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Quoted Micro 10 August 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Heart health products developer ProBiotix Health (PBX) interim revenues increased 53% to £2.06m and improved gross margins. There was a swing from a loss of £153,000 to a pre-tax profit of £79,000. The growth was in the US. There was a £19,000 cash outflow from operating activities during the period and £1.24m in cash at the end of June 2026. The growth was in the US and there are prospects of second half growth in Asia and Europe, as well as in the US.
Emissions reduction additives developer Sulnox Group (SNOX) increased first quarter revenues by 54% to £804,600. Volumes were 73% higher. Cash was £1.54m at the end of June 2026 with some of the £2m recently raised invested in increased inventories.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has started the environmental permitting process for the maiden drilling at the Pereira Velho gold project in Brazil. The process could take three months. The drilling budget is $1.5m. There has already been $5m spent on drilling and other work. The new work will enable a maiden mineral resource estimate to be calculated.
Global Connectivity (GCON) raised £293,000 at 0.1p/share. This will provide working capital and should last until July 2027.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) says it will not buyback any more shares for the time being. The interims will be published on 9 September.
Delta Gold Technologies (DGQ) director Jamie Tosh bought 20,000 shares at 122p each. He owns 5.7%. Delta Gold Technologies has raised £30,000 from an exercise of warrants at 15p each.
ASSET MATCH
Trading in brewer Wadworth and Co (WAD) shares is starting on the Asset Match PISCES platform. Interim sales increased 6% to £22.6m, while EBITDA improved 14% to £2.7m. Own beer sales were 8% ahead and this is helping margins of managed pubs. The World Cup helped the figures. Tenanted pubs income is flat. The current wine and spirits contract is due for renewal next year and options will be reviewed.
An independent valuation of the Valens Pay fintech platform business by Wills Capital indicates a range of $560m to $1.39bn. Valens Pay is the principal platform owned by VP Fintech (VPF).
AIM
Communications and satellite technology developer Filtronic (FTC) reported a small dip in revenues to £55.5m, despite adverse currency movements, and investment in technology and increasing capacity led to a fall in pre-tax profit from £15.1m to £8.1m. Additional engineering and business development staff have been taken on. The new Sedgefield facility is up and running and annual capacity has increased to more than £200m. SpaceX remains the largest customer, but new customers are diversifying revenues. Pre-tax profit is expected to rise to £8.9m this year and 95% of forecast revenues are in the order book. Early forecasts tend to be conservative so there is room for upgrades later in the year.
Video games developer Devolver Digital (DEVO) plans to cancel its AIM quotation and there will be a tender offer of up to $5m at 16p/share. Shareholders are being asked to approve the proposals at a general meeting on 8 September. A further tender offer of up to $5m is planned for 12 months after cancellation. There will be annual cost savings of $1.6m, and the board does not believe that the share price reflects the recent progress, partly due to poor liquidity. Devolver Digital joined AIM on 4 November 2021 at 157p/share
Wellnex Life Ltd (WNX) is selling its main brand Pain Away to Japan-based Rohto Pharmaceutical for up to A$21.3m. The initial cash payment of A$19.8m is payable on completion and will be used to repay debt and invest in the remaining healthcare and contract manufacturing activities. The remaining payment is dependent on performance in the 12 months after the purchase. Shareholder approval for the deal will be sought on 8 September. In 2024-25, Pain Away had revenues of A$13.4m and EBITDA of $4.36m. The rest of the business lost money. Wellnex Life raised £5.22m at 31.75p/share when it joined AIM on 21 March 2025.
Transport software and services provider Tracsis (TRCS) is selling non-core events operations for £7.3m. In 2024-25 revenues were £20.4m and EBITDA was £1.9m. This was expected to improve. This will lead to a net reduction in profit after the disposal, but management can concentrate on the core rail technology business, which has better margins.
Strategic communications company Aeorema Communications (AEO) says interim revenues should be one-third higher at £17.4m, and pre-tax profit could treble before forex movements to £1.5m. After the year end change, the first half is much stronger than the second half, where a loss is likely. Forecast full year revenues have been raised from £20.4m to £22m, while pre-tax profit is improved from £740,000 to £810,000.
Automotive interior components supplier CT Automotive (CTA) says revenues grew 15% to $62.1m in the first half. However, higher operating costs mean that profit will be much lower than in the first half of 2025. Some of the cost increase can be recovered but that has been delayed until the second half. Production inefficiencies in Mexico had to be rectified. Revenues and profit should be stronger in the second half, and the company is optimistic about achieving full year forecasts.
Furnishings supplier Sanderson Design Group (SDG) says interim revenues improved 6% to £51.4m thanks to a 19% increase in North American brand product revenues. Third-party manufacturing revenues recovered 19% to £11m. Licensing revenues were 13% higher at £4.9m. Net cash was £10.2m at the end of July 2026.
Cybersecurity services provider Corero Network Security (CNS) says interim revenues were 42% ahead at $15.5m and it made a positive EBITDA. Annualised recurring revenues are 12% higher at $24.1m. Cash is $2.1m. Zeus still expects a move back into profit for the full year with a pre-tax profit of $400,000 forecast. The broker will review its forecast when the interim results are published.
FIH Group (FIH) is selling the Momart art logistics business for £7.6m to a larger rival and the deal should complete by the end of September. Momart made a loss last year. There could be a cash distribution to shareholders, as well as investment in the remaining business in the Falkland Islands.
Hostels operator Safestay (SSTY) is selling its London Kensington Holland Park property for £3m. This is one of the company’s early sites and it generated revenues of £1.7m last year. There should be a £2.6m gain on the disposal. NAV was 22.2p/share at the end of 2025.
IP and content management Ingenta (ING) is acquiring 23.9% of FirstAida, which is an early-stage legalTech business that is involved in AI software that helps IP holders to identify copyright infringement. The cost is £500,000 in shares and there is an option to buy the rest at a price linked to performance. There is a small dilution to this year’s earnings because of the share issue.
Battery technology developer Gelion (GELN) has secured a joint development agreement with battery materials manufacturer Mitsui Kinzoku which will help progress towards commercial manufacturing in Asia. Gelion will receive £2m in staged payments to validate the company’s NES cathode active material (CAM) for use in high density liquid and solid-state sulfur battery cells. Mitsui Kinzoku has an option to negotiate manufacturing rights in some countries in Asia.
Kazera Global (KZG) says that the technical report for the Sea Concession 2A heavy mineral sands project in Alexander Bay, Northern Cape, South Africa shows an inferred mineral resource estimated at 6.65 million tonnes of heavy mineral sands at an approximate grade of 20%. This is principally garnet, ilmenite, zircon and rutile. This is based on 1.42% of the licence area.
ePharmacy company Vulcan Two (VUL) says integration of its three acquisitions is progressing well. Vulcan Two is shedding lower margin customers and focusing on profitability. Forecast 2026 revenues reduced by 4% to £38.9m and additional staff hires and duplicated running costs have cut the pre-tax profit forecast from £1.9m to £1.1m.
MAIN MARKET
Foams manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) grew interim revenues 23% to £95.2m and pre-tax profit was one-third higher at £15.3m. This included a full contribution from OKC, which was acquired late last year. Organic growth was 4%. This was achieved even though footwear sales were 23% lower. Underlying organic growth excluding footwear was 28%. This means that footwear is 30% of total sales, down from 48%.
North east England-based property finance and development company Develop North (DVNO) reported increased interim income of £1.27m, up from £1.04m. The total value of the portfolio is £22.9m. This covers 14 projects following two exits during the period. There were write downs on two projects unable meet interest obligations and this led to a first half loss. The total dividends are 2p/share so far this year. The NAV at the end of May 2026 was 74.8p/share.
Ground engineering and piling business Keller (KLR) grew interim revenues by 10% to £1.61bn, while underlying pre-tax profit improved from £92.7m to £108.7m. There was growth in all regions, and the order book is a record at £1.9bn. This stretches well into next year. Non-exec director Stephen King bought 6,500 shares at £30.62 each.
Solvonis Therapeutics (SVNS) says initial screeding data for SVN-015 is encouraging. This is an AI discovered stimulant use disorder candidate. The next stage of evaluation is funded by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse. Solvonis retains full ownership.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 June 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has secured a new strategic alliance with Spain-based Bioksan, covering Spain and Portugal. ProBiotix will supply the LPLDL® probiotic strain to Bioksan to replace red yeast rice, which has a compound that might be prohibited in the EU. This deal is worth €200,000. There could be other companies that require a replacement and the market could be worth €26m each year.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) reported a dip in full year revenues from £68.1m to £63.7m as brewery volumes fell 6%, although this outperformed the market. A sub-contract distilling contract was lost. Off-trade volumes also outperformed the market. The pre-tax loss declined by three-quarters to £700,000. Net debt was reduced to £9.2m. There are plans to focus on the profitable opportunities.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) group store sales increased 23% to NZ$95.8m. That translates into recognised franchise and managed store revenues of £5.4m, up from £2.9m. Net debt has fallen from £1.8m to £1.1m. There are 109 cafés in operation.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) improved interim revenues from £404,000 to £424,000 and there was a swing from a loss of £1.43m to a pre-tax profit of £2.13m. That reflects an upward valuation of the investment portfolio of £2.3m. NAV was 85.5p/share at the end of February 2026.
Mendell Helium (MDH) is approaching de-watering of the well bore of Rost 2-26. Data obtained is being analysed. A permit has been received for increased water disposal at the Brobee salt water disposal well. A new disposal well is being drilled at the Schneweis Ventures 13A well, which is part of a joint venture with Ritchie Exploration. Schneweis previously produced helium and recorded a drill stem test in excess of 10,000 Mcf/day. There is a higher methane content than the Rost wells. Premier Miton has taken a 15.7% shareholding.
VVV Sports (VVV) is acquiring TOPSERIES Pickleball and raising £5m at around the market price. There are plans to seek a Nasdaq listing, while retaining the Aquis quotation. VVV Sports is planning to develop the Abu Dhabi Padel Centre of Excellence with a partner, and it could cost more than £120m.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) sold 1.8 million shares in fully listed Luceco (LUCE) and raised £4.8m. It still owns 21%.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has secured an emissions reduction additives distribution agreement in Pakistan.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has exercised its option to acquire the Silver Lake project in Western Australia. The purchase is funded by the issue of 3.57 million shares at 29p each. Silver demand is growing and Silver Lake has significant surface-level silver mineralisation. Drilling should start before the end of the year.
Paul Compton has increased his shareholding in Time to ACT (TTA) from 4.55% to 5.5%.
Stack BTC (STAK) has appointed Oberon Capital as corporate adviser.
Cardiogeni (CGNI) has repaid £810,000 convertible loan notes.
ASSET MATCH
Zytronic (ZYT) is sending a circular to shareholders to convene a general meeting on 26 June to gain agreement on the winding up of the company.
AIM
Telecoms test equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) has changed the way it reports its revenues, which shows how important non-telecoms are. In the year to March 2026, more than two-thirds of total revenues of £21.9m, which represents a recovery, but it is not quite the level at the peak. Pre-tax profit improved from £700,000 to £1.2m. The total dividend has been edged up to 0.99p/share, even though it is not covered by earnings. Net cash is £9.3m.
Household electricals brands owner Ultimate Products (ULTP) says third quarter trading shows revenues ahead of expectations. This marks an end to quarter-on-quarter declines. There is also a change in the management with the founder stepping down and a new boss appointed as chief executive. Simon Harrison was previously boss of Princes Group, so he has consumer experience.
Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ) brought two new mines into production during 2025, and it returned to profitability. A final dividend of 4 cents/share means that the company is returning to paying dividends. Revenues more than trebled to $122.8m. There was a move from net debt of $14.7m to net cash of $2.6m.
