because of tariff uncertainties. Net cash was £2.3m at the end of 2025.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) increased NAV to 133p/share at the end of 2025. Portfolio revenues nearly doubled.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has secured a distribution agreement with Motor Plus Panama, which will stock Sulnox emission reduction products for maritime, industrial and transport clients.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has expanded its interests in the area of Greatland Gold (GGP) owned Telfer gold mine in Western Australia. The company won a tender for 67km2 of mineral title on crown land, 25km north-west of Telfer.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has agreed to an extension to the period of exclusivity for the purchase of Pereira Velho Exploração S.A., which owns the Pereira Velho gold project in Brazil.
AI business investor Mollyroe (MOY) raised £350,000 at 0.25p/share. A convertible loan note issue is planned.
Roundhouse Digital (ETHL) has purchased 346.6 Ethereum at an average cost of $2,020 each. The total holding is 468.8 Ethereum. The financial year end date is being changed to March.
Falconedge (EDGE) generated income of 0.368524 Bitcoin, taking the total Bitcoin holding to 19.878377 Bitcoin.
BWA Holdings (BWAP) managing director James Butterfield bought one million shares at 0.25p each, taking his stake to 8.88%. NYCE International (NYCE) has corrected director shareholdings. Farzad Peyman owns 12.2%, Stelios Michaelides 3.86% and Harmen Breninkmeijer 21.3%.
JP JENKINS
Thrive Renewables (THRV) has launched a £10m bond offer, including a retail offer of £5m via the Triodos Bank Crowdfunding platform. The bond lasts for 5 years and offers an annual interest rate of 5.5%. This will finance two onshore wind farms in Wales and Scotland. The offer closes on 16 April.
AIM
Scientific instruments supplier SDI Group (SDI) has secured the earnings enhancing acquisition of PRP Optoelectronics. The manufacturer of ruggedised LEDs for the aerospace, medical and industrial printing markets cost £9.3m, net of cash acquired of £2.8m, and could enhance 2026-27 earnings by nearly 8%. Forecast net debt will increase to £23.1m. This takes SDI into new markets, and the product range fits with some existing products.
Digitisation services provider TPXimpact (TPX) has won two major contracts this week. The latest is a four-year contract with DEFRA worth £39m. That is the second largest contract TPXimpact has ever won. The contract covers digitisation of programmes across agricultural, environmental and sustainability areas. TPXimpact already has contracts with DEFRA. The company also won a £22m contract with NHS England.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) has acquired the Barry M brand from the administrator for £1.4m, but 2025 figures will be just below expectations. Cavendish has cut its 2025 pre-tax profit forecast from £20.7m to £19.2m, although the 2026 figure is maintained at £26m. Net cash was better than expected at £16m. Barry M is a value cosmetics brand and had revenues of £15m. It is likely to be loss making.
Zanaga Iron Ore Company (ZIOC) has secured funding for its Jumelles subsidiary, which owns the Zanaga iron ore project in Congo. Red Arc Minerals is investing $25m for a 20% stake in Jumelles. This will fund the project up to final investment decision. There is then a $125m option for Red Arc Minerals to take its stake to 87.5%. Zanaga Iron Ore Company will retain a 1% net smelter royalty, and Red Arc Minerals can acquire a 0.5% net smelter royalty from the company for $50m. Zanaga Iron Ore Company has enough cash to get to final investment decision when it can decide whether to continue to invest in the project as it moves to production. Red Arc Minerals can be required to swap Jumelles shares for Zanaga Iron Ore Company shares at 15p each if it does not complete each part of the deal in a defined period. Shareholder approval is required.
Video streaming technology developer Aferian (AFRN) has extended its $16.5m banking facilities to 20 March 2026. It could be further extended at a later date. The loan from major shareholder kestrel Partners is £1.59m and is repayable on 15 April 2026. The formal sale process continues, and this is leading to significant adviser costs. Some potential options for the trading businesses would not raise as much as the bank facility.
Interior furnishings brands owner Sanderson Design Group (SDG) says trading continued to improve in the second half, particularly in the US. Sales in the UK were lower last year. There has also been an improvement in manufacturing business, which should make a profit in the year to January 2026. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £4.4m to at least £5m. Cash is estimated to be £9.8m, which is more than one-quarter of market capitalisation.
Cora Gold (CORA) is raising £12.9m-£13.7m through a subscription by Singapore-based Eagle Eye Asset Holdings at 6p/share. There will be a retail offer to raise up to £2m. Eagle Eye’s investment will depend on the take up of the retail offer, so that it does not go above 29.9%. The definitive feasibility study for the company’s Sanankoro project in south Mali indicated a NPV8% of $221m, but that was at a gold price of $2,750/ounce. The money raised covers nearly 50% of the cash required to construct the mine.
Faron Pharmaceuticals (FARN) is planning to raise €40m to enable acceleration of development of its lead asset bexmarilimab and to run the Phase II portion of the FDA agreed Phase II/III trial in frontline high risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Lead asset bexmarilimab is an investigational immunotherapy designed to overcome resistance to existing cancer treatments by harnessing the power of immune cells and igniting the immune system. Management expects value inflection points in 2026 and 2027.
Phoenix Copper (PXC) has suspended chief executive Marcus Edwards-Jones and finance director Richard Wilkins due to their recent conduct and past payments. An investigation is underway. The company has limited cash available, and it will last until the second quarter of 2026.
Gift packaging and stationery supplier IG Design (IGR) is trading ahead of expectations. In the nine months to December 2025, margins of 4% are at the higher end of guidance. Full year pre-tax profit estimate has been raised from $7.1m to $9.9m. Cash could be more than $55m at the end of March 2026. A new chief executive is being recruited. The full year results will be published in June and there will be a return to reporting in pounds.
More positive new for Fulcrum Metals (FMET) concerning gold and other product recoveries at the Teck Hughes tailings project. Gold recovery has been increased to 78% with up to 95% silver recoveries. There are also high recovery rates for tellurium and copper and 20% recoveries of gallium – that could be improved. There is a potential recoverable value of more than $550m of all these metals. Further testing will be undertaken.
Wynnstay Group (WYN) is starting to see the benefits of its project genesis strategy. In the year to October 2025, revenues fell from £613.1m to £583.4m due to lower commodity prices, and pre-tax profit recovered from £7.6m to £9.2m. Efficiencies offset higher wage costs. The growth in profit was predominantly in feed and grain and arable divisions.
MAIN MARKET
Apax Partners has decided not to make an offer of 500p/share for motor dealer software provider Pinewood Technologies (PINE). It blames current market conditions.
Digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) has launched its financial infrastructure strategy. This includes starting to buy Bitcoin as well as Ethereum. Existing holdings will be actively managed.
Bitcoin investor and wed development company The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has bought another 15 Bitcoin at a total cost of £785,773 and it owns 2,689 Bitcoin in total, which is an investment of £222.2m.
Panther Metals (PALM) has filed a prospectus for a proposed secondary listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange. PKF Littlejohn has been appointed as auditor. A placing raised £1.19m at 70p/share. This will be spent on a drilling programme for the Wishbone prospect at the Obonga project in Canada. The Winston mine tailings project is moving towards a mineral resource estimate.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 December 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Valereum (VLRM) has entered into an agreement to raise $200m of royalty and streaming capital from new special purpose segregated portfolio company, Valereum QGP-SP, which is being formed to list on a US National Exchange. There will be a one year option over a stake of 49.9% in Valereum in return for the royalty and streaming income. This will help to accelerate development of the crypto and blockchain platforms and finance acquisitions.
Digital asset company Vaultz Capital (V3TC) holds 135 Bitcoin. Two resolutions related to a share capital reorganisation and a reduction in nominal value were withdrawn from the AGM following shareholder feedback.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) had cash of £1.37m at the end of August 2025. It is in the process of acquiring the Paguanta silver lead zinc project in Chile. Drilling should commence soon at the Eureka project. The cash will finance this and a JORC compliant mineral resource estimate.
AI software company IntelliAM AI (INT) has won contracts in the building products sector. They cover 15 sites and should generate £250,000 in this financial year. Annual recurring revenues were £1.18m at the end of September 2025, Cash was £786,000 and a further £250,000 has subsequently been raised at110p/share. A WRAP retail offer could raise up to £150,000 more. This will fund the delivery of the co-development partnership with a global engineering manufacturer.
WeShop (NASDAQ: WSHP) shares ended the week at $145.21. WeCap (WCAP) has an interest valued at around 28p/share. The share price increased 8.33% to 2.6p. Res Privata NV has cut its WeCap stake from 13.6% to less than 3%. Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) owns a stake worth $21.8m and the share price rose 3.7% to 1.4p, which values the investment company at £3.4m.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has extended the broker option of up to 10 million shares until 3 December. A further £12,000 has been raised via subscription at 3p/share.
