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Quoted Micro 3 June 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Time to ACT (TTA) has joined the Aquis Stock Exchange and plans to develop a group of engineering-based energy transition businesses. Middlesborough-based Time to ACT has two subsidiaries. Diffusion Alloys is a long-established diffusion coating business. The technology provides an intermetallic layer that protects metal components at high temperatures. GreenSpur is a much newer business that is developing direct drive generator technology for use in wind power that does not require rare earths for magnets. It uses axial flux technology that utilises ferrite magnets, which are less expensive. It is also copper-free and uses aluminium instead. The share price ended the week at 50p.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) has decided to pay a special dividend of 20p/share on top of its interim dividend of 20p/share, up from 19p/share in 2023. The two dividends will be paid at the same time on 20 June.
Digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 95.43p/share at the end of April 2024. Celestia accounts for 34.2% of the portfolio and Polkadot for 14.3%. There was £1.16m of income generated from digital assets during the month.
Marula Mining (MARU) has signed an offtake agreement with Fujax UK for manganese ore production from the Larisoro mine in Kenya. The agreement covers an initial 2,000 tonnes of manganese ore with further minimum monthly deliveries of 5,000 tonnes, but nominal monthly sales of 20,000 tonnes/month for 12 months. Deliveries have started. Assay results from Larisoro show an average grade of 35.73% manganese.
Unigel Ltd (UNX) increased full year pre-tax profit from £442,000 to £815,000 on revenues improved from £18.8m to £28.5m. Although this is not like-for-like. There was a like-for-like decline in profit. The manufacturer of telecom fibre optic cables materials says its market declined last year. There are signs of recovery.
Valereum (VLRM) chairman James Formolli has subscribed £2m for shares at 3.6p each. Instead of warrants he will receive 15 million GATE tokens. Valereum has signed a strategic partnership with Securities Trading Technology Mauritius to improve Valereum’s core technology. The focus is Bridge Digital FMI, the company’s blockchain digital financial markets infrastructure.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) shares slumped 70% to 0.0075p after shareholders voted in favour of leaving Aquis.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) reported an interim pre-tax profit of £985,000, up from £933,000. NAV was 87.32p/share at the end of February 2024. A 2p/share dividend has been subsequently paid.
BrightGrow SSAS has a 7.08% stake in investment company Gledhow Investments (GDH), which reported a decline in net assets from £1.6m to £1.3m, including cash of £217,000, at the end of March 2024.
Cooks Coffee (COOK) increased full year group revenues by 19% to NZ$4.7m. Growth was in the South and eastern England. Four new stores have opened in UK and one in Ireland in April and May. In the past eight weeks, UK store sales were 27.3% higher.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) is launching a new Bitcoin mining centre in Iowa, where 85% of electricity supply will come from renewables. An order for 20 Bitmain Antminer S19J Pro+ 120TH bitcoin miners. More will be ordered once these are up and running efficiently. Vinanz generated income of £200,000 in the six months to February 2024, while revaluation of assets and disposal gains enabled Vinanz to make a pre-tax profit of £175,000.
Super Seed Capital (WWW) improved NAV by 5p/share to 116p/share in the first quarter of 2024. The company expects to make up to three new investments in the second quarter.
Chairman Geoffrey Miller has increased his shareholding in TruSpine Technologies (TSP) from 7.24% to 9.03% after he acquired 2.5 million shares at 1.5p each from LCS. AIM-quoted Vela Technologies (VELA) has cut its stake from 9.9% to 4.3%. Constantine Logothetis has increased his stake in SulNOx Group (SNOX) to 24.1%.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has delayed the announcement of its figures for the 15 months to December 2023 because the audit will not be completed by the end of June.
AIM
Cancer treatments developer Extruded Pharmaceuticals reversed into Amur Minerals Corporation to form CRISM Therapeutics Corporation (CRTX) on 31 May. According to the admission document, the estimated value of the company after the acquisition would be £7.5m at 23p/share following a one-for-160 share consolidation. That valued the all-share acquisition of Extruded Pharmaceuticals at £5.5m. The opening price was 24p, but it ended the day at 11.5p.