Diagnostics developer and manufacturer Abingdon Health (ABDX) has entered into a Business Development Tax Credit Agreement with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. This means that the company is eligible to earn up to $370,000 over three years to the end of 2028. This includes $320,000 linked to taking on additional full-time employees with the rest relating to capital investment at the Wisconsin facility.
Specialist coatings services provider Hardide (HDD) has won a significant order worth £2.4m in the energy sector in North America. The US facility has improved its operational efficiency. This has increased the earnings forecast by 17% to 4p/share.
Low sodium salt developer MircoSalt (SALT) reported a jump in revenues from $800,000 to $2.1m in 2025 and they could more than double again this year as new contracts come through. However, the 2026 revenues forecast has been downgraded from $7m to $4.6m because of a delay in production at customer 3. Zeus says that this delay pushes revenues out by five months and 2027 guidance remains that revenues could be $15m. Net debt could be $1.9m by the end of 2026 with 2027 set to be cash generative.
Staffing provider RTC (RTC) says that the trajectory of positive trading in the first quarter of 2026 and six major contracts have been won and rail maintenance demand is in line with 2025 levels. Rising costs will hit margins in rail and energy divisions, and it is also holding back activity levels in the second quarter. Permanent recruitment vacancy levels are at their lowest point since 2021. Daavid Stredder has put forward AGM resolutions for the appointment of Paul Hooper, former Alumasc boss, as independent chairman and Gerard Oates as an independent non-executive director. He objects to Andy Pendlebury being chairman and chief executive and there being only one independent non-executive director and he is employed by the company’s broker. He also complains about the rise in board pay.
Kazera Global (KZG) subsidiary Whale Head Minerals has entered a production sharing agreement with minerals processor Rare Earth Minerals International (REMI) for the Walviskop heavy mineral sands. Taking effect form the 1 June and lasting 12 months, REMI will deploy processing plant valued at £1m and receive 50% of revenues. It will also contribute £27,000/month to project costs. Production should ramp up to 10,000 tonnes of processed heavy minerals sands/month by the end of September.
Ariana Resources (AAU) has updated its pre-feasibility study for the Dokwe gold project in Zimbabwe. The post-tax NPV10 is $740m at a gold price of $4,250/ounce. There was a 42% increase in ore reserves to 1.13Moz. Total pre-production capex is estimated at $163.9m.
Sound Energy (SOU) is selling its development assets in Morocco for $57m in cash and relinquishing nearby exploration assets. This will leave the company with $11m in cash after debt repayment. There are also solar and hydrogen joint ventures. Annual overheads are $2.9m. New oil and gas assets outside Morocco are being considered.
Oil and gas company Prospex Oil (PXEN) reported a 2025 loss of £2.81m, but that was after an investment valuation write down of £2.54m. Increased income from the Selva field in Spain reduced the underlying loss from £745,000 to £273,000. The income from Selva is included in finance income rather than being reported as revenues because of the way the investment is held. These figures are prior to the recent rise in the gas price. First quarter income from Selva was £912,000, which is similar to the income from the field for the whole of 2025. Prospex Energy will use the cash it is generating to expand production at Selva and develop other interests in Spain and Poland.
Pharma industry technology and data provider Diaceutics (DXRX) had annualised recurring revenues of £20m at the end of 2025. Reported revenues rose by one-fifth to £38.4m and the business returned to profit even after redundancy and acquisition costs of £798,000. The largest customer accounted for 18% of revenues. The order book grew 56% to £38.9m, with £21.1m of visibility for the next 12 months, up from £17.7m last year. Constant currency revenues growth was 15% in the first quarter.
Europa Oil and Gas (EOG) has received government approval in Equatorial Guinea for the farm out of EG-08 to Chinese company Fuhai. The final requirement is Chinese government approval. Drilling could start on the Barracuda well in early 2027. Tennyson Securities values the company’s 17% stake at 19p/share.
Borders & Southern Petroleum (BOR) says that there is multiple potential farm out partners for its Falkland Islands oil exploration assets. The final investment decision for the Sea Lion prospect, offshore Falkland Islands, has increased interest. In 2025, there was a cash outflow of $2.4m leaving $2.56m in the bank, which should fund the company in 2025.
Tooru (TOO) is not progressing with the acquisition of Mylky, a business selling small plant-based home milk making machines and associated products throughout Europe, because of concerns about the level of debt required given the current geopolitical conditions and issuing shares would have been too dilutive. There were also concerns about potential legislation.
Logistics Development Group (LDG) NAV was 1.2% lower at 26.4p/share at the end of the quarter to March 2026.
MAIN MARKET
Quantum dots developer Nanoco (NANO) plans to save £700,000 annually by leaving the Main Market. There was still £10.1m in the bank in May. The plan is to move to JP Jenkins.
Foams manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) says sales were 26% ahead at £64.1m in the first four months of the year. That is 7% organic growth. Footwear demand has reduced from its peak, but this has been replaced in other sectors. North America was a growth region with 30% organic growth. Surcharges have been issued to cover raw materials rising costs. Cross selling is already coming through from the OKC acquisition.
Shell Highway Capital (HWC) raised £67,000 in debt in the seven months to February 2026. The interest rate is 10%. The cash enabled the preparation of the 2023-24 accounts and work is ongoing on the next two years of accounts, after which trading in the shares could resume. A company voluntary arrangement is planned.
Digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) generated £50,046 from technology operations and £10,129 from financial operations during April 2026. NAV was 20.8p/share at the end of April 2026.
Red Capital has changed its name to Apertura Energy (VZLA), following the proposed change in investing strategy and new management appointments. Greig Gilbert is chief executive, and Scott Gilbert is chairman. The focus will be on the energy market in Venezuela.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 23 March 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) reported flat interim revenues and pre-tax profit of £84.7m and £4.2m respectively. Net debt is £84.7m and a £1m share buyback is planned. The dividend has been raised 3% to 4.5p/share. NAV is 1234p/share. Pubs traded strongly and that offset lower brewing volumes, which fell 6.6% representing a slowdown in the rate of decline. Over 37 weeks the like-for-like growth in retail pub sales it 4.4%, while tenanted pubs are 3% ahead over 35 weeks. Panmure Liberum forecasts a full year pre-tax profit of £7.7m, rising to £8.4m next year.
Stack BTC (STAK) raised £1.9m at 10p/share, including £94,700 from a retail offer. The cash will be used to fund acquisitions and purchase of Bitcoin. AlbR has been appointed as joint corporate broker.
Biotech company Cardiogeni (CGNI) has agreed a deal where Kira Health Invest AG will acquire 67.5% of subsidiary Cell Therapy in return for a 32.5% shareholding in Kira’s hotels and wellness clinics subsidiary Lumen Clinics, which has assets of more than €100m. Kira will make available to Cell Therapy up to $25m to fund the cost of achieving market approval for heart failure medicine CLXR-001. This will fund a phase 2b clinical study and provide enough cash for three years. This funding would be difficult to obtain in current stockmarkets.
S-Ventures (SVEN) is raising up to £2m at 3.5p/share and invest in HDL, a drone technology business. HDL is developing hybrid unmanned aerial vehicles and intends to raise cash from investors to finance progress. S-Ventures will invest up to £1.5m and could take a board position.
Marula Mining (MARU) says assay results from the Kilifi manganese processing plant indicate the potential for a significant manganese grade uplift from processing from four areas.
Investors were disappointed with drilling news from Wishbone Gold (WSBN) concerning Red Setter project in Western Australia, which is near to the Telfer mine.
BWA Holdings (BWAP) had a cash outflow from operations of £99,500 in the six months to December 2025. There was £47,666 in cash at the end of 2025.
Patrick Chophard and Oliver Murphy have stepped down from the Ethtry (ETHY) board and Steve Winfield has returned as an executive director. Ethtry says it plans to “concentrate on building a scalable platform at the intersection of digital infrastructure and next-generation computing, with particular emphasis on opportunities across data centre infrastructure, artificial intelligence and emerging quantum technologies”. There is also an Ethereum treasury policy.
B HODL (HODL) has bought one Bitcoin for £53,363. The total holding is 163.487 Bitcoin at an average cost of £82,319 each.
Coinsilium (COIN) has completed a strategic investment in Singapore-based Predictive Labs. It spent $150,000 for a 5.52% stake and Coinsilium could subscribed for shares to increase it to 16.3%. Additional options could take the stake to 29.85%.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) says results of an independent laboratory evaluation of Sulnox Eco™ confirmed full compatibility across all fuels tested and showed performance benefits.
Zentra Group (ZNT) has earned a £350,000 fee for the sale of the One Heritage Tower site. The residential developer has entered into a relationship agreement with majority shareholder GKU.
IntelliAM (INT) has appointed Cavendish as corporate adviser and broker.
TechFinancials (TECH) is changing its name to Ubuntu Mining and Metals Inc.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has reduced its stake in Mendell Helium (MDH) from 6.5% to 4.69%. Mustapha and Maya El Khalil have a 7.46% shareholding in Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP).
Ajax Resources (AJAX) chief executive Ippolito Ingo Cattaneo bought 123,840 shares at 7.25p each and Richard Heyward acquired 33,172 shares at 7.536p each. BWA (BWAP) non-exec John Byfield bought 2.22 million shares at 0.225p each. VSA Capital (VSA) finance director Galin Ganchev bought an initial 32,833 shares at 3p each. Equipmake (EQIP) chairman Tim Metcalfe bought 682,730 shares at 1.245p each.
AIM
River Global (RVRG) plans to sell the asset management business it has built up to fully listed Liontrust Asset Management (LIO). The initial consideration will be £7.6m in Liontrust shares, followed by up to £2.1m shares depending on certain revenues being achieved. The deal will also release capital from the business. The Liontrust shares will be distributed to A share holders. The B shares are unaffected. The remaining interest will be a structured 30% interest in Parmenion, which is a high growth investment platform. Shareholders and the FCA have to approve the deal.
Pawnbroker Ramsdens Holdings (RFX) has published a second update in two months and it has sparked another forecast increase. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to be £24m, compared with £21.1m previously. Precious metals buying continues to boom with a 50% increase in volumes. Jewellery retail is 25% ahead, while pawnbroking is at record levels and forex is in line with expectations.
Africa-focused oil and gas company Afentra (AET), along with Sonangol and Etablissements Maurel & Prom S.A., is jointly acquiring Etu Energias’ 10% stake in block 3/05 and 13.33% stake in block 3/05A in Angola. Afentra will buy 3.33% and 3.66% of these bocks respectively. This will cost $15.2m, plus contingent consideration of up to $6.74m. The effective date of the transaction will be the end of 2023. Afentra has also launched a strategic review following bid approaches.
Retailer TheWorks.co.uk (WRKS) is closing its online channel and moving to a non-transactional website. Online is making a small and reducing contribution to revenues. There will be exceptional costs of £2m. There are plans to open more stores. Like-for-like growth has been 3.3% this year and the company expects to meet market EBITDA expectations of £11m, or £13.5m for continuing activities. Without the online loss, 2026-27 EBITDA has been upgraded from £12.7m to £15m.
Franchised lettings and property sales business The Property Franchise Group (LSE: TPFG) is well positioned for the Renters Rights bill coming into effect. In 2025, revenues were one-quarter higher at £84.3m. Organic growth was 9%. Underlying pre-tax profit improved from £22.3m to £31m, which was better than expected. Earnings jumped from 29.1p/share to 36.5p/share. Net debt has fallen to £2.3m and there will be net cash by the end of 2026.
Diagnostics developer and manufacturer Abingdon Health (ABDX) is benefiting from strong contract development revenues. Interim revenues were 44% higher at £4.5m. the loss was reduced from £2.6m to £2.3m. Capacity is being increased in North America, and this is helping to win new contracts. The full year loss is expected to fall from £3.2m to £1.7m.