Cannabis medicines developer Ananda Developments (ANA) is calling a general meeting on 12 December to gain shareholder approval to leave Aquis. This will save money and may make it easier to raise cash. Initial data from a phase 1 human study for MRX1 has shown a positive safety profile. The final study should be complete in the second quarter of 2026.
Trading in Amazing AI (AAI) shares was suspended following the resignation of Guild Financial Advisory as corporate adviser. The company has hired Rosenblatt Law to pursue a legal action against Tom Winnifrith and Share Prophets Ltd. Chief executive Paul Mathieson is also pursuing legal action, although his social media comments will not help him.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is consolidating 100 shares into one new share and trading will commence on 1 December. The pre-consolidation share price was 19.4% lower at 0.725p.
Café chain Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) increased interim revenues by 111% to NZ$5.77m, helped by managed stores in Ireland via the partnership with Dairygold. Pre-tax profit fell from NZ$530,000 to NZ$68,000. Overall store sales were 26.9% ahead at NZ$45.5m. There are currently 100 stores, most of which are franchised, with a target of 300 by 2034. Net debt is NZ$1.73m.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has secured a major distribution agreement for its reduced emissions additives in the marine sector through Drew Marine USA, which operates in 1,200 ports around the world.
Marula Mining (MARU) is acquiring an initial 50% stake in the Tonto Tshipi manganese mine in South Africa for five million shares. It can increase its interest to up to 70%. Open pit mining should start in mid-December. On completion of due diligence, a further payment of £250,000 and Marula Mining will fund 100% of exploration with a minimum spend of £1m over 12 months. Once a bankable feasibility study is completed there will be a further payment of £5m and an option fee of £100,000 would take the interest to 70%.
In the year to May 2025, Equipmake (EQIP) revenues fell from £7.3m to £3.5m, while the loss increased from £9.1m to £10.9m. The company has been restructured and there is a focus on better margin business. Costs are much lower. There was cash of £3.9m at the end of May 2025. In recent months there have been significant contract wins.
Oscillate (SRVL) says drilling results confirm copper mineralisation for the Koko Basin project in Namibia. It is also targeting sites that are highly prospective. Multiple soil samples at the Duekoue molybdenum copper project in Cote d’Ivoire show moderately anomalous concentrations of gold. Richard and Charlotte Edwards have reduced their shareholding from 5.21% to 4.03%.
Africa-focused social impact investment company Inqo Investments (INQO) had net assets of R211.5m, including cash of R33.4m, at the end of August 2025.
NYCE International (NYCE) has appointed Oberon Capital as corporate adviser and broker. Game aggregator and content innovation arm Nirmata Play was launched in October, while online gaming media agency ClickSpin Media was launched in June. They are generating revenues.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) had an unchanged NAV of 121p/share at the end of September 2025. The managed fund SuperSeed II is expected to make two more investments by the end of 2025.
BWA Group (BWAP) is starting due diligence ground truthing at the Aracari gold project in Cameroon.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is consolidating 100 shares into one new share and trading will commence on 1 December. The pre-consolidation share price is 0.725p.
Fenikso (FNK) has received $535,650 as partial repayment of a loan and there is still $34.6m outstanding.
Chairman Richard Oldfield bought 25,000 Shepherd Neame (SHEP) shares at 467.6p each.
JP JENKINS
Rocksteady Coffee Company (ROCK) joined JP Jenkins on 18 November. It was founded in 2012 and produces organic Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.
ASSET MATCH
Isle of Scilly Steamship (IOS) interim revenues improved from £16.8m to £18.1m, while pre-tax profit rose from £6.72m to £7.44m. There was cash of £8.01m at the end of September 2025. Passenger bookings are 0.7% ahead of the same time last year. The Skybus airline has been awarded the Newquay to London route. New passenger and freight vessels will be delivered next year. Management targets EBITDA of £8m by 2030.
Marshall of Cambridge (MCH) has completed the sale of Marshall Land Systems.
AIM
essensys (ESYS) founder and non-executive director Mark Furness, who stepped down as chief executive in May, has submitted an indicative offer of 20p/share for the developer of Software-as-a-Service and cloud services for the flexible workspace sector. Mark Furness owns 30.4% and this offer would value essensys at £13m. A trading statement revealed revenues of £4.1m in the quarter to October 2025, but a contract worth £900,000 each year is set to end in December. There will be cost savings, but 2025-26 results will be lower than expected. A debt facility is being negotiated. The figures for the year to July 2025 have not been published, but a previous trading statement indicated a fall in revenues from £24.1m to £19.2m with cash of £1.8m. essensys joined AIM on 29 May 2019 when it raised £14m at 151p/share.
Online retailer Boohoo (DEBS) is starting to improve its performance, but there is a long way to go. In the six months to August 2025, revenues fell from £385.4m to £296.9m, but there was a swing from an adjusted loss of £9.2m to an operating profit of £1.8m. There was still a pre-tax loss. Cost savings have been made and a full year pre-tax loss of £11.5m is forecast. Net debt should start to decline. There is a new incentive scheme for executives. Chief executive Dan Finley could be paid £148.1m if the share price reaches 300p within five years. Goldman Sachs has raised its share price target for the online retailer from 16p to 17p, but still says sell, while Barclays has cut its target from 13p to 11p and remains underweight.
European Metals Holdings (EMH) joint venture Geomet has secured a €360m grant for the Cinovec lithium and tin project in the Czech Republic. This is Europe’s most advanced lithium project. EMH owns 49% of Geomet, which is expected to publish a definitive feasibility study soon. Zeus has modelled a 25-year mine life and an NPV10 of $1.04bn. Zeus has a fair value share price of 75p.
Savannah Resources (SAV) is progressing towards a final investment decision on the Barroso lithium project in Portugal. Lithium demand is increasing and the spodumene price has risen 80% since the end of June and is currently around $1,100/t. Discussions continue with potential customers. Savannah Resources is also acquiring a nearby mining lease. There is potential for a German government guarantee on a project finance loan of up to $270m. After the recent fundraising at 3.7p/share the company has £21m in cash.
Battery technology developer Gelion (GELN) has made strong progress over the past year and recently strengthened its balance sheet through a £10.5m fundraising that should give it enough cash for two years. In the year to June 2025, revenues increased 36% to £2.7m, with one-third coming from the first commercial sales. That helped the operating loss fall by one-quarter to £6m. Gelion is making strong progress with partners, including TDK Corporation, with whom it expects to produce a commercial pouch cells prototype within the next 12 months. The Li-S technology is achieving strong results in relation to battery life and power performance.
Egg-free celebration cakes supplier Cake Box (CBOX) reported a dip in profit in the first half, but this should be more than made up for by a much stronger second half. Like-for-like sales have grown strongly despite the tough consumer environment and group sales were £28.8m with the Cake Box contribution 19% ahead including new store openings. Pre-tax profit fell 4% to £2.6m.
Professional services firm DSW Capital (DSW) has decided to raise the interim dividend by one-fifth to 1.2p/share. Interim network revenues were 32% higher to £10.3m. Company revenues increased from £1.09m to £2.79m, which includes more recent acquisitions. Pre-tax profit grew from £101,000 to £237,000. Less than one-third of revenues are from the volatile M&A sector, which used to dominate the business.
Lung imaging technology developer Polarean Imaging (POLX) has signed a distributor agreement with DK Healthcare in South Korea. It has also won an order from the National Taiwan University Hospital for a Xenon MRI research system through its partner Philips. Polarean Imaging is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM at a general meeting on 15 December. It plans to join matched bargain market JP Jenkins.
Team (TEAM) has launched a recommended bid for WH Ireland (WHI). It is offering 0.195 of a share for each WH Ireland share and the WH Ireland shareholders will own 43.5% of the enlarged group, which will be valued at around £30m.
ACG Metals is considering making an offer for gold and copper producer Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ), which has a resource base of more than 400,000 ounces of gold and one million tonnes of copper. The Xarxar and Garadag projects are still to be brought into production.
Tanfield Group (TAN) says the US courts have granted a motion for partial summary judgement in the dispute over Snorkel International, where Tanfield has a 49% stake that is the subject of a call option by the other shareholder. This summary judgement says that the 49% stake cannot be acquired for nil as the partner wanted to. A valuation plus interest will be calculated. The trial will begin in October.
Security technology supplier Thruvision (THRU) grew interim revenues 36% to £2.6m, even though retail revenues were lower. Cash was £2.1m at the end of September 2025. The second half will be tougher than expected and Allenby has reduced its full year revenues forecast from £8m to £5m, while the loss is raised from £2.21m to £3.55m. There will still be cash by the end of March 2026. Herald has sold its 8.89% stake and Dr Graham Cooley has raised his shareholding from 6.8% to 7.02
Premier African Minerals (PREM) has raised £500,000 at 0.0575p/share. This will be invested in the processing plant for the Zulu lithium and tantalum project.