Digitisation services provider TPXimpact (TPX) says 2023-24 revenues were slightly above expectations at £84m. EBITDA margin was in the middle of the 5%-6% range. Net debt has fallen to just over £7m. There was £139m of work won last year. There could be some short-term disruption from the General Election.
Cleaning services provider React (REAT) had a strong first half and it is well on the way to making the full year forecast. It continues to win new contracts and renew existing contracts at similar margins. Interim revenues grew from £9.3m to £10.3m, while pre-tax profit improved £800,000 to £1.1m. The integration and digitalisation of LaddersFree is progressing and that will improve efficiency. Net cash was £700,000 at the end of March 2024.
Video streaming technology provider Aferian (AFRN) reported a 21% decline in annual recurring revenues to $14.7m at the end of November 2023. Total 2022-23 revenues fell from $91.1m to $47.8m, although software sales improved, and Aferian moved from profit to loss. Underlying cash flow fell from $8.9m to $3.2m. Net debt was $6.1m at the end of 2023. Cost savings are being made. Chief executive Donald McGarva will leave in October.
Online building materials retailer CMO Group (CMO) reported a 14% drop in revenues to £71.5m with plumbing sales holding up better than other sectors. There was a swing from a pre-tax profit of £175,000 to a loss of £2.33m. Net debt was £600,000. The tiles market continues to decline, but there are signs of recovery in the overall market. Like-for-like sales orders were 18.2% lower, and the second quarter decline has slowed to 7.9%.
Oil and gas company Prospex Energy (PXEN) says current gross production of the PM-1 facility at the Selva Field – 37% interest – is 2.8mmcf/day. This is generating free cash flow of more than £6,000/day. The operator is Po Valley Energy. The Italian government has become more positive about oil and gas exploration. The permitting process for additional wells is progressing.
Revolution Bars (RBG) has moved its general meeting date to 14 June. This is to gain shareholder agreement to raise up to £12.5m via a placing and seven-for-eight open offer at 1p/share. The board does not believe that the approach from Nightcap (NGHT) can be delivered in a timely manner, so it is going ahead with its restructuring proposals.
Roebuck Food Group (RFG) has sold its dairy division for €1.3m net. This business is loss making. The remaining business is involved in milling and importation of food and ingredients.
Oil and gas producer Longboat Energy (LBE) says net production at the Statfjord satellites has been disappointing this year. Two out of five redevelopment wells are still not producing. Average production was 401boe/day in the first four months of 2024 rising to 544boe/day so far in May. Further capital expenditure is required. Longboat Energy is reducing costs and additional funds will be required. A share issue is an option.
Trading in Trafalgar Property (TRAF) shares was suspended after the company confirmed it is negotiating a reverse takeover of Ecap Esport. At the end of September 2023, Ecap Esport had net assets of £2.67m, including intangible assets of £3.94m, and its ultimate parent company was Esboz Ltd which sold the intangible assets to the company.
Insig AI (INSG) has taken a 5.45% stake in AI and blockchain company ImpactScope OU. Insig AI will sell its Greenwashing Identifiet technology to asset managers. The payment was 900,000 shares at 13.75p each and Insig Ai has an option to subscribe for more shares. New Insig AI executive chairman Richard Bernstein has subscribed £100,000 at 20p/share.
Premier African Minerals (PREM) has paused mining at the Zulu lithium and tantalum project in Zimbabwe. This will enable the installation of an additional conditioning cell and it should be completed by 10 July.
Low sodium salt developer MicroSalt (SALT) has made strong progress over the past year, including the flotation on AIM. The 2023 results announced today represent a period prior to flotation. MicroSalt was still in a period of building up its customer base and reported a loss of £3.5m.
MAIN MARKET
First Tin (1SN) has acquired exploration licence 9200 to broaden the area covered at Taronga in Australia. There has been tin production in the area in the past. Soil sampling results have extended the Pound Flat target area slightly.