Gaming technology and displays supplier Nexteq (NXQ) is diversifying its customer base and this helped when its major customer got taken over. Revenues improved 4% to $90.2m in 2025, while pre-tax profit fell by one-quarter to $3.6m. A further decline to $2m is expected this year, although the $25m cash pile could be used to acquire a business to boost profitability.
Payment services provider Boku (BOKU) increased 2025 revenues by 30% to $128.8m with the main growth coming from digital wallets and bundling. Active users are 31% higher at 114.4 million. Operating profit trebled to £18.9m. The company’s cash increased to £102.9m. The momentum is continuing. Boku intends to repurchase up to 4 million shares. Former boss Jon Prideaux is stepping down from the board.
Chemotherapy drugs developer CRISM Therapeutics (CRTX) has gained orphan drug designation from the US FDA for irinotecan for the treatment of malignant glioma. This utilises the company’s ChemoSeed technology, which is an implantable, biodegradable technology designed for the localised and sustained delivery of chemotherapy directly into cancer tissue. The orphan drug status will enhance the profile of the commercial development programme.
Strategic Minerals (SML) is raising £4.7m at 3.5p/share. A prominent international investor approached the company. The cash will be spent on the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper project in Cornwall. Following the fundraising, there was news concerning improvements in tungsten and silver recovery. Tungsten recovery is 85.8% and silver recovery is 58.7%. This will boost the forthcoming mineral resource estimate.
Cyber security services and software provider Shearwater Group (SWG) has grown interim revenues by 31% to £14m, but there was a loss. Contracts are being renewed and there is a good base for the second half. Net cash was £2.2m. Full year revenues are set to rise from £31.6m to £35.5m, and pre-tax profit is expected to be £1.1m.
Digital loyalty and promotions platform operator Eagle Eye (EYE) had a good first half and annualised recurring revenues were 3% ahead at £42.2m despite the loss of a major contract. There was a sharp decline in profit, but cash generated covered capital investment. The second half should mark the bottom for Eagle Eye before a strong bounce back next year. Pre-tax profit could slump to £900,000 this year before rebounding to £3m next year.
Retail software provider itim Group (ITIM) says 2025 revenues will be below 2024 levels at around £17.5m due to delays in contract wins. Former AIM-quoted retailer Quiz went into administration and that has increased the expected loss to £500,000. Cost savings could help itim breakeven in 2026 on limited growth in revenues.
Virgin Wines (VINO) is starting to see the benefits of its new strategy. There was a 40% increase in customers acquired in the first half and the new mobile app is yet to be fully launched. Interim revenues were 2% higher at £34.7m in a deteriorating market and growth has accelerated in the pre-Christmas period and accelerated further in January and February. Investment in the strategy led to a swing from profit to loss. Share buybacks continue.
Market research services provider Systems1 (SYS1) is trading in line with expectations and strong momentum has enabled a forecast upgrade for 2026-27. There have also been cost reductions. The current year forecast is maintained at £2.1m, down from £5.2m. A pre-tax profit of £4.5m is expected for 2026-27, up from £2.7m previously, based on unchanged revenues of £39.1m.
CPPGroup (CPP) says it has been told that it will not receive any of the potential $5m deferred consideration for its former business in India. CPPGroup is considering its options, but if it does not receive any cash it will have to raise funding within 12 months.
Concierge technology platform provider Ten Lifestyle (TENG) has increased first half EBITDA by 16% to £1m despite unfavourable foreign exchange movements. Active members are 23% higher at 436,000. Net cash is £9.3m.
Logistics Development Group (LDG) says 50.7%-owned WS Holdco has acquired transport and logistics business EV Cargo Solutions and Distribution. The combined business will have annual sales of more than £300m.
MAIN MARKET
Foam manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) is making strong progress and produced record results in 2025. Pre-tax profit improved from £15.6m to £21.2m. The OKC acquisition made a small initial contribution. There was growth in Europe and North America. Footwear volumes were strong, but they are expected to ease back this year. Transport and smart technologies provide growth potential. Aerospace volumes have been recovering. Construction has been weak but there is potential for recovery.
Panther Metals (PALM) has announced two batches of assay results for the Winston tailings project. The first results showed good grade consistency and were better than the preliminary results published last year. The second assay results also showed better results than the preliminary results.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) intends to accelerate activities at the NWQ copper project, including the Big One copper deposit where a mining lease is in the process of being obtained. There is a strong working capital position of A$2.62m with potential funding from grants and R&D rebates.
Singer Capital has initiated research on digital assets investor KR1 (KR1). The focus is increasing income to help the company to be self-funding and increasing exposure to Digital Asset Financial Infrastructure It set a 12-month target share price of 25p.
Nanoco (NANO) has entered a binding term sheet with Shoei to stay ongoing litigation with no compensation payable by either party. They will not sue each other for use of their respective quantum dot patents. A definitive agreement will be negotiated.
Taylor Maritime (TMIP) returned $143.4m to shareholders in February and plans to return at least $30m in the third quarter. Details should be published at the end of April. There will still be a regular quarterly dividend of 2 cents/share. The sale of a vessel raised $17m. The managed realisation of assets will continue.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 26 January 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cardiometabolic health products developer ProBiotix Health (PBX) increased sales by 45% to £2.72m in 2025 and reduced the loss. During the year, ProBiotix entered the Korean market and submitted applications for two new clinical trials. There was £1.27m in the bank at the end of £1.27m. The order book is worth £1.3m. The business has been structured to cope with further growth. There will be a focus on growth in Asia Pacific. In Europe, the company is seeking to substitute its LP LDL product for Monacolin K as a cholesterol lowering ingredient in supplements. There are opportunities in the US, but they could be delayed by the trade background.
AIM-quoted Pulsar Helium (PLSR) has issued a further 145,434 consideration shares to Aquis-quoted Oscillate (SRVL) as part of the deal to acquire Quantum Hydrogen. This takes the stake to 80% with an option to acquire the rest for $400,000 in shares issued in five equal instalments.
Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) has acquired TaoFi, which provides transactional and liquidity services that are essential to the operation of the Bittensor ecosystem. This strengthens the company’s position in protocol-level services. The consideration was paid in TAO tokens.
Connecting Excellence (XCE) has received settlement of 10 Bitcoin for the first XCE BTC Bond, issued on 31 December 2025 with a BTC price of £65,104.26. the company has 51.35988275 Bitcoin.
Bitcoin investor Stack BTC (STAK), formerly Kasei Digital Assets, returned £3.5m to shareholders and that was the major reason behind the 84.6% decline in the share price to 2p.
Ethereum and technology investment company Ethtry (ETHY) is seeking to develop activities in quantum technology, AI and energy transition services. It has bought 500 Ethereum at £2,412 each. A partnership has been secured with AMINA Bank, which will provide access to regulated banking infrastructure and digital asset services.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has entered newly negotiated terms for the purchase of the Paguanta project in Chile. The initial payment is $50,000 in cash $350,000 of shares at 25p each. Deferred consideration is $500,000 on proved reserve exceeding 25 million tonnes at more than 5% zinc equivalent and/or $500,000 on proved reserve exceeding five million tonnes of copper.
Bitcoin investor and wed development company The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has bought ten Bitcoin at £67,210 each, taking its holding to 2,674 Bitcoin at an average price of £82,800 each. The total value is £221.4m. The company is moving to the Main Market on 3 February.
Shares in Valereum (VLRM) returned from suspension 10% lower at 11.25p. A share subscription agreement has been signed with Quorium Global Photonics (QGP), which will subscribe for 243.5 million shares. There is a lock-in agreement until the shares are listed on Nasdaq or New York Stock Exchange, except for 1.44% of the shares each month. In return Valereum will receive $200,000 of medium term notes with an annual coupon of 7.95%. That will generate $15.9m/year for five years. A $1bn bank facility is provided for. There will be $200,000 in fees paid to QGP, which will also receive warrants. Guild Financial Advisory has been appointed corporate adviser
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has obtained another patent in South Africa. This is for an improved oil/water separation methodology for its emulsification products. Sulnox Group has issued 1.4 million shares to Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte Ltd based on the volume of Sulnox Eco it bought.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) says beer volumes fell 6.6% in the first half, while own beer volumes slipped 11.6%. like-for-like pub sales were 4.5% ahead following a strong Christmas period. Tenanted pubs income was 3.1% higher. The interim results will be announced on 18 March.
Maiden figures from Delta Gold Technologies (DGQ) show an interim loss of £126,000 with no revenues. This is to October 2025, so it is before the quantum computing company joined Aquis, raising £2.5m at 10p/share. There is a sponsored research agreement with the University of Toronto.
In the year to August 2025, Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) generated revenues of £1.04m and there was a loss of £1.31m due to reductions in the value of investments. Excluding that, there would have been a profit. NAV was 72.86p/share. There is no dividend.
TechFinancials (TECH) has signed an agreement to acquire up to 60% of the Dilotiko iron ore project in Kenya. The issue of 57.1 million shares has led to the acquisition of 25%. A mining permit is going through an evaluation process. A further 50 million shares would be issued to take the stake to 60%. Gathoni Muchai Investments introduced the deal in return for 20 million shares. Hyde Park Holdings has disposed of its 5.78% stake.
Dr KS Tan bought 16,005 shares in Inqo Investments (INQO) at 47.8p each. He owns 35.6%.
BWA Holdings (BWAP) has generated significant sample results at the Aracan gold project in Cameroon. There were 50 samples that reported gold values greater than 15ppb.
JP JENKINS
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) has not come to an agreement over deferred consideration for the disposal of Skymesh. The buyer was due to pay up to $6.9m before Christmas. Shareholders have provided funds to support the company in its attempts to resolve the dispute.
AIM
Kitwave Group (KITW) is recommending a 295p/share cash bid from OEP Partners, but it is not supported by all analysts. The bid values the grocery distributor at £251m. The acquirer will support further growth through acquisitions. Interim figures show a 21% increase in revenues to £802.7m, but there was a like-for-like decline of 1%. Underlying operating profit rose 12% to £38m despite the increasing overheads due to higher staff costs. Net debt is £57.3m, down from £63.7m one year earlier. The May 2021 placing price was 150p.
TruFin (TRU) subsidiary Playstack has signed a contract with a global technology platform for a new video game to be released in the second half of 2026. The game will be developed and owned by Playstack. There will be a series of contractual payments and performance-based fees. The board of Playstack is establishing a new management incentive scheme, which could issue up to 15% of the fully diluted share capital in B and C shares. The B shares only vest if a minimum value of £19.6m is achieved on an exit, while the C shares only participate if the value is £45.9m, which increases by an annual interest rate of 12%. TruFin has launched a £6m share buyback.
Goldstone Resources (GRL) is raising £2m at 1p/share, which was more than double the share price ahead of the announcement. The cash will fund exploration at the Homase mine in Ghana to expand the JORC resource and to evaluate other gold projects, including one in Sierra Leone. Asian Investment Management is converting £1.45m of interest on its gold loan to shares at a conversion price base on a gold price of $4,250/ounce, taking its shareholding to 29.9%. This leaves 250 ounces of interest and the principal gold loan of 1,871.31 ounces. Directors are also taking 50% of fees owed in shares at 1p/share.
Phoenix Copper (PXC) says that the increased copper price means that the post tax NPV10 trebles to $185.2m. This is based on the copper price changing from $4.45/lb in the original estimate to $5.58/lb. Indigo Capital has converted $2.1m of loan notes into 26.98 million shares at 1.483p each and is selling 24.2 million shares to European investors.