CelLBxHealth (CLBX) raised £6.8m at 1p/share and could raise up to £1m more from a retail offer closing on 1 December. A capital reorganisation will reduce the nominal value of the shares so that they can be issued at this price. There will be £1.9m spent on R&D, £1m for sales and market and £1.2m for reorganisation and IT systems. The cancer diagnostics company will progress partnerships and reduce annual operating costs by more than £5.9m. Ther will also be development of additional assays for the Parsortix platform.
Telematics supplier Microlise Group (SAAS) says lower OEM volumes due to tariffs and the weak economy. There have also been delays in projects. There are plans to cut annualised costs by £4m. That is too late for 2025 when forecast revenues have been cut from £91.3m to £84m, while earnings have been slashed from 5.5p/share to 3.1p/share. The 2026 earnings forecast has been cut to 4.9p/share. Customer churn remains low.
Womenswear retailer Sosandar (SOS) is gaining momentum this year. Interim revenues were 15% higher at £18.7m, while sales were 28% ahead on the company’s website. Sales to Marks & Spencer were hit by that retailer’s cyber incident, but they have started again. The six stores are loss-making, but the first two are moving towards breakeven. The interim loss increased from £700,000 to £1.1m, but a full year pre-tax profit is anticipated. Net cash was £7.7m at the end of September.
Trellus Health (TRLS), which has developed digital technology to manage chronic conditions, has secured a $600,000 loan from 25% shareholder Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. There is no interest charge for nine months and then the annual rate is 8%. The loan is convertible into shares, but the stake cannot go above 29.9%. This will provide enough cash until late January when more cash will be required.
Kropz (KRPZ) produced 87,496 tonnes of phosphate concentrate n the third quarter and sales were 28% higher at 72,408 tonnes. September was a record production month, and the mine is still in its trial production phase.
Oil and gas producer Prospex Energy (PXEN) has generated revenues of £4.2m so far this year, despite the downtime at Viura and El Romeral and lower gas prices. Viura is back in production in the fourth quarter. This will enable much larger revenues in the period and generate cash for investment.
MAIN MARKET
Digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) has moved from Aquis to the Main Market on 25 November. Trading ended on Aquis at 25.5p and the share price rose to 27p at the end of the week. KR1 has a portfolio of digital assets. The update for the end of October 2025 showed net assets of 41.5p/share. Income of £305,543 was generated during the month.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) is raising $2.25m via a placing at $0.021/share. Every two shares come with an option exercisable at $0.04 each. The cash will be used to advance the Harts Range project. The focus is to target heavy rare earth elements for US magnet and defence clients. Using Metallium’s Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology on Harts Range raw ore delivered exceptional beneficiation results. There will be further drilling results released over the next few weeks. There will also be some cash used for the mining lease application at the NW Queensland copper project.
Cardiff Property (CDFF) increased NAV from £29.31/share to £30.53/share in the year to September 2025. The dividend was raised from 25.5p/share to 27.5p/share.
First Tin (1SN) is raising £6.3m at 7p/share. This will finance the completion of the updated DFS for the Taronga tin project in Australia. There will also be cash for preparatory work on the project site. There will be some cash for the Tellerhauser project in Germany.
Walker Crips (WCW) has agreed a 14p/share bid from PhillipCapital, valuing the company at £6m.
IT services provider Triad (TRD) reported a rise in interim revenues from £10.2m to £12m, while pre-tax profit was 10% higher at £820,000. The interim dividend was raised by 50% to 3p/share.
Motor dealer Caffyns (CFYN) slipped into loss in the six months to September 2025. It is still paying a 5p/share interim dividend. Net debt is £9.6m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 November 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cooks Coffee (COOK) moved back into profit in the six months to September 2024. Revenues were 27% higher at NZ$2.74m with growth coming from new openings and existing sites. This income comes from fees from franchisees. Like-for-like growth in the UK was 6% and 3% in Ireland. Sales growth has accelerated in the second half with record sales per store in October. There were 83 coffee shops at the end of September 2024, and this could rise to 90 by next March. The company is moving domicile to the UK.
In the year to September 2024, Time to ACT (TTA) increased revenues from £958,000 to £1.67m. There was an underlying operating profit. There was a cash outflow from operating activities of £784,000 because of working capital movements. There was £1.17m in cash.
Global Connectivity (GCON) has had its stake in Rural Broadband Solutions diluted to £9.5m. The valuation of the stake has been reduced from £13.6m to £11.7m, which is equivalent to 3.2p/share. There is an agreement in principle for an investment in a new business.
Aquaculture technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) has sent out the circular seeking shareholder approval to leave Aquis. The general meeting will be held on 10 December. Delays in orders mean that 2024 Dowgate forecasts a drop in revenues from £4.4m to £3.1m (previously £4.2m) this year and a £1.8m loss, up from £1.2m in 2023. There should be net cash of £100,000 by the end of the year. Convertible loan note interest can be capitalised with up to 75% of proceeds from the sale of certain inventory will be used to pay back the holders.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) core financial information business Miriad made a positive contribution despite the tough financial markets. It generated £127,000 in cash. There was £163,000 in cash at the end of June 2024.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has sent a circular to shareholders to gain approval to move the domicile from Jersey to the UK.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has cancelled its long-term incentive plan and granted options to directors with most of the options vesting when there are increases in the share price. Peter Wall has been formally appointed as chairman.
Marula Mining (MARU) has appointed Morre Kingston Smith as auditor. Results from metallurgical testing work on ore from the Kinusi copper mine should be available in the first quarter of 2025. Further test shipments will happen before the end of the year. Sampling work of high-grade tungsten deposits at the Northern Cape lithium and tungsten project in South Africa is continuing. Tungsten concentrate could be produced next year.
Oscilate (MUSH) has identified areas to start hydrogen operations in Minnesota. Work is under budget.
Valereum (VLRM) has been admitted to the Apex segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has added another 21 bitcoin miners to its site in Nebraska, taking the total to 56.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) has launched an offer of £500,000 10% convertible loan notes lasting two years. This will fund an expansion of the workforce. The Renters’ Rights bill will increase demand for rent guarantor services.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) reported a NAV of 111p/share at the end of September 2024.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has disposed of more shares in investee company Computer Application Services and raised £299,000. It still owns 24.4%. Pipes and valves distributor TPS shares were sold raising £901,000. The remaining TPS stake is 16%. The cash raised will be invested in other businesses.
WeCap (WCAP) investment WeShop has appointed a US investment bank ahead of a flotation. Audited accounts for 2022 and 2023 have been signed off.
AIM
Rail optimisation software and services provider Tracsis (TRCS) had a tough year, but strong recurring revenues helped. One-off revenues the previous year meant that revenues were 1% lower at £81m. Underlying pre-tax profit fell from £14.1m to £10.4m. Total dividend is 2.4p/share. There should eventually be further investment in the rail industry, which will be good news for Tracsis. The timing of the spending is uncertain. There are already potential deals in the pipeline, though. The business has been rationalised so that management can focus on core operations and further acquisitions. There is £19.8m in cash that can be spent on acquisitions that will enhance earnings.
Telecoms enterprise software supplier Cerillion (CER) continues to beat expectations. Full year pre-tax profit was 18% ahead at £19.8m. There were record new orders of £38.1m. The technology helps telecoms companies to operate more efficiently. Growth is set to continue.
It was no surprise that telecoms testing equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) had a tough first half. Revenues dipped from £7.8m to £7.4m and the loss more than doubled to £1.3m. Even so, the interim dividend has been maintained at 0.31p/share. Cash was reduced to £8.6m. New partners are starting to sell group products, and they are replacing Spirent. Second half revenues should be better than the particularly weak comparatives. This should enable a return to profit for the full year.
Semiconductors developer CML Microsystems (CML) improved interim revenues, but that was down to the Microwave Technologies business not being included in the comparatives. Like-for-like revenues were similar to the second half of last year. Pre-tax profit slumped from £1.9m to £800,000. The interim dividend is maintained at 5p/share. Net cash is £15m. There are potential property sales that will boost the balance sheet. The proposed move of Microwave Technologies to a new site will reduce the cost base. Existing and new products have good long-term prospects.
Frontier IP (FIPP) is raising £3m via a placing and subscription at 28p/share. A retail offer via Primary Bid could raise up to £1m. Minimum subscription is £250. The offer closes at 5pm on 25 November. Frontier IP made unrealised gains of £1.3m in the year to June 2024, but there was an overall loss of £1.3m. NAV is 79.7p/share. Despite that, there is a shortage of cash in the balance sheet and the additional cash should last 12 months as the company tries to generate some additional cash from investment realisations.