Publisher National Word (NWOR) increased revenues by 18% in the first 21 weeks of the year. That includes contributions from Insider Media and Midland News Association that were acquired last year. There is net cash of £10m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 6 May 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Life Plus (GDLF) has traded strongly since joining Aquis and raising cash for marketing. The luxury prize draw company increased the number of subscribers from 21,000 at the end of 2023 to 30,000. Churn has been reduced.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) raised £56m at 23p/share with £25m committed by the UK Infrastructure Bank and £3m from Korean Investment Partners. There is also an open offer to raise up to £6.6m. The share price slipped 6.12% to 23p. IES will use £30m to increase capacity ahead of the launch of the latest version of the Mistral flow battery.
KR1 (KR1) gained shareholder approval for the market acquisition of up to 14.99% of its shares. NAV was 132.05p/share at the end of March 2024, down from 134.6p/share one month earlier. There was £1.96m in income from digital assets during the month.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has sent a general meeting notice for 28 May to gain approval of the cancelation of the Aquis quotation. The company is selling its IP to a Canadian company.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has acquired Eight Vodka for £70,000 in shares at 0.5p each. Eight Vodka is distilled eight times in Ecuador.
Trading in Silverwood Brands (SLWD) was restored following the completion of a capital reduction. Phoenix Asset Management increased its stake from 0.94% to 29.9%. In the first quarter a rebranding of Balmonds has disrupted sales. The costs of acquiring Cosme Science hit profitability of Sonotas.
One Health Group (OHGR) says it did better than expected last year with annual revenues improving from £20.5m to £23m. Net cash was £4.7m at the end of March 2024. There was a 13% increase in NHS patient referrals for treatments. New five-year contracts have been secured with the two largest customers.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) says first quarter revenues were 62% ahead and the number of tenant contracts was 38% higher.
Investment company MaxRets Ventures (MAX) reported net assets of £19,000 at the end of October 2023, down from £497,000. There was no new investment during the year. A transformative acquisition is being sought.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) more than halved the interim cash outflow from operating activities to £234,000. Ther was £263,000 in the bank at the end of January 2024, but £612,000 has been raised since then. Testing of the prototype wind turbine and the electrolyser has gone well.
Substrate AI (SAI) generated revenues of $8.6m in 2023. There was $4.42m in the bank.
Hacienda Management has taken a 7.48% stake in Supernova Digital Assets (SOL). Pete Mills increased his stake in Oscillate (MUSH) from 3.02% to 4.03%. DXS International (DXSP) chairman Robert Sutcliffe bought 100,000 shares at 1.46p/share.
AIM
Trinity Exploration & Production (TRIN) has agreed a bid from fellow AIM-quoted Trinidad oil and gas company Touchstone Exploration (TXP), which is offering 1.5 shares for every Trinity share. The Trinity shareholders will own one-fifth of the enlarged company. The combined group will be in a stronger position to make investments in new production. The Touchstone Exploration share price is 4.85% lower at 39.25p, valuing each Trinity share at 58.875p – the share price is 50% higher at 54p.
Alpha Financial Markets Consulting (AFM) has confirmed that BridgePoint Advisers has made a bid approach and Cinven is considering making a bid. Revolution Bars Group (RBG) has received interest from Nightcap (NGHT), which is assessing the situation and options include a bid or acquisition of some sites or subsidiaries.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) moved from the standard list to AIM following the reverse takeover of 3radical on 3 May. It is the first in a planned series of acquisitions in the digital marketing sector, where regulatory and market changes, such as the blocking of third-party cookies, provide significant growth opportunities. 3radical was acquired for 61.2 million shares valued at £1.28m. A fundraising generated £1.32m at 2.1p/share and that valued the company at £4.7m. 3radical was set up by the founders of campaign management software provider Alterian at the end of 2011 The shares had been suspended at 2.1p and they fell to 1.8p when trading recommenced on AIM.
Multi-channel retailer TheWorks.co.uk (WRKS) moved from a premium listing to AIM. The board felt the company was too small for the cost and regulatory burden of the Main Market. One of the attractions of AIM is that the company will no longer be classified as a Public Interest Entity and it will be able to choose an auditor from a wider range of firms. Singer forecasts a slump in pre-tax profit from £10.1m to £1m in the year to April 2024.