Water mediation services provider MYCELX Technologies (MYX) grew 2025 revenues by 1405 to $11.7m and this, along with cost controls, has enabled the company to achieve an expected profit of around $360,000. A loss was previously forecast.
Oil and gas company Block Energy (BLOE) has completed the farm-out of licence XIQ (Project IV) following approval from the government of Georgia. Block Energy is fully carried through the staged work programme which could cost $95m. Aspect Georgia will earn up to 75% with an option to increase this to 92.5%.
Genetics based testing company GENinCode (GENI) has raised £3.9m via a placing and subscription at 1p/share – that is more than the £3.5m minimum sought. Up to £500,000 more could be raised by a retail offer, which closes on 26 January. The company has been working with the FDA to gain 510k approval for the CARDIO inCode-Score test. Highlighted deficiencies are being attended to, including a greater emphasis on African American community data and further clinical validation. The cash will fund this and expansion in the UK and EU.
Kromek (KMK) moved from loss to profit in the first half. In the six months to October 2025, revenues jumped from £3.7m to £15m due to a large payment from Siemens Healthineers for imaging technology expertise. Advanced imaging revenues were higher even if that payment is excluded. The CBRN detection division more than doubled revenues. Cavendish is maintaining its full year forecasts with more modest full year growth of revenues from £26.5m to £27.1m, which reflects the second half payment from Siemens last year. The underlying growth of the rest of the business continues. Forecast pre-tax profit is £2.3m. The share price has soared in the past six months.
Airea (AIEA) says demand for its floor tiles was softer in the second half, although full year sales were still 1% ahead at £21.4m. Uncertainty ahead of the Budget hit sales. International sales were 4% down. Operating profit should be better than that reported for 2024. The new manufacturing facility is in the final stages of commissioning.
Loyalty platform provider Eagle Eye (EYE) did better than expected in the first half with underlying growth in revenues of 16% to £22.4m, although the previously announced lost contract meant that the reported figure is 5% lower. Annualised recurring revenues were higher at £42.2m due to contract wins. EBITDA fell from £5.9m to £4.3m. A small full year pre-tax profit is now forecast.
Oil condition monitoring equipment supplier Tan Delta Systems (TAND) generated revenues of £1.2m in 2025, which is one-fifth higher than anticipated. There are customers undertaking trials of equipment that should be near to making purchasing decisions. Net cash was £1.4m at the end of 2025, but a fundraising may be required depending on the rate of new orders.
Iron deficiency treatment developer Shield Therapeutics (STX) expects to achieve an operating profit in 2026, having generated $1m in cash from operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. In 2025, revenues rose from $32m to $50m with $46m coming from iron deficiency treatment ACCRUFeR through a combination of higher prices and more prescriptions. There were 61,000 prescriptions in the fourth quarter, up from 41,000 one year earlier. Cash was $11.6m at the end of 2025, although there is still net debt.
Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) intends to exercise the next tranche of the Limeco Resources option, which will take its shareholding to 36.2%. Firering Strategic Minerals boss Yuval Cohen will step down and concentrate on his role as chief executive of lime producer Limeco Resources in Zambia. A new kiln will increase production capacity. Youval Rasin will be interim chief executive of Firering Strategic Minerals.
MobilityOne (MBO) has formed a mobile money transfer collaboration in Bangladesh with bKash. It will share fees on remittance transactions by bKash account holders. There will be a modest contribution this year.
More good news for Oracle Power (ORCP) from drilling at the Kalgoorlie gold project in Australia. It has intersected shallow gold mineralisation at the Northern Zone Intrusive Hosted gold project. The best result is 8 metres at 5.81g/t gold. There are a further 16 drillholes due to report results in two batches. It is possible that there is a 600 metre wide zone of shallow oxide mineralisation overlapping the Northern Zone porphyry system.
Trading in Landore Resources (LND) shares recommenced after it published an updated mineral resource estimate for the BAM gold project in Ontario. It includes estimates for the B-47 nickel copper cobalt PGE deposit and VW nickel copper cobalt deposit at the Junior Lake nickel deposit. BAM has indicated gold of 622,300 ounces with 33,700 ounces inferred. B47 has indicated resources of 3,428 tonnes at 0.6% nickel, 0.41% copper, 0.05% cobalt, 0.13g/t platinum, 0.48g/t Pg and 0.03%g/t gold. VW has indicated resources of 3,428 tonnes at 0.4% nickel, 0.05% copper, 0.02% cobalt, 0.03g/t platinum, 0.04g/t Pg and 0.01%g/t gold. Strategic options are being considered for Junior Lake. There are potential changes at subsidiary Landore Resources Canada Inc.
Online retailer Huddled Group (HUD) generated revenues of £19m and an EBITDA loss of £2.5n in 2025. There is a new agreement with Temu and an expansion of product range on Amazon and OnBuy. This provides a showcase for the company’s own websites.
MAIN MARKET
Foam manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) had a strong fourth quarter with an improvement in the construction market and continued growth elsewhere. Full year revenues were £158.5m and pre-tax profit 38% ahead at £21.1m. The one weak region was Asia, but the new Vietnam factory should change that.
London BTC (BTC) has appointed Marex, which recently bought Winterflood, as joint corporate adviser as part of its plans to float on Nasdaq.
Golden Rock Global (GCG) is planning to acquire SSS Matrix Corp, which is described as “operating at the intersection of applied AI, commodity market and supply chain management, blockchain-based digital finance and payment systems”. There will be a share issue to pay for the acquisition. Trading in the shares is suspended.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 11 August 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) raised £8.1m from a placing and subscription at 205p/share early in the week. It subsequently launched Smarter Convert, a capital raising structured as a convertible bond denominated in Bitcoin. Asset management firm TOBAM has subscribed $21m through three of its funds. The reference share price is 195p and the conversion price is a 5% premium to that price. After an initial six months, the company can force the conversion if the share price is 50% higher than the conversion price for ten trading days. If the bonds are not converted within 12 months, then the holders will receive 98% of the bond value, although that figure depends on the movement in Bitcoin.
EDX Medical (EDX) is developing a pneumonia test for critically ill NHS patients. It is partnering with the Intensive Care Unit at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to develop a test that identifies the DNA or RNA of microbes that cause lung infection. Results should be available in 60 seconds. EDX Medical has licenced the IP for the test from the trust. A kit version will be developed to sell to other hospitals.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) has an investment portfolio of seven companies, and they are valued at £1.03m. Macaulay Capital made a loss of £226,000 on interim revenues of £157,000. There was £779,000 in cash in the balance sheet at the end of June 2025. Management believes that there are plenty of opportunities.
Incanthera (INC) says the Skin + CELL skincare range launches on 11 August. It will be available through www.skinandcell.com.
Igraine (KING) has entered into a collaboration with Homerun Energy, the European subsidiary of Canada-based renewable energy and critical metals projects developer Homerun Resources Inc. The two companies will work together on UK alternative energy projects focused on electric vehicle charging and integrated battery storage. There is an initial pilot for a UK automotive manufacturer.
Asia Wealth (AWLP) generated revenues of $962,000 in the year to February 2025 and a foreign exchange gain enabled it to move back into profit.
Valereum (VLRM) has raised £400,000 from subscriptions from its chairman and chief executive at 3.1p/share. A retail offer to raise £100,000 at 3.1p/share will launch in the coming week.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has published a document to gain shareholder approval for a Bitcoin treasury policy and the new strategy to acquire intellectual property assets. The company also plans to change its name to TSP Advanced Technologies.
Vault Ventures (VULT) holds 771.37 ETH, 2,200.32 SOL and four Bitcoin.
Coinsilium (COIN) has invested a further £5m and owns 181.9596 Bitcoin and the total value is £15.7m.
Vaultz Capital (V3TC) has taken its Bitcoin holding to 117.853279 and the total cost is £10m.
Yorkshire AI Labs has reduced its stake in IntellAM AI (INT) from 18% to 15.4%.
WeCap (WCAP) chairman Tom Richardson has been issued 5.11 million shares, via his company TDR Enterprises, for consultancy between December 2024 and June 2025. They are worth £50,000.
Daniel Thwaites (THW) director Ann Yerburgh has sold her entire holding of 3.67 million shares. Amazing AI (AAI) chief executive Paul Mathieson bought 1.32 million shares at 0.75p each. NYCE International (NYCE) director Farzad Payman bought a further 25.83 million shares. Directors of Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) have bought a total of 147,550 shares at 56.5p each.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) is no longer going to buy back shares, having acquired 1.38 million shares since the beginning of April.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has bought an additional 3.125 million warrants in fully listed Hamak Gold (HAMA) taking its holding to 15.625 million warrants exercisable at 0.8p each.
JP JENKINS
The JP Jenkins-15 index of the fifteenth largest companies rose 3% to 1094.4 in the four weeks to 1 August. Brewer and bars operator Powder Monkey was a strong performer. The index will next be calculated using closing prices from 29 August.
Celadon Pharmaceuticals (CEL) chairman Alexander Anton has stepped down after the cannabis medicines developer moved from AIM to JP Jenkins on 8 August.
AIM
Restaurants operator Tasty (TAST) raised £9.25m from a placing at 0.5p/share and a retail offer generated a further £870,00o. The Kaye family invested £500,000 in the retail offer. There will be £3m invested in the existing restaurants and a further £1m on operational efficiency. There will be £3.6m set aside to acquire restaurant brands.
Laumann Group is making a recommended bid for uPVC windows supplier Epwin (EPWN). The 120p/share cash offer values Epwin at £167.3m. Laumann wants to expand the range of building products it offers in the UK, and it already has relationships in the construction sector. There is minimal overlap between the companies.
Fiinu (BANK) has published the document for the reverse takeover of Poland-based foreign exchange brokerage Everfex. The initial payment of £8m will be satisfied by the issue of 80 million shares at 10p each and the rest will depend on performance and be payable via up to 20 million shares at 20p each. Everfex made a pre-tax profit of more than £600,000 for the four months to April 2025. The acquisition will broaden the range of activities of the company and provide opportunities for the Plugin Overdraft product. A subscription has generated £801,000 at 10p/share.
Interior furnishings brands owner Sanderson Design Group (SDG) has reassured the market that it is on course to achieve 2025-26 forecast pre-tax profit of £5m, up from £4.4m. In the first half there was growth from licensing and in North America, but overall brand revenues fell 7% although the performance was better at the end of the period. Overall revenues were 4% lower at £48.3m. Cost savings have reduced annualised costs by £1m.
Automotive interior components manufacturer CT Automotive (CTA) is on track to meet full year expectations. Interim revenues fell from $60.5m to $54.2m, but the second half should be stronger. New contracts worth a total of $37m annually have been won in the first half. This provides a strong base for growth over the next three years.
SIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE) has reached financial close on the AW1 BESS project in South Wales. This is a 120MW generation project and construction has begun at Uskmouth. A global renewable energy partner is taking a 24.7% stake in the project. Zeus has increased the 2025 revenues forecast from £7.4m to £11.4m and the 2026 estimate from £7.5m to £12.5m. In each year the expected loss has been more than halved to around £3m. Net debt is expected to be £65.1m at the end of 2025 and rise to £99.9m one year later.
Energy storage technology developer Gelion (GELN) has made a breakthrough in Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) performance. The cells retain 90% of theoretical capacity at a 10-hour charge and 10-hour discharge. The cells have 75% of theoretical capacity after a six-minute discharge. This means that they could be used in drones and electric vehicles.
Media analysis business Ebiquity (EBQ) says 2025 interim revenues were flat at £37.9m. North American, where economic uncertainty has hit client spending, revenues fell and that was offset by growth in the rest of the world. Operating profit is expected to improve from £2.3m to £2.6m. Net debt is slightly lower at £15m. North America remains a focus for the company despite the short-term problems. Trading is in line with expectations.