Helix Exploration (HEX) drilling at Clink#1 in Montana has been successful. There was 2.5% helium encountered in the Flathead formation, which was higher than expected, and 55% hydrogen in drilling mud. Testing is ongoing and there should be further news in the near future. The well could go into production next year.
Tavistock Investments (TAVI) is acquiring Alpha Beta Partners, which is an asset manager with £3bn under management. The business is focused on retail investors, and this will scale up the existing business of offering asset management services to third party advisers. Operating profit was more than £500,000 on revenues of £4m in the year to September 2024. The initial payment is £6m, with the maximum consideration of up to £18m. Two disposals have been completed and the initial payment of £22m will be received in early December. They could eventually generate £37.75m.
Iron treatment provider Shield Therapeutics (STX) says it will hit the 2024 target revenues of $31.5m, up from $13.1m, as revenue peer prescription has increased. Recruitment has been completed for an Accrufer phase III study in China. The proposed $10m investment by AOP Health still requires shareholder approval. Costs are being lowered by 10%. Cash flow breakeven should be hit by the end of 2025, if the sales growth momentum continues.
Chain and transmission equipment Renold (RNO) reported flat interim revenues of £123.4m and pre-tax profit of £11.3m. Spending on acquisitions increased net debt to £42.2m. There was a dip in chain revenues and transmission revenues were slightly higher with improved margins. North America should recover in the second half and destocking is ending in Europe. The Valencia factory being hit by flooding has hurt sentiment. There will be additional short-term costs of £4.8m because of this with insurance payments potentially coming through in 2025-26.
Webis (WEB) has decided to leave AIM. The US-focused gaming company will seek shareholder approval on 18 December. This will help to reduce costs. The operations remain loss making.
Churchill China (CHH) had a tougher second half than expected with a lack of seasonal uplift in the fourth quarter. This means that 2024 pre-tax profit will be well below expectations. Next year is expected to continue to be weak with hospitality businesses hit by higher National Insurance costs. There will also be a hit for Churchill China and costs are being reduced, but 2025 expectations are also downgraded. The balance sheet remains strong.
Scientific instruments supplier Judges Scientific (JDG) says order intake has reduced if the large Geotek contract is excluded. China is particularly weak, but other markets are also tough, and orders have been deferred. Zeus has cut its 2024 pre-tax profit forecast by 19% to £25m. Next year’s forecast has also been trimmed.
Ilika (IKA) has reached the D6 milestone through the testing of 10Ah cells in its Goliath solid state batteries for electric vehicles. These larger cells have been shown to be safe and the D7 version should be available to potential customers in the second quarter of 2025. This moves the company nearer to finding a partner for the Goliath battery.
Property fund adviser and investor First Property (FPO) had a good first half with one-off profits from the trading of properties by a fund, where the company has an investment. There was also the early receipt of fees from disposal of properties in another fund. There was a swing from a loss of £650,000 to a pre-tax profit of £1.16m. Net debt was £18.7m.
Cannabis-based medicines developer Celadon Pharmaceuticals (CEL) has received a further £200,000 drawdown from the committed credit facility and the lender is committed to providing the remaining £500,000. However, it has to sell an investment to provide the cash. There is still £400,000 outstanding from a share subscription. Celadon Pharmaceuticals has enough cash to get it to January. Talks with another lender continue.
MAIN MARKET
Construction equipment hire company Speedy Hire (SDY) made a small profit in the first half with a recovery expected in the second half. Interim revenues fell 2% to £204m with flat hire revenues and lower fuel sales. Volumes are not being chased so that profit can be maximised. Pre-tax profit was £300,000 because of operational gearing, higher interest charges and a lower joint venture contribution. The Amey contract starts in the second half. Net debt is £112m.
J Smart and Co (Contractors) (SMJ) improved its full year pre-tax profit from £105,000 to £2.37m despite a higher loss on construction activities. The investment property business made a larger contribution. Investment properties are worth £70m and there is £7.5m of net cash. NAV is £126.3m. The total dividend is 3.23p/share.
Media Concierge has approached publisher National World (NWOR) about a possible offer of 21p/share. Media Concierge claims to have the backing of 72.2% of the share capital. Media Concierge wants the offer to be recommended by the board and to be able to complete due diligence. National World claims that entities affiliated with Media Concierge owe it £4.4m.
Technology consolidator Sealand Capital Galaxy (SCGL) is making its maiden AI investment. After evaluating suitable opportunities, the company has decided on EVOO AI (www.evoo.ai), which is a data platform with AI learning models incorporated. It provides insights to the luxury goods sector, such as market trends and consumer behaviour. The main product is Olive, a luxury e-commerce marketplace that offers personalised shopping. The company was incorporated on 15 December 2023. On 14 March 2024, EVOO AI had net assets of £848,000, including fixed asset investments of £800,000 and £1 in cash. The plan is for Sealand Capital Galaxy to invest in a convertible loan note. The first tranche is £200,000 and the second trance will be £100,000. The annual interest rate is 12% and the term is 18 months. Interest is payable on maturity. There will be a fee of one million warrants exercisable at €0.06/share. If the company floats at a lower share price the exercise price will match that price.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 9 September 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Life Plus (GDLF) raised £275,000 from a convertible loan note issue that expires on 31 August 2025 when it can be repaid at a 10% premium or converted into shares at a 10% discount to the weighted average price over the previous month. If there is £2m raised in a share issue, then the loan notes are immediately convertible at a 10% discount to the issue price. The coupon is 10%. Following this issue, a partnership was announced with a major UK mobile operator. Good Life Plus will offer promotions to help with engagement with tens of millions of subscribers. This will provide access to potential subscribers to the Good Life Plus platform. There should be other partnerships in the coming months. The share price increased 3.28% to 3.15p. This is a new high for the shar price.
It is taking longer than anticipated Invinity Energy Systems (IES) even though the long duration energy storage market is growing. More time is required to develop the Mistral next-gen product to reduce costs. There is uncertainty about the timing of the recognition of revenues. The 2024 revenues were expected to be £36.3m, but it is likely to be lower. Jonathan Marren is replacing Larry Zulch as chief executive. There was £49.2m in the bank at the end of June 2024.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) is raising £1.2m at 3.36p/share. OptiBiotix Health (LON: OPTI) is unhappy with the latest fundraise by ProBiotix Health and claims a typo in the AGM notice means that it should not be allowed to issue more shares except on a pre-emptive basis. The company previously said that it had enough cash. ProBiotix Health believes that the error is not relevant. The underlying problem seems to be the high discount of the fundraising price to the market price.
EDX Medical (EDX) has signed a distribution agreement with Caris Life Sciences. They will work together to distribute Caris molecular profiling services in the UK and Nordic countries. The deal lasts for three years, and additional regions and products could be added.
Recycling services provider Majestic Corporation (MCJ) has agreed to acquire Deeside-based Telecycle Europe for up to £2m. The acquisition target already acts as a tolling agent for Majestic Corporation, and it is owned by Peter Lai, the 71.9% shareholder in Majestic Corporation. The deal will secure a steady supply of recyclable materials and should improve margins. In 2021, Telecycle Europe mad a post-tax profit of £175,000. The initial payment is £150,000 and then monthly of payments of £150,000. The full amount is dependent on volumes being met.
Peninsula Yacht Services is adopting SulNOx Group (SNOX) fuel additives for the fuel it supplies from its Gibraltar. The specialist pumping system is being installed following permission from the authorities.
Mortgage Chat has changed its name to Pitch Pit (PICH) and its strategy to become an artificial intelligence and technology accelerator. Chandila Fernando and Judith Hough will head up the new operations, who will join the board after background checks are completed. Brian Stockbridge of First Sentinel has already joined the board. The company plans to raise £500,000.
Oscillate (MUSH) is progressing the proposed acquisition of Quantum Hydrogen Inc. Regulatory approval of the documentation is being awaited and a general meeting should be announced this month.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) had net assets of 114p/share at the end of June 2024.
Equipmake (EQIP) announced that the HTM-3500 heavy vehicle electric motor maintains its peak performance of 3,500Nm and 400kW, while its continuous power output has doubled to 200kW at 2,500rpm.
Time to ACT (TTA) subsidiary GreenSpur has won a design contract to develop an optimised wind turbine generator for XFlow Energy.
DXS International (DXSP) has changed its corporate adviser to Hybridan. Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has appointed Tavira Financial to replace SP Angel as corporate broker. A new investor relations strategy will be announced shortly. Tennyson Securities has published research on Tap Global Group (TAP). It is available via www.tennysonsecurities.co.uk.
AIM
Weak demand from independent restaurants and bars in the UK and internationally held back the interims of ceramic products manufacturer Churchill China (CHH). Independents are suffering from higher costs. Demand from national chains has held up better. Revenues fell from £44m to £40.6m, while the underlying pre-tax profit edged up from £4.7m to £4.8m. This is because capital investment has helped to improve margins. The interim dividend was raised 4.5% to 11.5p/share. The full year outcome is dependent on fourth quarter trading.
Agricultural products supplier Camellia (CAM) says trading conditions eased slightly in the first half of 2024, but they are still difficult. Revenues improved 7% to £105.1m and the loss was reduced from £15.1m to £9.7m. There is no interim dividend. The loss from tea fell, while nuts and fruits profit more than trebled to £3.2m. The engineering business returned to profit. Net cash is £24.1m and there is an investment portfolio worth £37.6m. The full year loss should be between £10m and £12m.
Signing up Donlim Group for a filtration technology licence did not offset the weaker trading news at laundry filtration technology developer Xeros Technology (XSG). Indian licensee IFB has delayed the launch of new 9kg washing machine until next year and French environmental standards for microplastics have not been clarified. Donlim owns the Morphy Richards brand, and it will manufacture the XF3 external filter under licence from the middle of next year. The 2024 pre-tax loss estimate has been raised from £2.7m to £4.3m. William Black and Armstrong Investments have increased their stake from 6.34% to 7.3%.
Rockfire Resources (ROCK) has increased the size of the resource at the Molaoi zinc lead silver germanium deposit in Greece by 500%. The JORC 2012 compliant mineral resource estimate is 15 million tonnes at an average grade of 9.96% zinc equivalent. Allenby estimates that it is one of the top 20 undeveloped zinc prospects. There is also 4.8mt of germanium. There are high recovery rates. Only 2.1km of the 7km potential strike has been tested so far. Allenby estimates a fair value of 2.6p/share.
Hostels operator Safestay (SSTY) improved interim revenues by 7% to £10.7m and the loss reduced from £947,000 to £113,000. Sales to the end of August were well ahead of last year and forward bookings are strong into next year. The lease of the loss making Venna hostel has been surrendered. Four new properties have been added this year. NAV increased by 17% to 49.8p/share.
Real-time financial data provider Arcontech (ARC) increased full year revenues by 7% to £2.9m and pre-tax profit improved from £1m to £1.1m. More than 90% of revenues are recurring. Net cash was £7.2m at the end of June 2024. The dividend has been raised to 3.75p/share. Pre-tax profit is set to fall this year because of investment in sales.
Andrew Carter has resigned as chief executive of wines producer Chapel Down Group (CDGP) and will become the boss of Timothy Taylor next year. Interim revenues fell 11% to £7.12m due to a slump in off-trade sales. There was not the expected restocking by retailers. Pre-tax profit slumped to £40,000. Net debt was £5.8m at the end of June 2024 after investment in further planting at the Buckwell vineyard.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) had $8.1m in gross cash at the end of June 2024 with a milestone payment of $5.7m expected in the second half. The first half cash outflow was $5.8m. Management believes that the business should be monthly cash flow positive during the second half of 2025. Iron deficiency treatment ACCRUFeR generated revenues of $11m in the US in the first half and total group revenues were $12.1m. Full year US revenues could be $27m.
A recovery in the Hercules Site Services (HERC) share price led to a decision to raise £8m via a subscription and placing at 49.5p/share. Morson chief executive Ged Mason subscribed for 9.5% of the enlarged share capital. Majority shareholder Brusk Korkmaz has sold 6.06 million shares to Wasdell Packaging, whose majority shareholder Martin Tedham has been appointed as a director.
First Property (FPO) has launched a one-for-three open offer to raise £2.96m at 8p/share. It is underwritten by directors Ben Habib and Alasdair Locke. The cash will settle the deferred payment for the Blue Tower property and finance the completion of the fit-out.
MAIN MARKET
Precision components supplier Carclo (CAR) says trading is in line with expectations with margins prioritised over volumes. The restructuring of US operations is ahead of schedule. Aerospace demand is strong, which has helped the speciality division.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 July 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Voyager Life (VOY) has entered into an option to acquire M3 Helium Corp, which is a Kansas-based helium producer, for 57.6 million shares. Production is from one well and four other wells are being tested. There is also a processing plant. Voyager Life has raised £864,000 at 3p/share to finance the development of operations and fund the readmission document. M3 Helium is loss-making.
Ananda Developments (ANA) announced promising results from cardiac fibrosis studies with CBD-based therapy MRX1. It has potential as a treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. It mitigates cardiac fibrosis and improves heart health. Next steps are being assessed.
Tennyson Securities has published initial research on Good Life Plus (GDLF) the prize-based draw lottery. Investment in the business means that it will continue to lose money for the next two years before moving into profit in 2026-27 when earnings of 0.7p/share are forecast. The 12-month target price is 4.24p/share.
Time to ACT (TTA) subsidiary GreenSpur has received an award of £613,000 from the EU BEETHOVEN project for the development of advanced magnetic materials. This will be used for development of the rare earth-free magnet.
Valereum (VLRM) reported a reduction in loss from £4.25m to £353,000. There was a swing from net liabilities of £758,000 to net assets of £351,000 following an increase in the value of the investment in Vinanz (BTC). That was partly offset by an impairment charge on the GSX investment.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) expects to conclude its evaluation of future funding later in the summer.
Housebuilder St Mark Homes (SMAP) reported an increase in loss from £1.47m to £2.93m. Directors are halving their remuneration from the beginning of July. Because of the weakened financial position, the board will ask shareholders at the AGM to agree to the departure from the Aquis Stock Exchange.
Food company Essentially Group (ESSN) lost £960,000 on revenues of £1.59m in the 16 months to the end of 2023. There was £301,000 in the bank at the end of the year.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) had net assets of €10.5m at the end of 2023, including €2.3m in cash. Management is evaluating investment opportunities.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) reported an increase in cash outflow from operations from £787,000 to £1.62m. Cash fell below £6,000 at the end of 2023. A share issue at 1.2p/share and exercise of warrants raised £550,000 this year.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) made a pre-tax profit of £20.1m in 2023 following a fair value gain of £25.3m. This is prior to the recent tender offer.
Marula Mining (MARU) believes that the Blesburg lithium and tantalum mine will generate positive cash flow in the second half of 2024. The company has confirmed delivery of manganese ore from the Larisoro manganese mine and they will increase in the second half.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) has issued 100,000 investor warrants exercisable at 120p/share to VSA Capital. The convertible loan notes will be redeemable on 21 June 2026 instead of September 2024.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) increased revenues from £2.94m to £22m in 2023. The loss rose from £18.5m to £23.2m.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 106.3p/share at the end of May 2024.
Startup Giants (SUG) left Aquis on 27 June.
AIM
PI Industries has launched a 9p/share bid for Plant Health Care (PHC) and this is recommended by the board. The bid values the natural crop enhancement products company at £32.8m. PI is involved in all areas of the agricultural inputs sector in India, and it would be able to provide the finance and distribution to grow the Plant Health Care operations. PI wants to expand into areas such as the US and Brazil where Plant Health Care is already active.
Pubs and bars operator Nightcap (NGHT) has decided to cancel the AIM quotation because of the weak share price and the difficulty to raise additional funds. Trading is challenging and this is expected to continue for the rest of the year. EBITDA for the year to June 2024 is below expectations. Integrating The Piano Works has been more costly than anticipated. A general meeting will be held on 17 July but there is already sufficient support to pass the resolution to leave AIM. The quotation is likely to be cancelled on 29 July. A matched bargain facility will be provided by Asset Match.
Renewables investment company I(X) Net Zero (IX.) also plans to cancel its AIM quotation. The share price has slumped since joining AIM, partly because of the timing. Renewables businesses were in favour, but there was a subsequent change in investor sentiment to companies that were not profitable. There has also been a lack of liquidity in the shares. Cash is flowing out of the company and more funds are likely to be required. There were $81.1m of unrealised gains in 2023, mainly due to a rise in valuation for WasteFuel after an investment by BP. NAV is $122.2m. There are plans to obtain a matched bargain facility though JP Jenkins.
Musical instruments retailer Gear4Music (G4M) reported full year figures in line with the recent trading statement. Revenues were 1% higher at £83.1m, while the company returned to profit. Founder Andrew Wass will focus on growth strategy and Gareth Bevan will take over as chief executive. The new strategy involves continued investment in the platform, enhancing the product range and diversifying channels to market. This year, pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £1.1m to £2.8m.
Renewable energy company SIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE) generated cash in 2023 due the sale of the Uskmouth energy storage project and ongoing revenues from MeyGen tidal project. Net debt was reduced from £54.1m to £50.6m, with the majority of debt in the MeyGen project, which is set to be expanded. Core company debt was £13.7m, before the subsequent receipt of £7m from a land sale. This puts the company in a strong position make further energy storage project investments.