Specialist staffing company Gattaca (GATC) says that full year figures are ahead of expectations. Net fee income was 3% lower at £38.8m. Permanent recruitment income has steadied, and second half income was much better than a weak comparative. Pre-tax profit guidance has been raised from £3.1m to £3.3m, which is higher than the £2.9m reported for the previous year because of cost reductions. Cyber security recruiter Infosec has been bought for an initial £1.5m, which is equal to net fee income in the year to March 2025. Operating profit was £400,000.
Automotive connection systems supplier Strip Tinning (STG) reported interim revenues dipping from £4.8m to £4.5m, but the loss was reduced from £2.73m to £1.56m. There was cash generated from operations. Battery technology sales quadrupled to £1.2m. The automotive market is tough, but management is confident about long-term prospects.
Drug developer ImmuPharma (IMM) reported a reduction in loss from £2.78m to £1.95m in the six months to June 2025. The underlying improvement is masked by a loss on a derivative asset. Studies have helped to strengthen the commercial viability of the P140 technology platform and discussions continue with potential partners.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) has raised £1.4m at 25p/share through a share issue to AIM-quoted investment company Onward Opportunities (ONWD) because it wanted more shares and could not buy them in the market.
Premier African Minerals (PREM) is implementing the changes identified for the plant test at the Zulu lithium and tantalum project. In the next week a decision will be made on whether to purchase the secondary spodumene float section. The original sorters still have to be replaced, and the tantalum recovery circuit needs to be completed.
The IFX Payments bid for Argentex (AGFX) has lapsed after it went into administration.
Goldplat (GDP) is reinstating its dividend for the first time since 2013. This is despite a decline in pre-tax profit from £6m to £2.6m. That was partly down to a foreign exchange loss. Zeus forecasts a 0.1p/share dividend. Net cash is estimated at £5.5m.
MAIN MARKET
Financial software provider Aptitude Software (APTD) reported a dip in interim revenues from £35.3m to £32.8m, due to lower non-recurring income and currency movements. Annualised recurring revenues reached £49.8m. Fynapse is an increasingly important contributor, which offsets the decline in legacy revenues and helps to improve operating margins. Cash was £23.7m at the end of June 2025. The dividend is maintained at 1.8p/share.
Foam manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) increased interim revenues by 9% to £77.4m with a strong performance around the world. Pre-tax profit was 37% ahead at £11.4m, helped by the exit from the loss-making business and higher margins. The interim dividend is 5% ahead at 2.5p/share. Net debt was £21.1m at the end of June 2025. The Asian business is small, but that will change when the Vietnam factory, part of a joint venture with footwear manufacturing specialist Seoheung, opens.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 26 May 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) stated at the AGM that trading was in line with expectations in the first four months of the year. Activity is showing signs of picking up. There were loan and lease assts of £2.36bn at the end of April 2025. Deposits rose 3% to £4.26bn. There was an annualised 17% increase in assets under management in the wealth management division. Shore Capital forecasts a dip in full year pre-tax profit from £35.1m to £28.5m. That assumes a further 0.25 of a percentage point cut in interest rates.
Dermatology treatments developer Incanthera (INC) is finalising an agreement with a global direct to consumer and it will launch the Skin + CELL product range in return for royalties on sales. There are 100,000 units in stock ready for sale, and they should be sold by March 2026. This will improve gross margins and provide positive cash flow.
Valereum (VLRM) is investing $1.35m in DigiShares in four tranches up until July. DigiShares owns a real estate tokenisation platform called RealEstate Exchange.
Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised a further £6.83m at 49p/share. It has purchased a further 39.51 Bitcoin for £3.13m. The total holding is 58.71 Bitcoin at a total cost of £4.54m. The additional funds will be used to buy more Bitcoin.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) subsidiary Forza! will be transferred an initial 15 Bitcoin. Coinsilium will announce purchase of Bitcoin by Forza! Institutional investors are interested in investing in Forza! There was £250,000 raised in a retail offer by Coinsilium at 3p/share.
Aquis Stock Exchange has enforced £15,000 of the suspended fine of £165,000 because of the delay by TruSpine Technologies (TSP) in announcing the issue of new shares in March. Axis MedTech has subscribed £49,500 for shares at 1.5p each, as well as acquiring £136,573 of convertible loan notes from Geoff Miller
Global Connectivity (GCON) says that the value of its 2.8% stake in Rural Broadband Services has fallen to £3.9m, which is equivalent to 1.3p/share.
Mendell Heloum (MDH) has an option to acquire M3 Helium, which is continuing work on the Rost 1-26 well recompletion project.
Gledhow Investments (GDH) has acquired a portfolio of quoted and unquoted shares for 9.95 million shares and £398,900 in 5% convertible loan notes, which are convertible at 0.425p/share. If they are convertible P3 Capital would own 45.3% of Gledhow Investments, while P4 Capital would own 15.3%. The £441,000 investment will increase the scale of the total portfolio.
Watchstone Group (WTG) has decided to end all legal proceedings and return any remaining cash to shareholders following a departure from Aquis. Net assets were £1.25m at the end of 2024.
Res Privata NV has raised its stake in WeCap (WCAP) from 11.3% to 13.6%, while Peel Hunt has a higher shareholding of 19%.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) director James Richardson bought 2,878 shares a 625p each and his total shareholding is 5,515 shares.
Time to Act (TTA) raised £274,000 at 40p/share and converted £61,000 of loans into shares. Puma AIM VCT has a 3.38% stake.
Walls and Futures RIT (WAFR) is holding a general meeting on 19 June. The resolutions include the company’s proposal to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange and the requisitioners proposals to remove two directors and appoint a new one.
Tin and copper explorer Tamar Minerals (TMR) has agreed a £150,000 loan from Godolphin Minerals, which is owned by the Tamar Minerals chief executive and two of its major shareholders. The loan is repayable on 21 May 2026 and the interest charge is 12%.
Heart failure medicines developer Cardiogeni (CGNI) raised £650,000 at 17.3p/share. Amazing AI (AAI) has raised £37,775aat 0.5p/share from existing shareholders
Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) directors Jai Patel and Brian Coyne each bought 83,333 shares at 6.75p each.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has issued 935,362 shares to EPS Ventures, which relates to the amount of Sulnox Evo purchased.
Supersearch Plus (SSP) is changing its year end from June to December.
JP JENKINS
Powder Monkey (PMGL) has acquired Durham-based Castle Eden Brewery, which has focused on contract brewing. There are plans to brew Powder Monkey brands and to resurrect the Castle Eden brand.
Renewable energy investment company Thrive Renewables (THRV) reported a decline in 2024 revenues from £29m to £25.9m and operating profit fell from £13.6m to £11.3m. A final dividend of 12p/share has been declared. There are plans to buy back 161,628 shares. Thrive operates 24 wind, solar and hydro projects and is crowdfunding for other projects.
AIM
Xeros Technology (XSG) offset a decline in 2025 revenues with cost savings, so the loss was reduced from £4.8m to £4.5m. Revenues have been modest, but that could change this year with £2.5m forecast. Existing contacts should start to generate income later in the year. Russel Hobbs will launch the XF3 filter than can be attached to existing washing machines. A strategic partnership has been secured with Donlim, which will supply the filter to Russell Hobbs. Management is hopeful of gaining at least one major manufacturer for its integrated filter this year that could lead to commercialisation in 2026. Net cash of £2.8m should be enough for this year.
A prospectus has been lodged by Greatland Gold (GGP) for the flotation of its new holding company Greatland Resources on ASX. There are plans to raise £24.2m, while Newmont Corporation is selling 50% of its shareholding. The new company will also be admitted to AIM, and there will be a UK retail offer to raise up to £6.7m. This will close on 17 June.
Telecoms testing equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) returned to profit in the year to March 2025 as revenues recovered from £16.3m to £18.4m. New product launches helped, as did greater focus on newer markets such as defence and cloud computing. There was a strong fourth quarter and net cash improved from £10.9m at the end of March 2025 to £12.7m at the end of April 2025. The order book has increased, and Cavendish forecasts an improvement in pre-tax profit from £700,000 to £800,000 this year. That is still well below peak profitability.
Artisinal Spirits Company (ART) says revenues grew in double digits in the first four months of 2025 even though the US and China markets remain tough. The growth is coming from bottled whisky sales in Europe and cask sales. The US importing model is being changed. Full year revenues are forecast to grow by 10% to £26m.
Revolution Beauty Group (REVB) has received a preliminary bid approach, and a formal sale process has begun. The cosmetics supplier requires more funding, and it is still talking to key shareholders.
telecoms enterprise software provider Cerillion (CER) had flagged a weaker first half and management remains positive about growth in full year revenues with a new contract helping to meet the target. In the six months to March 2025, revenues dipped from £22.5m to £20.9m. The mix of revenues was different with lower software income due to fewer renewals and higher services revenues. Pre-tax profit fell from £10.5m to £9.3m. R&D spending was increased. Net cash still improved from £26.6m to £31.2m over the 12-month period. The dividend has been raised by one-fifth to 4.8p/share.
Chain manufacturer Renold (RNO) has received two bid offers one is 77p/share in cash from Webster Industries and the other is 81p/share in cash from a consortium comprising Buckthorn Partners LLP and One Equity Partners IX, L.P.
Executive search firm Norman Broadbent (LON: NBB) revealed at its AGM that second quarter trading is materially ahead of the same period last year. Recent appointments are helping to enhance growth, and the company is moving into the Middle East market. This should ensure a return to profit this year. The £96,000 CBILs loan has been repaid. Shareholders approved the 35-for-one share consolidation.
Aquaculture company Benchmark (BMK) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM and Euronext Growth Oslo. There should be annual savings of £2.4m and there should also be overhead savings of £5.6m following the sale of the genetics business. Benchmark is launching a tender offer at 25p/share. The total amount of cash available through the tender is £56.7m out of the current net cash of £117m.
Composite kits supplier Velocity Composites (VEL) has been hit by delays to projects and Canaccord Genuity has reduced 2024-25 revenues by 15% to £23m and then means a loss instead of breakeven. This is despite the fact that margins are better than expected. Net cash will fall to £700,000 on that basis. Next year’s pre-tax profit forecast has been cut from £500,000 to £300,000. There have been problems with the ramp up of A350 production and final qualification sign-off of kits in the US has been delayed. The US base will offset any problems with tariffs.
Ascent Resources (AST) is acquiring a 49% interest in oil and gas leases in Colorado operated by Locin Oil Corporation and a 10% in oil and gas leases in Utah operated by ARB Energy. US-based geologist David Patterson will take over as chief executive and there will be cost savings. The first purchase costs $2.5m, including shares at 0.5p each and a $1.9m convertible loan note. The second purchase costs $750,000 in shares. The deal includes rights to earn a 50% economic interest in incremental production from these leases. There is an option to acquire a further 23% interest in the leases. A fundraising will generate £1.35m at 0.5p/share with £224,000 used to pay back part of the RiverFort secured loan with $100,000 converted into shares at 0.7245p/share.
Drug developer Poolbeg Pharma (POLB) is raising £4m at 2.5p/share and could raise up to £100,000 from a retail offer. The cash will last into 2027. It will be spent on th POLB 001 phase 2a trial to “prevent cancer immunotherapy-induced Cytokine Release Syndrome, a severe, potentially life-threatening side effect of cancer immunotherapies”. Topline data is expected by the end of 2026. An Oral GLP-1 proof of concept trial for an obesity treatment.
Healthcare services provider Totally (TLY) is considering offers for subsidiaries. This is the only practical way to pay off liabilities. However, the proceeds may not be enough to meet all liabilities.