Giftware and stationery manufacturer IG Design (IGR) continues to improve margins. Revenues declined 11% to $00m, while pre-tax profit increased from $9.2m to $25.9m. The decline was in North America. Lower margin business was not continued, and progress was made despite the economic conditions. Net cash was $95.2m. The company is stopping manufacturing in China.
AIM-quoted investment company Braveheart Investment (BRH) increased its stake in thermal insulation and acoustic material manufacturer Autins Group (AUTG) from 26% to nearly 27%. Autins interim revenues improved slightly to £11.7m and cost savings reduced the loss, but it was still £466,000. Second half sales are likely to decline in the UK because of changes in customer order mix and there is a halt in production at a European EV manufacturer. Flooring sales are weak.
Battery technology developer Gelion (GELN) has signed a joint development agreement with natural resources company Glencore International. The two companies will assess the suitability of Gelion technologies for use in Glencore’s stationary or mobile applications and pilot any opportunities. There will also be an assessment of strategic supply of materials to Gelion and future recycling.
Sanderson Design (SDG) is still finding the UK consumer market tough. Brand revenues have declined, and UK sales are 14% lower in the initial five months of the financial year. Manufacturing revenues are flat. Singers has downgraded its 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast from £12m to £7.8m, which is not much higher than the figure for 2020-21. Net cash could fall to £10m.
Duke Capital (DUKE) says some investee companies have not been paying the expected amounts to the company. This has led to a decline in valuations of investments in the balance sheet. This is particularly the consumer-related investments. Total cash revenues were £30.3m in the year to March 2024, helped by three exits from investments. However, the fourth quarter recurring cash revenues fell to £5.8m, from £6.3m in the previous quarter. NAV is 39.8p/share.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) expects interim revenues to be £46m, up 26%. First quarter revenues were 28% higher. There is a second half weighting to trading and new customers have been added. Freight costs are rising.
Nasdaq has sent two written notices to Renalytix (RENX) because the ADS price has fallen below $1 for at least 30 consecutive days. It is also below the minimum market valuation of $50m. Renalytix will appeal the determination that trading in the ADSs will be suspended on 2 July and they will subsequently be kicked off Nasdaq. Management will present a plan to become compliant again.
R and Q Insurance Holdings (RQIH) has sold Accredited to Onex Partners for $420m. Prior to that Inceptum was sold for £11.25m. Teneo has been appointed as provisional liquidator of R and Q.
Live Company Group (LVCG) is continuing discussions with a cornerstone investor to provide cash required because of the shortfall at the Brick Live division. A KPOP event in Germany is being promoted alongside the cornerstone investor. The 2023 accounts will not be published by the end of June, so trading in the shares will be suspended 1 July.
Secure payments technology developer PCI-Pal (PCIP) has settled all its patent litigation with Sycurio in the UK and US. The settlement is confidential.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) has returned to profit. In the year to March 2024, revenues were flat at £62.6m, while a loss of £200,000 was turned into a pre-tax profit of £1m. The number of active customers increased from 991,000 to 1.05 million. Net debt was reduced £700,000. Like-for-like sales are 3.5% ahead in the latest quarter.
Harworth Group (HWG) is raising £106m from the sale of land at Skelton Grange, which is more than double book value.
IT services provider Triad (TRD) fell into loss in the year to March 2024. Staff were retained ahead of securing work for them. Cash fell to £2.1m. The total dividend was maintained at 6p/share.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 3 June 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Time to ACT (TTA) has joined the Aquis Stock Exchange and plans to develop a group of engineering-based energy transition businesses. Middlesborough-based Time to ACT has two subsidiaries. Diffusion Alloys is a long-established diffusion coating business. The technology provides an intermetallic layer that protects metal components at high temperatures. GreenSpur is a much newer business that is developing direct drive generator technology for use in wind power that does not require rare earths for magnets. It uses axial flux technology that utilises ferrite magnets, which are less expensive. It is also copper-free and uses aluminium instead. The share price ended the week at 50p.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) has decided to pay a special dividend of 20p/share on top of its interim dividend of 20p/share, up from 19p/share in 2023. The two dividends will be paid at the same time on 20 June.
Digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 95.43p/share at the end of April 2024. Celestia accounts for 34.2% of the portfolio and Polkadot for 14.3%. There was £1.16m of income generated from digital assets during the month.
Marula Mining (MARU) has signed an offtake agreement with Fujax UK for manganese ore production from the Larisoro mine in Kenya. The agreement covers an initial 2,000 tonnes of manganese ore with further minimum monthly deliveries of 5,000 tonnes, but nominal monthly sales of 20,000 tonnes/month for 12 months. Deliveries have started. Assay results from Larisoro show an average grade of 35.73% manganese.
Unigel Ltd (UNX) increased full year pre-tax profit from £442,000 to £815,000 on revenues improved from £18.8m to £28.5m. Although this is not like-for-like. There was a like-for-like decline in profit. The manufacturer of telecom fibre optic cables materials says its market declined last year. There are signs of recovery.
Valereum (VLRM) chairman James Formolli has subscribed £2m for shares at 3.6p each. Instead of warrants he will receive 15 million GATE tokens. Valereum has signed a strategic partnership with Securities Trading Technology Mauritius to improve Valereum’s core technology. The focus is Bridge Digital FMI, the company’s blockchain digital financial markets infrastructure.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) shares slumped 70% to 0.0075p after shareholders voted in favour of leaving Aquis.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) reported an interim pre-tax profit of £985,000, up from £933,000. NAV was 87.32p/share at the end of February 2024. A 2p/share dividend has been subsequently paid.
BrightGrow SSAS has a 7.08% stake in investment company Gledhow Investments (GDH), which reported a decline in net assets from £1.6m to £1.3m, including cash of £217,000, at the end of March 2024.
Cooks Coffee (COOK) increased full year group revenues by 19% to NZ$4.7m. Growth was in the South and eastern England. Four new stores have opened in UK and one in Ireland in April and May. In the past eight weeks, UK store sales were 27.3% higher.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) is launching a new Bitcoin mining centre in Iowa, where 85% of electricity supply will come from renewables. An order for 20 Bitmain Antminer S19J Pro+ 120TH bitcoin miners. More will be ordered once these are up and running efficiently. Vinanz generated income of £200,000 in the six months to February 2024, while revaluation of assets and disposal gains enabled Vinanz to make a pre-tax profit of £175,000.
Super Seed Capital (WWW) improved NAV by 5p/share to 116p/share in the first quarter of 2024. The company expects to make up to three new investments in the second quarter.
Chairman Geoffrey Miller has increased his shareholding in TruSpine Technologies (TSP) from 7.24% to 9.03% after he acquired 2.5 million shares at 1.5p each from LCS. AIM-quoted Vela Technologies (VELA) has cut its stake from 9.9% to 4.3%. Constantine Logothetis has increased his stake in SulNOx Group (SNOX) to 24.1%.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has delayed the announcement of its figures for the 15 months to December 2023 because the audit will not be completed by the end of June.
AIM
Cancer treatments developer Extruded Pharmaceuticals reversed into Amur Minerals Corporation to form CRISM Therapeutics Corporation (CRTX) on 31 May. According to the admission document, the estimated value of the company after the acquisition would be £7.5m at 23p/share following a one-for-160 share consolidation. That valued the all-share acquisition of Extruded Pharmaceuticals at £5.5m. The opening price was 24p, but it ended the day at 11.5p.
Digitisation services provider TPXimpact (TPX) says 2023-24 revenues were slightly above expectations at £84m. EBITDA margin was in the middle of the 5%-6% range. Net debt has fallen to just over £7m. There was £139m of work won last year. There could be some short-term disruption from the General Election.
Cleaning services provider React (REAT) had a strong first half and it is well on the way to making the full year forecast. It continues to win new contracts and renew existing contracts at similar margins. Interim revenues grew from £9.3m to £10.3m, while pre-tax profit improved £800,000 to £1.1m. The integration and digitalisation of LaddersFree is progressing and that will improve efficiency. Net cash was £700,000 at the end of March 2024.
Video streaming technology provider Aferian (AFRN) reported a 21% decline in annual recurring revenues to $14.7m at the end of November 2023. Total 2022-23 revenues fell from $91.1m to $47.8m, although software sales improved, and Aferian moved from profit to loss. Underlying cash flow fell from $8.9m to $3.2m. Net debt was $6.1m at the end of 2023. Cost savings are being made. Chief executive Donald McGarva will leave in October.
Online building materials retailer CMO Group (CMO) reported a 14% drop in revenues to £71.5m with plumbing sales holding up better than other sectors. There was a swing from a pre-tax profit of £175,000 to a loss of £2.33m. Net debt was £600,000. The tiles market continues to decline, but there are signs of recovery in the overall market. Like-for-like sales orders were 18.2% lower, and the second quarter decline has slowed to 7.9%.
Oil and gas company Prospex Energy (PXEN) says current gross production of the PM-1 facility at the Selva Field – 37% interest – is 2.8mmcf/day. This is generating free cash flow of more than £6,000/day. The operator is Po Valley Energy. The Italian government has become more positive about oil and gas exploration. The permitting process for additional wells is progressing.
Revolution Bars (RBG) has moved its general meeting date to 14 June. This is to gain shareholder agreement to raise up to £12.5m via a placing and seven-for-eight open offer at 1p/share. The board does not believe that the approach from Nightcap (NGHT) can be delivered in a timely manner, so it is going ahead with its restructuring proposals.
Roebuck Food Group (RFG) has sold its dairy division for €1.3m net. This business is loss making. The remaining business is involved in milling and importation of food and ingredients.
Oil and gas producer Longboat Energy (LBE) says net production at the Statfjord satellites has been disappointing this year. Two out of five redevelopment wells are still not producing. Average production was 401boe/day in the first four months of 2024 rising to 544boe/day so far in May. Further capital expenditure is required. Longboat Energy is reducing costs and additional funds will be required. A share issue is an option.
Trading in Trafalgar Property (TRAF) shares was suspended after the company confirmed it is negotiating a reverse takeover of Ecap Esport. At the end of September 2023, Ecap Esport had net assets of £2.67m, including intangible assets of £3.94m, and its ultimate parent company was Esboz Ltd which sold the intangible assets to the company.
Insig AI (INSG) has taken a 5.45% stake in AI and blockchain company ImpactScope OU. Insig AI will sell its Greenwashing Identifiet technology to asset managers. The payment was 900,000 shares at 13.75p each and Insig Ai has an option to subscribe for more shares. New Insig AI executive chairman Richard Bernstein has subscribed £100,000 at 20p/share.
Premier African Minerals (PREM) has paused mining at the Zulu lithium and tantalum project in Zimbabwe. This will enable the installation of an additional conditioning cell and it should be completed by 10 July.
Low sodium salt developer MicroSalt (SALT) has made strong progress over the past year, including the flotation on AIM. The 2023 results announced today represent a period prior to flotation. MicroSalt was still in a period of building up its customer base and reported a loss of £3.5m.
MAIN MARKET
First Tin (1SN) has acquired exploration licence 9200 to broaden the area covered at Taronga in Australia. There has been tin production in the area in the past. Soil sampling results have extended the Pound Flat target area slightly.
Publisher National Word (NWOR) increased revenues by 18% in the first 21 weeks of the year. That includes contributions from Insider Media and Midland News Association that were acquired last year. There is net cash of £10m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 27 May 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Samarkand (SMK) says revenues will be slightly lower than expected – with a decrease of up to 4% – but the ecommerce services provider’s EBITDA will be halved in line with expectations. Owned brands generated 46% of revenues with the decline coming in third party brands. Samarkand has acquired Optimised Energies, which has brands Natures Greatest Secret and BeNatural, for £600,000 in cash and deferred consideration of £700,000. The acquired company made EBITDA of £300,000 last year. Executive directors have lent £400,000 to the company for fund the acquisition.
Aquis-quoted Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) is proposing a tender offer of up to £33.7m at a share price of 5.39p/share. That covers up to 57.9% of the current share capital. The tender price is equivalent to the current NAV since the recovery in Bitcoin and adjusted for potential tax. The tender offer is open until 13 June. The company has available cash of £40.6m. Phoenix Digital Assets also has 17.4 million shares in Flex Labs Inc (FLEX) after it acquired AI software company IO+ PTE, for 110 million shares in total. Supernova Digital Assets received 771,930 shares in Flex Labs.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) improved 2023 sales 3% to £66.3m, but the pre-tax loss increased from £2.3m to £4m. Net debt was £15.9m at the end of 2023 and there is still some headroom in the loan facility despite the review of how to finance the long-term future of the company. Off trade volumes were 14% higher. First quarter group sales were 11% ahead. Cost pressures are easing.
Flow battery technology developer Invinity Energy Systems (IES) raised £56m at 23p/share via a placing with £25m committed by the UK Infrastructure Bank and £3m from Korean Investment Partners. The open offer raised an additional £1.38m out of the £6.6m of shares that were on offer.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) says trading is in line with expectations, although loan growth has been minimal. Specialist lending has been growing faster.
Metals One (MET1) has terminated the farm-in agreement with Gunsynd (GUN).
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) reduced the outflow from operating activities from £306,000 to £144,000. The NAV of the fund of funds company improved from 97.31p/share to 113.33p/share. That was helped by an unrealised gain of £297,000.
Paul Ryan has sold his 3.9% stake in Mortgage Chat (MCAI). Non-exec CP Freeman bought 500 shares in Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) at 948p each.
AIM
Telecoms testing equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) reported 2023-24 revenues two-fifths lower at £16.3m and it fell into loss. The final dividend was maintained at 0.62p/share. The telecoms market remains subdued, and Calnex Solutions is moving into new markets, such as defence. The distribution agreement with Spirent ends in July, but management is advanced with its plans to replace this source of income. Net cash declined to £11.9m because of higher inventory levels and capitalised R&D. A return to profit is expected this year and the cash level should be maintained.
Automotive interior components supplier CT Automotive (CTA) returned to profit in 2023, while net debt was reduced to $3.8m. Liberum expects underlying pre-tax profit to improve from $8.3m to $10.2m in 2024, even though revenues are forecast to decline. Improved efficiency is helping to boost margins. The Mexico factory is operating at 50% of capacity so there should be further improvement as this figure increases.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) has sold its Nordic operations to management – including Bigblu Broadband chief executive Andrew Walwyn who is stepping down – at an enterprise value of £1.3m. There could be contingent consideration. Finance director Frank Waters becomes chief executive. The disposal leaves operations in Australia, which could be sold or floated on the ASX, and a stake in Quickline. Cavendish forecasts a 2023-24 pre-tax profit of £3m.
Coatings company Hardide (HDD) has appointed Matt Hamblin as the new chief executive, who has been a non-exec and previously ran a similar coatings business. The interim figures had been flagged. The pre-tax loss increased to £960,000. Lower depreciation means that the full year loss will not be as high as originally thought and it could be similar to the interim loss. Hardide has been EBITDA positive for the past two months. There is cash of £700,000 in the bank.
Another strong trading statement from Kinovo (KINO) with profit and cash ahead of expectations. The property services provider says 2023-24 revenues were £64.1m and net cash is £400,000The pre-tax profit estimate has been raised from £5.8m to £6.1m. Next year’s profit forecast has been raised from £6.3m to £6.6m. Most of the costs relating to the guarantee for DCB have been paid.
Energy and water efficiency services provider Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) reported 2023-24 results in line with the trading statement earlier in the year. The business moved from a pre-tax profit of £10.1m to a £6m loss because local government contracts were delayed. Cost savings have been put in place and additional work has been won so Eneraqua Technologies could move back into profit this year. A change of government could lead to additional incentives for energy saving projects.
Education software and services provider Tribal Group (TRB) has finally reached a settlement with Nanyang Technological University. This dispute has been hanging over the business for years. Tribal Group will pay £3.1m over 18 months. A further exceptional charge for the dispute will be taken in the first half of 2024.
MRI device developer Polarean Imaging (POLX) launched a heavily discounted placing, subscription and open offer. The placing and subscription raised £8m at 1p/share with £2m of that invested by NUKEM Isotopes and £1.6m by Bracco – both existing investors. Up to £2m could be raised from an open offer. The cash is being used to accelerate commercialisation of the XENOVIEW technology and further development.
Pennant International (PEN) has raised £1.51m at 25p/share. The training and software products supplier is trading in line with expectations, but order conversion has been slower than anticipated. The cash will fund the development and integrations of software products.
Watkin Jones (WJG) returned to profit in the first half to March 2024. The student accommodation and rental property developer generated an improvement in revenues from £153.9m to £175.1m. There is no dividend as cash is conserved. Borrowings have been reduced and net cash is £44m.
B90 Holdings (B90), which provides online marketing services to the gaming sector, says Oddsen.nu, an affiliate that is part of the group, has secured fixed listing fee marketing agreements that will generate income of €200,000 during 2024. There could be additional income on top of this based on marketing performance.
Scientific instruments manufacturer Judges Scientific (JDG) says that there is unlikely to be a material revenues contribution from coring contracts at the Geotek subsidiary. The potential contract is unlikely to commence until near to the end of 2024 and then make a significant contribution in 2025. Trading is subdued against tough comparators. WH Ireland still expects a full year pre-tax profit of £33.8m, although that assumes a stronger second half.