Energy assurance and optimisation services provider Inspired (INSE) has published a document rejecting the 68.5p/share offer by Regent Gas. The argument is that the offer undervalues the business, and it is not in the best interests of shareholders to take control of Inspired.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) grew first quarter revenues by 19% to £61m. Acquisitions and the electric vehicle charging operations are driving the improvement. US tariffs are likely to impact on £4m of last year’s revenues.
Foam manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) says revenues are 8% ahead so far this year. They reached £50.7m at the end of April 2025. Footwear remains a strong market and there was 24% growth in transport and smart technologies sales. Construction is a weaker market.
Fully listed natural resources company Ajax Resources (AJAX) is applying to join the Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Access market. This follows a planned acquisition of Minas La Escondida, which has two copper and gold licences near to the company’s Eureka mine in Argentina, which has previously been in production. There are plans to raise £1.5m at 4p/share. There is currently £650,000 in the bank.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 11 November 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cross border e-commerce technology company Samarkand Group (SMK) reported a dip in revenues of 22% to £6.3m, with owned brands increasing their contribution by 14% to £4.1m. The loss has been reduced even before the £1.08m gain on the disposal of a brand. Net debt is £2m. The switch to focusing on owned brands will continue.
Wind-based hydrogen production technology developer Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) says turbine testing has been delayed because of a fault in the control unit. Replacement parts should arrive by the end of the month. Schneider Electric is providing software to help analyse data for the feasibility study at Whitehall in Montana. Concept testing of the electrolyser continues, and efficiency is more than 97%. Neil Ritson has become executive chairman.
Unicorn Asset Management has taken a 5.42% stake in Equipmake (EQIP).
Pitch Pit has changed its name to Meme Vault (MEME) and will become an investment company focused on cryptocurrency and Web3 technologies. A new subsidiary will be set up in UAE. Chandila Fernando and Judith Hough will no longer be joining the board. The planned £500,000 placing is not taking place, but there will be an alternative fundraising.
DXS International (DXSP) chairman Bob Sutcliffe bought 35,000 shares at 1.3p each and he owns 1.8% of the healthcare IT developer. Earlier in the week, Hybridan published updated research and said that “management is focused on cashflow control until new NHS sales resume, when there could be significant revenue growth”. It argues that this is not reflected in the current share price.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has an option to acquire M3 Helium, which has acquired 85% interests in three further wells on the western side of the Hugoton gas field in Kansas. Two of the wells are in production and the third could be used as a water disposal well, which will reduce costs. No consideration is payable. The wells are breaking even.
Fenikso (FNK) has doubled its convertible loan to AIM-quoted Coro Energy (CORO) to £500,000. Tom Richardson, chairman of Fenikso is also a director of Coro Energy.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals, where it owns 36.3%, has announced results of copper exploration at the Golden Rose project in Newfoundland. Copper grades were up to 3.7% and some samples included zinc.
Jack Keyes has decided not to join the board of Oscillate (MUSH) as technical director. He is still undertaking hydrogen exploration work for the company.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) company secretary Mark Collingbourne has acquired 80,000 shares at 5.5p each.
AIM
Fabless silicon chip designer and manufacturer EnSilica (ENSI) slipped into loss in the year to May 2024, but there are already contracts in place for a bounce back to profit this year. EnSilica generates cash from operations, but it spent £6.1m on capitalised development. Chip supply generated flat revenues of £2.9m out of group revenues of £25.3m, up from £20.5m in the previous year. Chip supply revenues should start to build up from this year and that will sharply boost profitability. It can take two years or more for chip supply to begin and then production is built up to its peak, so there is built in growth for many years. Singer forecasts a 2024-25 pre-tax profit of £2.7m, doubling to £5.5m next year.
Membrane free electrolyser developer Clean Power Hydrogen (CPH2) has entered into a licence agreement with Lisheen H2 Energy Park, trading as Hidrigin, for the rights to manufacture MFE220 electrolyser units for its own use up to 2GW. This could be worth multi-million Euros. Hidrigin owns the 122MW Lisheen solar park and has funding for other developments. The licence fee will be payable in stages. Separately, there is a sale of a 1MW MFE220 electrolyser unit.
This week there was good news from professional services firm DSW Capital (DSW) with its trading statement following the acquisition earlier this week of DR Solicitors for £6.1m in cash and shares, which will reduce dependence on M&A. DR Solicitors has a client base of doctors, consultants and primary care providers. The latest annual pre-tax profit was £1.2m. The deal should be hugely earnings enhancing. Trading has been gradually improving in the first half. First half profit will be slightly lower at £100,000, but the full year pre-tax profit is expected to recover from £500,000 to £1.4m. A further jump to £2.5m is forecast for 2025-26. The interims will be published on 27 November.
Shell company Selkirk Group (SELK) raised £7.5m at 2.4p/share ahead of joining AIM this morning. The focus is undervalued consumer, technology and digital media businesses. Executive chair Iain McDonald says: “We have chosen to IPO on AIM because, despite the prevailing negative narrative, AIM is still a very attractive market for small, fast-growing companies”.
Electronics and battery products supplier Solid State (SOLI) had a tough first half but it says trading is in line with expectations in the first half and the second half should be better. Interim pre-tax profit has slumped from £7.3m to £2.5m. The components market has returned to normal, and first half revenues declined. Political uncertainty has hampered defence system orders. Last year’s defence revenues were exceptionally strong due to early deliveries, and a decline was expected. That is why full year underlying pre-tax profit is set to fall from £15.6m to £10.1m.
Hummingbird Resources (HUM) has announced a debt restructuring and possible bid. Delays in ramping up production at Kouroussa have strained the balance sheet and $30m of debt repayments have been deferred. Net debt was $155m at the end of September 2024, while trade and other payables were $152m. Nioko Resources, which owns 41% of the gold miner, is proposing a partial debt-to-equity conversion at 2.6777p/share, which would take its stake to 71.8%, and potential bid and cancelation of the AIM quotation. Geoff Eyre has been appointed interim chief executive.
Feedback (FDBK) raised £6.1m at 20p/share, which was a massive discount to the previous market price, which fell to 19.5p. This includes £530,000 raised via a WRAP retail offer of up to £1m. The cash will finance the rolling out of the Bleepa medical imaging communications product and take advantage of a collaboration with a provider of primary care IT services that will use Bleepa to streamline referrals between primary care, Community Diagnostic Centres and community care. The nominal value of shares will be reduced to 1p.
Futura Medical (FUM) has completed two proof of concept studies on new products for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and women. Eroxon Intense is a range extension for the existing Eroxon topical product for erectile dysfunction. This provides a stronger sensation. A preferred formulation will be tested next year and regulatory approval is expected by the end of 2025. WSD4000 is a topical treatment for women that treats symptoms such as lack of desire and lubrication. The next stage is a home user study, and results are expected in the first quarter of 2025. A pre-submission meeting with the FDA has happened and there will be another to help design a clinical study. There are discussions with potential partners.
Broadband services provider Bigblu Broadband (BBB) admits that it is in discussions with alternative investment manager Salter Brothers on a possible sale of the SkyMesh subsidiary. The transaction is subject to final terms and financing. This would be the latest asset disposal for Bigblu Broadband.
CleanTech Lithium (CTL) says that the pre-feasibility study for the Laguna Verde project has been delayed until the first quarter of 2025. Additional engineering work is required due to the location of the carbonation plant in Copiapo. An option for onsite renewable power will also be included. Lithium carbonate should be produced from the pilot plant in November.
Digital media publisher Digitalbox (DBOX) has added to its portfolio of digital media brands by acquiring the entertainment business of GRV Media. The assets are CelebrityTidbit.com, RealityTidbit.com and TheFocus.news. They generated revenues of less than £800,000 and they fit with Entertainment Daily and The Tab.
Synergia Energy (SYN) has raised £632,500 at 0.05p/share. There has also been the conversion of £296,000 of loans and £83,000 of fees into shares. The shares come with a warrant exercisable at 0.1p each. This provides funding for the Medway Hub Camelot carbon capture and storage joint venture with Harbour Energy. Synergia Energy wants to farm out up to 25% of the project. There should be a significant increase in production at the Cambay PSC, where a farm out of a 50% interest to Selan Exploration has been completed, from the second quarter of next year.
Kodal Minerals (KOD) joint venture partner Hainan Mining says that the $15m owed to the Mali government should be paid by Kodal Minerals and not the joint venture that owns the Bougouni lithium project. Kodal Minerals disagrees.
Optimer binders developer Aptamer Group (APTA) continues to win new contracts and it has added contracts worth up to £471,000 in the third quarter. This is work from a number of clients and many are repeat customers. Some of the existing customers are reaching a point where they are considering long-term licences. Booked revenues have reached £1.2m for 2024-25. The potential pipeline has increased to £4m.
MAIN MARKET
Cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) says 2024-25 revenues should be at least $5m and they could rise to $8m in the following year. In the 15 months to March 2024, revenues were $7.6m. The dip in revenues is due to a switch in focus to commercial sales rather than the dependence on government funded development, as well as delays in US funding. Thereby building recurring revenues.
Foams manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) revenues are accelerating with third quarter growth of 54% and year to date improvement of 23%. Footwear sales are fuelling this growth, helped by the Olympics boosting Nike demand, but other parts of the business are also growing. Operational efficiency is increasing margins.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 March 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
S-Ventures (SVEN) has agreed to sell its food and snacks business in return for shares in AIM-quoted RiverFort Global Opportunities worth £3.5m. That would leave S-Ventures as an investment company with shares in the acquirer. Sales for the 12 months to September 2023 were £17.4m, rising to the £21.6m in the 15 months to the end of 2023. Net debt was £7.1m at the end of September 2023. An additional £3m of loans have been agreed, including £1m from RiverFort Global Opportunities.
Marula Mining (MARU) has signed a long-term offtake agreement with Fujax UK for the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine in South Africa. This an agreement for 100% of production until the end of 2026, with a minimum of 50,000 tonnes at a grade of 6% lithium. There is an option for a further three years. A mining right has been received from the authorities for the plans to expand the stockpile reprocessing operations.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) improved like-for-like retail sales by 6.2%, although beer volumes fell 10.5% with own beer volumes down 16.7%. Overall, interim revenues grew 4% to £89m and underlying pre-tax profit was 10% ahead at £3.8m. The brewing division returned to profit. The interim dividend was 5% ahead at 4.2p/share. Beer volumes continue to decline, while the retail sales growth rate has slowed.
Gunsynd (GUN) shares rose 17.9% to 0.165p on the back of an institutional investor investing $1m ($750,000 in cash and $250,000 in support services) in the US spirits subsidiary of Rogue Baron (SHNJ), where it currently has a 17.45% stake. Rogue Baron has also raised £20,000 at 0.5p/share.
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) increased revenues from £19.9m to £23.7m, while pre-tax profit rose from £4.5m to £5.2m. The Aquis Stock Exchange revenues improved from £1.6m to £1.8m. The main growth came from technologies and data. Panmure Gordon forecasts 2024 pre-tax profit of £6.2m.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) reported a fall in net assets from £1.44m to £1.36m at the end of 2023. There was an exit from the investment in Qualification Check which reduced the reported loss. There are seven portfolio companies. There is a pipeline of potential transactions.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that the capital spending optimisation programme has been completed at the Amapa iron ore project. Savings of $63.2m have been identified and production could be 5% higher at 5.5 Mtpa of iron ore concentrate.
Supernova Digital Assets (SOL) has completed the acquisition of Hyperslot PTE for £225,000 in shares at 0.15p each. Andrew Offit increased his shareholding from 14.1% to 15.2%.
Arsen Torosian has replaced David Carr as chief executive of Tap Global Group (TAP). He is the largest shareholder and was previously chief strategy director. Steven Borg will become finance director.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $600,000 in Moondance Labs, which is building Tanssi, which helps appchain deployment.