Secure payments company PCI-Pal (PCIP) has been successful in the Court of Appeal for the unfounded case brought by Sycurio against its patents. This means that £1.1m of cash should be released from escrow. The finding upheld the original court judgment. PCI-Pal will seeking further costs. The full ruling will become available in a few days.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) expects 2023-24 revenues to be £140m, which is a like-for-like reduction of 12%. Last November, Rock & Alluvium was acquired, and its volumes are 30% higher than pre-acquisition. Housing and infrastructure sectors are expected to recover and a move into energy transmission will help the overall improvement for the business. The order book was worth £36.8m at the end of March 2024. Net cash is £5.5m.
Healthcare communications technology developer Feedback (FDBK) says delays in the NHS procurement process means that 2023-24 revenues will be lower than expected at £1.2m. Management hopes that the contracts will be secured in 2024-25. There was still £4.3m in the bank at the end of April 2024.
Chamberlin (CMH) has been placed in administration. Coal miner Bens Creek (BEN) has also gone into administration.
Victorian Plumbing (VIC) has acquired rival Victoria Plum for £22.5m. The business had been in administration and costs are already being reduced, so it should break even in the second half.
MAIN MARKET
James Gundy, chief executive of shipbroker Braemar (BMS), bought 6,600 shares at 290.5p/share following the full year results. Pre-tax profit fell from £18m to £14.6m on maintained revenues. The total dividend was raised from 12p/share to 13p/share. The new financial year started with an order book of $82.6m.
Power products supplier XP Power (XPP) received an indicative bid approach at £19.50/share. XP Power has rejected the proposal by Nasdaq-listed Advanced Energy Industries.
Admiral Acquisition (ADMR) has agreed to buy critical asset integrity and testing services provider Acuren for $1.85bn from American Securities. The business generates EBITDA of $190m.
Associated British Engineering (ASBE) had net assets of £391,000 at the end of March 2024, including cash of £419,000.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 18 March 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis-quoted cannabidiol products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) has revealed plans to merge with Northern Leaf, which wanted to float on AIM but is running out of money. The deal should value the combined group at £5m – the Voyager Life share price is unchanged at 11p – if deferred consideration is paid in full. That requires Northern Leaf to generate revenues of more than £5m by March 2025. Jersey-based medical cannabis supplier Northern Leaf was the second company to be awarded a UK commercial high THC licence – the other was former AIM company GW Pharmaceuticals. Prior to 2023, the company had raised £16m over three years. Northern Leaf raised £3m in pre-IPO cash via a preference share issue in April 2023, followed by at least £1m raised via a convertible loan note.
Aquis Exchange (AQX) is working with Richard Croft of Martley Capital to establish a new segment of the Aquis Growth Market that focused on real asset backed investments. This could launch in the second half. The Aram segment will be open to commercial property, infrastructure and forestry asset owners. Richard Croft ran a company that was quoted on the International Property Securities Exchange (IPSX), which closed last year. Aquis Exchange has also secured a contract with the Central Bank of Colombia with technology for the operation of the government bond market. This should go live in 2026.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says drilling at the 100%-owned Cottesloe project in Western Australia indicates a large sediment hosted base metal mineralised system. These base metals can be used in lithium-ion batteries. There are highly anomalous lead-zinc and silver levels. The drilling has been in the south of the prospect area and drilling will switch to the northern area.
Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) has adjourned a general meeting to gain shareholder approval for leaving Aquis. Investors have approached the company and offered to make a substantial investment.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) investee company Evergreen Lithium has identified large lithium targets from soil sampling at the Bynoe project in the Northern Territory, Australia. Cadence Minerals has a 8.7% stake in Evergreen Lithium.
Greece-based dry bulk shipping company Seaenergy is piloting the SulNOxEco fuel conditioner made by SulNOx Group (SNOX).
Marula Mining (MARU) says its partner NyoriGreen has applied for eight graphite mining licences and one prospecting licence in Tanzania. This could be granted in the second quarter.
Substrate AI (SAI) has completed the acquisition of 21% of software developers BINIT and DELTANOVA for a total outlay of €2.1m.
Vinanz (BTC) has acquired ten Bitmain Antminer S21 200TH/s miners for North America. They should be operational within four weeks.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) says the NAV was maintained at 113p/share at the end of 2023. Management expects to make two new investments in the first quarter. Cash was more than £99,000 at the end of 2023.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has raised £427,000 through a share placing at 1.5p each and convertible loan note issue. More cash can be raised through further convertible issues. The board is reviewing the business plan.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) intends to raise cash to invest in its Esquire chain, digital technology, acquire independent cafes and repay debt. It wants to raise up to NZ$1.76m at the equivalent of 9.55p/share.
Chris Akers continues to build his stake in Asimilar (ASLR) ahead of the exit from the Aquis Stock Exchange. The shareholding rose from 13.4% to 14.1%. Gunsynd (GUN) has sold its 4.75% stake in Oscillate (MUSH). Inteliqo finance director Raymond Smart has acquired 104,126 shares at 15p each.
Martin Walton has stepped down from the board of MaxRets Ventures (MAX) and Luciano Maranzana has been appointed as a director.
AIM
Cloud telephony provider LoopUp Group (LOOP) did reasonably well during Covid lockdowns, but it has found trading difficult since then. Management says it wants to leave AIM because it is difficult to raise cash. LoopUp needs to rise £9m, which management feels it cannot raise on AIM, but it four investors are willing to subscribe £6.2m if LoopUp goes private. In August 2016, the original placing price was 100p when £8.5m. Including that cash, LoopUp has raised more than £70m since joining AIM.
A 90p/share bid for SmartSpace Software (SMRT) has been announced. The bid approach for smart building technology company from Sign In Solutions Inc was revealed earlier this year and the rival bidder pulled out. This recommended offer values SmartSpace Software at £28.4m.
Gaming machines hardware and displays supplier Nexteq (NXQ) reported a 5% drop in 2023 revenues to $114.3m, but improving margins enabled pre-tax profit to rise 45% to $14.7m. The final dividend is 3p/share. The cash pile has increased to $27.9m. Mid-range gaming platform sales grew the most last year, while Densitron has benefited from sales of its newer broadcast equipment. The underlying gaming computer market is growing.
Pawnbroker H&T (HAT) reported strong growth in profit and the trading statement was reassuring for the current year. The pawnbroking book grew 28% to £128.9m. Group 2023 revenues were 27% ahead at £220.8m. Retail and other services were the only parts of the business making a lower profit contribution. Pre-tax profit was up from £19m to £26.4m. This enabled a rise in the dividend from 15p/share to 17p/share.
MTI Wireless Edge (LSE: MWE) was hit by a decline in the Israeli shekel against the US dollar and that meant that 2023 revenues were slightly lower at $45.6m. Pre-tax profit increased from $4.59m to $4.65m. There was a reduction in potential contingent consideration for the remaining shares in PSK, partly offset by a goodwill write down. There is a positive outlook for government demand for PSK services. The balance sheet remains strong with cash of $8.1m. The final dividend has been raised by 3% to 3.1 cents/share.
Ondine Biomedical (OBI) is making faster progress than expected. The Steriwave sterilisation technology is deploying in a further eight healthcare facilities. Ottawa hospital is expanding the use of Steriwave to combat hospital acquired infections in spine surgery patients. A study estimated a net saving of C$2,600 per surgery and infection rate dropped by two-thirds. Discussions continue with potential distributors.
Horizonte Minerals (HZM) revealed that the subsidiary that holds the Araguaia project has been granted an injunction which provides 60 days to work on restructuring and negotiate indebtedness. This provides additional time to deal with creditors. Horizonte Minerals continues to try to negotiate a financing.
Symphony Environmental Technologies (SYM) has been boosted by a positive report from the US Environmental Protection Agency that pro-oxidant masterbatches “could significantly reduce the persistence of plastic pollution without creating undesired by-products”. This is based on a scientific evaluation and is a positive thing for the company’s d2w technology.
Renalytix (RENX) has raised £7.8m at 20p/share and this should be enough to fund the company until the fourth quarter of 2024. This will give time for the formal sale process to make progress. A large diagnostics company has made a bid approach to kidney disease diagnostics developer Renalytix. This sparked the formal sale process, so that the company can assess whether there are other potential bidders. It is also possible that there could be a decision to stay independent.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) has acquired Allpack Packaging Supplies for up to £3.25m. It manufactures protective packaging, and it will extend the range of the group.
Cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) has won a contract the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency. The $1.3m contract is for the ReSCIND programme to better understand cyber attackers’ decisions. This should eventually lead to additional revenues from related SaaS business with government departments.
R8 Capital Investments (MODE) says that the proposed acquisition of Redwood Financial Partners could take until the end of August.
Andrew Hore