Substrate Artificial Intelligence (SAI) has signed up FINRA-registered California-based bank GT Securities to identify potential partners for its Subgen AI subsidiary, which has launched Serenity Star, an ecosystem for scaling generative AI. The company has raised Euro500,000 from a convertible bond issue.
Secured Property Developments (SPD) is changing its name to Mollyroe and it is adopting s new investment strategy focused on the technology sector. There will also be a 20-for-one share consolidation.
Steve Hutchinson has taken his Oscillate (MUSH) stake above 3%. TruSpine Technologies (TSP) chairman Geoffrey Miller has increased his shareholding to 7.24%, while Oberon Investments raised its stake to 12.6%.
Good Life Plus (GDLF) has appointed Tennyson Securities as corporate broker.
AIM
Capital equipment manufacturer Mpac (MPAC) had a stronger second half and revenues improved from £98m to £114m, while pre-tax profit recovered from £3.5m to £7.1m. There was growth in parts and services revenues. The order book was worth £72.5m at the end of the year. The customer base is being broadened. There should be further recovery this year.
Educational software and services provider Tribal Group (TRB) is still hampered by its dispute with NTU, which is currently in mediation. The failed bid for the company also held back sales to potential clients. Even so, annualised recurring revenues grew 13% to £15.1m. Full year revenues moved from £83.6m to £85.8m, while pre-tax profit recovered from £3.7m to £10.7m.
Roadside Real Estate (ROAD) shares soared 129% to 8p after it sold part of its stake in Cambridge Sleep Sciences to CGV Ventures 1 for £6m. The total stake cost £2.7m and Roadside Real Estate still owns 65%, having sold a 10% stake, so it still has to be consolidated. Management is considering selling the rest or demerging the company so that it can concentrate on its core property interests.
Digital media company XLMedia (XLM) is selling European and Canadian gaming assets to Gambling.com for an initial $37.5m with potential deferred consideration of $5m. Some of this cash may be paid out to shareholders. These assets generated 2023 revenues $21.4m and underlying EBITDA of $6.6m out of estimated group 2023 revenues of $50m and EBITDA of $12m. Pro forma net cash is likely to be around $35m, after taking account of deferred consideration of $4m payable for past acquisitions. Cavendish estimates that XL Media is worth £48m, including the cash.
Biodegradable and antimicrobial plastic additives developer Symphony Environmental Technologies (SYM) has raised £1.4m at 3.5p/share and will raise up to £500,000 more through a PrimaryBid retail offer. The issue price was well above the market price. Chief executive Michael Laurier is subscribing £105,000. Net debt was £740,000 at the end of February. The additional cash will fund the scale-up of the business and provide working capital during trials by potential customers.
Blue Star Capital (BLU) reported a slump in NAV from £11.4m to £5.33m at the end of 2023. That includes cash of £63,000. Writing down the valuations of Dynasty Media & Gaming and Sthaler were a large part of the decline in NAV. Another investee company, SatoshiPay, is undertaking a formal sales process. This stake is valued at £4.65m.
Live Company Group (LVCG) returned from suspension following the announcement of a planned refinancing and sale of majority interest in StartArt. Creditors are being settled in shares and a £1.77m convertible loan provided by the chairman, as well as converting some of his loan notes. A placing raised £352,000 at 1p/share. There could be more cash to come from strategic investors.
Digital payments business Boku (BOKU) increased 2023 revenues by 30% to $82.7m and they are expected to increase to $95m this year. The wallets business grew 153%, albeit from a lower base. The local payments network is being built up and will be a major factor in growth, especially as margins are better. The direct carrier billings business continues to grow and remains the main generator revenues for the time being. The company has more than $70m in cash.
Employee benefits and insurance provider Personal Group Holdings (PGH) reported slightly better 2023 figures than expected with revenues of £49.7m and pre-tax profit recovering to £5.9m. The dividend was raised from 10.6p/share to 11.7p/share. That is well covered by cash generation. Cash was £20.1m at the end of 2023. The insurance business did particularly well.
Three rail clients delaying orders has hit prospects for LPA Group (LPA) and it is unlikely to do any better than breakeven this year – a pre-tax profit of £800,000 was previously forecast on a 6% reduction in forecast revenues.
Light Science Technologies (LST) has received a grant worth £188,000 for a project involving the company’s SensorGROW technology.
Saturn Resources has increased its bid for Shanta Gold (SHG) to 14.85p/share, up from 13.5p/share, valuing the miner at £156.1m. Eligible shareholders will receive a dividend of 0.15p/share on 26 April.
Stem cell-based treatments developer ReNeuron (RENE) has failed to come to an agreement with creditors and the financial uncertain means that it has appointed administrators from Cork Gully. Negotiations continue with creditors and potential providers of finance.
MAIN MARKET
Higher losses from the ReZorce recyclable packaging business masked progress at foams manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF), where pre-tax profit moved up from £12.5m to £13.1m on flat revenues. That included an operating loss of £4.36m, up from £1.89m, from the MuCell Extrusion division that includes ReZorce. The total dividend is 7.18p/share.
Property investor Town Centre Securities (LSE: TOWN) managed to edge up its net tangible asset value to 286p/share at the end of 2023, due to the 150p/share tender offer last year. There was a 4% decline in property values. Loan to value has risen to 50.3%. The interim dividend is maintained at 2.5p/share.
TheWorks.co.uk (WRKS) is moving from the Main Market to AIM. The plan is to gain shareholder approval to move on 3 May. This should help to reduce costs.
Esken Ltd (ESKN) has appointed administrators from AlixPartners because its restructuring plan was no longer commercially viable. The restructuring of London Southend Airport will continue.
First Tin (1SN) says regional exploration confirmed upside potential at Pound Flat and Battery Hill prospects in the Taronga tin project.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 22 January 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Standard listed Mustang Energy (MUST) has entered into non-binding heads of terms for the acquisition of Cykel AI (CYK). The offer is 1.844 Mustang Energy shares for each Cykel AI share. The Mustang Energy share price is 30.6p, having risen from 25.5p prior to the announcement of the deal. Cykel AI is developing artificial intelligence software, which will be marketed via a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, and it joined Aquis on 25 October 2023 at 3p/share. Trading in Cykel AI shares has been suspended at 9.25p, valuing the company at £19m. Mustang Energy previously tried to do a deal with Bushveld Minerals (BMN), involving one of its subsidiaries but that fell through. A prospectus for the acquisitions is expected in the second quarter of 2024.
Fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) generated third quarter revenues of £98,400, up from £53,500 in the second quarter. Nine months revenues were doubled. There is £2.68m in the bank. Fourth quarter invoiced sales are already £64,500.
Global Connectivity (GCON) says 15%-owned investee company Rural Broadband Holdings has increased its stake in UK broadband provider Voneus from 32% to 36% as part of a £25m financing.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) has increased the number of coffee shops and revenues in the 12 months to December 2023 were 16% higher at £26.9m. Like-for-like UK sales were 6% ahead and in Ireland it was 6.8%. December was a record month and there was positive operating cash flow. The year-end is being changed to March.
Electric motors and drivetrains developer Equipmake Holdings (EQIP) has gained a contract for the next stage of its electric motor development with aerospace company H55 for electric aircraft. There will be £315,000 of work deliverable by the end of May 2024 with a further £400,000 after that. Aircraft production could commence in 2025. Dr Nicholas Moelders has been appointed as chief operating officer. Interim revenues rose from £1.05m to £2.07m, while the loss increased from £2.79m to £2.96m because of higher admin expenses.
Hydrogen production systems developer Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has commenced its first mining sector feasibility study in the US. The idea is to use wastewater from tailings as a way of generating hydrogen. Management is discussing a potential deal with a partner in Australia for the deployment of renewable energy microgrids.
Marula Mining (MARU) subsidiaries have been issued seven new graphite mining licences for Takela and NyoriGreen projects in Tanzania. The licences last seven years. Marula Mining owns 75% of the licence owners and it is paying $25,000/licence, as well as issuing 1.05 million shares at 13.5p each as additional consideration for the investments. Marula Mining has approved a $6.38m exploration budget for its projects in Tanzania.
Igraine (KING) investee company Fixit Medical, which has developed the Cingo drainage catheter fixation device, expects to produce the first production prototypes in the first quarter of 2024. Fixit Medical is preparing a technical dossier for the ISO 13485 application.
Looking Glass Laboratories (NFTX) has decided to withdraw from the Aquis Stock Exchange, having joined in November 2022.
WeCap (WCAP) has invested a further £900,000 in WeShop convertibles, taking the total investment to £3.75m. The conversion price is 200p/share. WeCap has also invested in £4m of convertibles with a conversion price of 300p/share. Including an investment in a company owning shares, WeCap owns 15.3% of the diluted share capital of WeShop. This is valued at £24.6m at the latest fundraising price.
A purchase of 4,250 shares in Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) at 50p each led to a 125% jump in the share price to 45p. There were four other trades during the week, and they were at 24p/share and 25p/share. The online consumer loans company joined Aquis on 14 December 2023 when it raised £508,000 at 4.5p/share. There is no reason for the share price to have risen so far other than the limited liquidity of the shares.
Valereum (VLRM) has restarted talks with Vinay Gupta of Mattereum and they are exploring potential opportunities.
Chief executive Dr Michael Hudson has acquired 50,000 EDX Medical Group (EDX) shares at an average price of 8.89p each, taking his stake to 6.77%.
Michael Edwards has bought one million shares in Aqru (AQRU) at 0.12p each.
AIM
Tissue converter Accrol (ACRL) has acquired wet wipes and tumble dryer sheet manufacturer Severn Delta for around three times EBITDA. There is a factory in Somerset with four production lines. Revenues are £5m and this will take Accrol into new markets.
Scientific instruments manufacturer Judges Scientific (JDG) generated organic sales growth of 15% in 2023. Profit should be in line with expectations. Liberum expects pre-tax profit to rise from £28.3m to £31.4m. Increased stocks have held back cash generation. Net debt is forecast to be £44.9m.
Paper and technical fibres maker James Cropper (CRPR) has been hit by weak trading in the paper business and slower growth in sales to hydrogen companies in advanced materials. As a highly operationally geared business this has led to a slashing of current year pre-tax profit forecast from £5.9m to £500,000. Employee numbers have been reduced in the paper division, completing the restructuring. Higher capacity utilisation will improve the profit contribution.
Trading in scientific instruments developer Microsaic Systems (MSYS) has recommenced after a 625-for-one share consolidation and a placing raising £2.1m at 1.25p. The consolidated share price was 4.0625p and it fell to 1.4p in initial dealings and stayed at that level, which is a 65.5% decline. Cash will be used to acquire assets from DeepVerge. Full year results for 2022 and interims for 2023 were published to enable the shares to recommence trading after suspension.
Growth at payments technology company Bango (BGO) was held back by contract delays. Moving into profit for the full year was always going to be a tough and Bango has fallen well short. Revenues grew 62%, which is 6% below forecasts. Bango did move into profit in the second half, but it was not enough to make the full year profitable, and the loss is likely to be around $3.7m. That is due to the high margin, lower sales, increased costs and negative foreign exchange movements. Bango should still move into profit in 2024 and start to generate cash.
Hercules Site Services (HERC) did well in the year to September 2023 with underlying pre-tax profit better than expected at £900,000. HS2 work is building up. The construction workers provider is opening its own training centre. That will help the business in the longer-term, but initial costs will hold back profit this year.
XP Factory (XPF) says Boom Bars generated like-for-like growth of 29% and Escape Hunt grew 17% in the past 12 months. This is much faster growth than the market. Group revenues were 95% ahead at £44.5m and this underpins the current forecast for the 15 months to March 2024. XP Factory is on course to move into profit in 2024-25.
Third quarter trading was in line with expectations at Naked Wines (WINE) with the decline in constant currency sales of 10% lower than in the previous quarter. This was the peak trading time. Quarterly operating profit is likely to be £3m-£5m. Annual costs have been reduced by £7m. Net cash is £3m and the business should become cash generative by 2025.
Zeus has cut its 2024 and 2025 forecasts for Big Technologies (LON: BIG) after the monitoring technology company’s trading statement. The 2023 figures were in line with expectations, but Big Technologies expects its Colombia prison service contract to end in the first half of this year. This year’s revenues are expected to fall to £51m and the operating profit estimate is reduced from £31,7m to £23.9m, down from £28.9m in 2023. The 2025 operating profit is expected to be £27m.
A trading statement from utility infrastructure platform IQGeo (IQG) shows 2023 revenues 6% ahead of forecast and a much higher cash figure of £11m. Annualised recurring revenues are 50% higher at £21.1m. This has sparked an upgrade of 2024 estimates by Cavendish with revenues of £49.8m and pre-tax profit of £5.5m, up from £3.4m in 2023.
Strategic Minerals (SML) says that the Cobre magnetite operation has regained a major client that has ordered 30,000 tons. There could be a second contract of a similar size. This follows a halving of sales volumes in 2023.
There were positive drilling results from Thor Energy (THR). The drilling at the Wedding Bell and Radium Mountain uranium prospects in Colorado intersected high-grade uranium. Grades were up to 0.69%. This follows positive results from the Groundhog prospect. The assay results should be received in February. There are plans to drill other prospects in the region. The uranium price has moved above $100/lb.
Prospex Energy (PXEN) says that the Podere Malar-1 well in the Selva field is producing gas at the expected levels. Prospex Energy owns a 37% working interest in the Selva Malvezzi production concessions. Operator Po Valley Energy is determining the optimal flow rate for the longer-term. There are plans for further drilling on the concession.
MAIN MARKET
Foams manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) had a strong end to 2023 with revenues in line and pre-tax profit slightly better than forecast at £13.1m – a small increase on 2022. The foam business did particularly well and should continue to as new Nike shoe designs are launched. The ReZorce recyclable carton business remains loss-making and trials with customers will happen in the next few months. Net debt is £31.9m and capital investment will lead this to increase in 2024.
Gulf Marine Services (GMS) has updated guidance for 2023. The offshore energy vessels provider says underlying EBITDA will be around $86m, which is one-fifth higher than in 2022. The 2024 EBITDA range is $87m to $95m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 30 May 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Silverwood Brands (SLWD) has secured a deal to buy Balmonds Skincare, which manufactures products for people with skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. The total cost of the acquisition will be up to £8m, all in shares, depending on achievement of performance criteria. A shareholder loan will also be acquired by Silverwood Brands for 1.4 million shares. Last year, Balmonds Skincare revenues were £1.41m and the loss was £297,000 after an R&D tax credit of £35,000. The current manufacturing facility could quadruple capacity, although it would require additional storage facilities.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) maintained assets under management at £1.35bn at the end of April 2022, while loan balances were 3% higher than the end of 2021 at £2.06bn. Interest rate rises will improve income.
CBD products supplier and diagnostics testing company Goodbody Health Inc (GDBY) increased first quarter revenues by 276% to £5.2m, although it was still loss making due to foreign exchange movements. Net cash was £5.5m at the end of March 2022. A small profit is still expected for the full year, although that is a sharp downgrade from previous expectations as Covid testing levels reduce.
St Marks Homes (SMAP) made another loss last year. In 2021, revenues increased from £216,000 to £259,000 and the loss reduced from £170,000 to £106,000 even though there was a loss from joint ventures. Cash in the bank fell from £709,000 to £131,000. Net assets are £5.23m and the shares are trading at a discount to this figure.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) subsidiary company HFI Energy Systems has advanced a wind-based hydrogen production system combined with electrolyser technology. The aim is to generate hydrogen at $2/kilo, which is a lower cost than existing technologies. The hydrogen can be generated from waste water or saline. The group intends to invest $1m on development and it will own 51% of an IP developed with the rest owned by inventor Timothy Blake.
British Honey Company (BHC) has terminated its joint venture with Tusmore Park Farms, which was going to set up a new whisky distillery. British Honey will get back £450,000 of its original £750,000 investment.
Watchstone Group (WTG) still had £13m in the bank at the end of 2021. That was after a £3.67m cash outflow from operations. Net asset are 29p a share. There is a £63m plus interest and costs claim against PwC and another claim against former auditor KPMG. Watchstone is appealing against a recent VAT decision by the courts in favour of HMRC.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) is satisfying a loan of €5m via the issued of the same amount of 7% fixed rate bonds, which are traded in Vienna and mature on 26 July 2022. Major shareholder IWEP will be converting its €20m of loans into shares. There could be a fundraising after this happens.
Evrima (EVA) has decided to maintain its interest in Kalahari Key and not accept the Power Metal Resources (POW) offer, which means that the latter could own 87.7%. Kalahari Key owns the Molopo Farms complex project, which has nickel, copper and platinum group metals deposits.
Shareholders of Lekoil Ltd (LEK) have voted in favour of the appointment of Bright Grahame Murray as auditor and to authorise the directors to set the remuneration.
Altona Rare Earths (ANR) has adjourned a general meeting that was seeking shareholder approval to reprice warrants exercisable at 20p a share. The new plan is to offer to swap them for warrants exercisable exercisable at 12p a share.
AIM
EnSilica (LON: ENSI) raised £6m at 50p a share when it joined aim on 24 May. The share price ended the week at 50.5p. EnSilica designs application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which are in increasing demand in areas, such as Internet of Things, satellite communications, wearable health devices and 5G. EnSilica has successfully managed the current shortage in semiconductors because it has managed to pass on price rises. The cash raised will help to fund growth and could finance suitable acquisitions and the quotation will raise the profile of the company. The ASICs market is expected to be worth $27.6bn in 2026.
Scientifics instruments manufacturer Judges Scientific (JDG) is making its largest ever acquisition, which is expected to be sharply earnings enhancing. Judges Scientific is paying an initial £45m in cash for Geotek, a developer and manufacturer of instruments used to measure and log characteristics of geological cores and related services. There could be further payments of up to £35m (50% cash and 50% shares). A minimum operating profit of £6.4m needs to be achieved in 2022 to spark any payment. The maximum payment will be made if operating profit of £11.4m is achieved. WH Ireland believes that the deal will enhance earnings by 17% this year – with a 7-month contribution from Geotek – and by 30% next year. Pre-tax profit is set to improve from £18.1m to £22.4m in 2022, and then rise further to £25.5m in 2023.
The FDA has given approval for the Parsortix liquid biopsy test developed by ANGLE (AGL) for its use with metastatic breast cancer patients. Parsortix is the first system that harvests circulating cancer cells from a blood sample for analysis that has been approved. By obtaining the approval for breast cancer diagnostics, this provides a route map for gaining approvals for other cancers.
Credit hire and legal services company Anexo Group (ANX) could receive a significant income boost after the out of court settlement by VW because of its manipulation of air pollution tests. VW has agreed to pay £193m plus costs to more than 91,000 claimants in England and Wales. That is just over £2,000 each. This is a separate case to that being put forward by Anexo for its 13,000 claimants, although a similar settlement can be anticipated. House broker Arden Partners believes that the company will receive 50% of the compensation plus legal costs. Both Arden and WH Ireland are suggesting a pre-tax profit contribution of £20m-£25m after some additional costs. The timing of this is uncertain. Net debt is expected to be more than £70m by the end of this year, some of which is litigation funding related to the VW cases, and that would be much lower if the VW cash is received.
Demand for vehicles and equipment from television programmes and films means that Facilities by ADF (ADF) is benefitting from high utilisation rates. There were 39 productions serviced in 2021. TV series tend to book well ahead of the start of production, so visibility is good for the current year. The company is already investing in new trailers, although there could be delays in their arrival. Utilisation rates are expected to be around 85% this year.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) reported full year figures in line with previous indications and it continues to gain market share. Acquisitions and organic growth in double digits are expected to enable Likewise to grow revenues from £60.5m to £114.9m in 2022, while underlying pre-tax profit is forecast to jump from £1.6m to £4.2m. New distribution capacity has been added and a distribution centre is on course to open in the first quarter of 2023.
Pennant International (PEN) continued to lose money in 2021, but the software and training company is already on course for a return to profit this year. Recurring revenues are running at £9m a year, helped by additional software contracts. The total order book is worth more than £32m with more potential orders in the pipeline. WH Ireland forecasts a 2022 pre-tax profit of £600,000 with most of the expected revenues of £17m covered by the order book.
Belvoir Group (BLV) has acquired TIME Group, another appointed representative of the Mortgage Advice Bureau predominantly based in northern England and the Midlands for an initial £3.7m. This is earnings enhancing. In the year to July 2021, TIME generated revenues of £4.2m and pre-tax profit of £600,000. Belvoir revenues are in the line with expectations in the four months to April 2022. Higher lettings income offset a decline in property sales income.
MTI Wireless Edge (MWE) First quarter revenues were 12% ahead at $11.2m, helped by a strong performance by the distribution business and a contribution from recent acquisition PSK Wind Technologies. There was a 3% decline in antenna revenues because customers could not get their hands on other components. The orders are there for antenna, particularly for 5G. The acquisition and dividends led to a fall in net cash to $6.5m, but it should improve by the end of 2022.
Tortilla Mexican Grill (MEX) is acquiring rival fast-casual Mexican restaurants operator Chilango. Investment firm RDCP currently owns Chilango. Tortilla Mexican Grill will pay up to £2.75m for the restaurant chain. In 2021, Chilango generated revenues of £7.3m and made a small loss. Chilango has eight sites in the London and Manchester.
Medical imaging technology provider IXICO (LON: IXI) reported interim revenues fell from £4.9m to £3.9m. That was not a surprise because it was flagged that there would be a decline this year, which was exacerbated by the early closing of a study. Pre-tax profit fell from £635,000 to £201,000. The order book was worth £12.6m at the end of March 2022, including £3.8m secured in the period. At least one more contract has been added since then.
Trinidad-focused Trinity Exploration and Production (TRIN) revenues improved from £44.1m to £66.3m in 2021 even though oil and gas production was lower. A new drilling programme will start in the second half of 2022, and this will help to increase production. A deeper appraisal well, with an estimated probability of success of 55%, could substantially increase reserves.
Purplebricks (PURP) has admitted that it made a higher than expected loss in the year to April 2022. There was still £43.2m in the bank.
MAIN MARKET
Motor vehicle lender S and U (SUS) is trading ahead of expectations. Group net receivables have increased by more than 5% since the beginning of the financial year. The fastest growth was at property lender Aspen where net receivables were 12.5% higher. The much larger Advantage car lending business grew its receivables by 3.5%, while credit quality has been maintained. Defaults remain low. The forecast yield is 5.8%.
Associated British Engineering (ASBE) kept its overheads to a minimum in the six months to March 2022 and still had £470,000 in cash and available for sale financial assets of £154,000. Net assets are £610,000, which is double the current market capitalisation.
Publisher National World (NWOR) says revenues are 4% ahead so far this year, although the rate of growth has slowed. Digital revenues are 38% higher year on year, while print revenues have declined due to lower circulation.
Zotefoams (ZTF) has made a good start to the year with revenues 13% ahead. Prices have been increased to offset higher costs. Polyolefin foams sales were 20% ahead with 5% relating to volume increases. Full year pre-tax profit could recover from £7.2m to £8.7m this year with a much bigger improvement expected next year.
Andrew Hore