Cornish Metals (CUSN) has published a preliminary economic assessment of the South Crofty tin project in Cornwall. There is an after-tax NPV8 of $201m at a tin price of $31,000 /tonne. Pre-production capital requirement is $177m, which is higher than previous estimates, and there should be 14-year mine life. Life of mine all in sustaining cost is estimated at $13,661/tonne. Planned first production is in 2027.
Horizonte Minerals (HZM) has enough cash until 17 May and senior lenders have agreed to extend waivers on loans, including deferring interest payments, until 15 May. These lenders have security over the company’s assets. Horizonte Minerals has guaranteed the debt of the subsidiary that owns the Araguaia project. Discussions with creditors and investors continue in an attempt to achieve some recovery value for creditors. That may include the disposal of the Araguaia project. None of the proposals are likely to recover value for shareholders.
Arrow Exploration (AXL) grew average production from 1.3mboe/day in 2022 to 2.2mboe/day in 2023 and revenues increased from $28.1m to $50.6m, which was slightly lower than forecast. There was cash of $13m at the end of 2023 and this fell to $12m at the end of March 2024. Production has reached 2.9mboe/day in March, while drilling activity will lead to further increases in the medium-term. Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2024 revenues forecast from $103.9m to $98.6m and net cash is expected to be $17m at the end of 2024.
Trading at property services provider Kinovo (KINO) is ahead of expectations with organic growth of 23% in the year to March 2024. Underlying pre-tax profit should be more than £6m, excluding costs related to the DCB contracts, which were guaranteed by Kinovo when it was sold, still to be completed.
Mark Halpin has stepped down as chief executive of managed IT services provider CloudCoCo (CLCO) and MXC Guernsey, which holds a 10.6% stake, has extended its loan notes to 31 August 2026 in return for a £550,000 fee. The amount outstanding on the loan notes is £5.85m. MXC can also appoint an executive director and Ian Smith becomes interim chief executive. The shares returned from suspension following the release of figures for the year to September 2023 showing revenues 7% ahead at £26m. The loss was flat at £2.6m. There was a cash inflow from operating activities. Net debt was £6.3m at the end of September 2023.
Brake discs developer Surface Transforms (SCE) raised £6.5m fundraising at 1p/share. There will be a one-for 1.76036319 open offer at the same price. That could raise £2m. The cash will finance the scale up of manufacturing. Factory capacity will be increased to £75m. This year’s revenues are forecast to be £17.5m.
Gift wrap and stationery supplier IG Design (IGR) did better than expected in the year to March 2024 with margins recovering and pre-tax profit improving from $9.2m to $25.9m, compared with a forecast of $20.5m, even though revenues fell. Net cash nearly doubled to $95m. It appears the recovery is gathering pace. Management believes that margins could return to previous levels this year and an operating margin of more than 6% in 2026-27, suggesting a pre-tax profit of around $50m.
IT distributor Northamber (NAR) is acquiring Tempura Technology and Tempura Communications, which distribute unified communications products, for £6.02m in cash and 181,818 shares. There is £2.64m of the cash consideration contingent on EBITDA in the years ending June 2025, 2026 and 2027. This is a profitable business that has been growing organically.
Heavy mineral sands project developer Kazera Global (KZG) says recent changes at the National Nuclear Regulator in South Africa mean that it will have to provide additional information on how it will meet financial obligations. This should be funded by cash flow. A response is expected shortly and that will allow heavy mineral sands production to start in Alexander Bay, South Africa.
Oil and gas producer Jadestone Energy (JSE) reported a $91.3m loss for 2023 due to asset impairments, lower oil prices and higher interest costs. Capital investment has increased net debt to $110.5m by the end of March 2024. Average production in the first quarter of 2024 was 17,200 boe/day, which was hit by the Australian cyclone season. Production guidance for 2024 is 20,000-22,000 boe/day.
MAIN MARKET
Castings (CGS) did better than expected in the year to March 2024 and Canaccord Genuity upgraded its pre-tax profit forecast from £27.1m to £28.2m. Margins improved in the second half. Net cash is £32m.
Cybersecurity firm Narf Industries (NARF) is accelerating work on capabilities uniquely effective in battling a new generation threat. Developed was funded through a $2.3m contract from DARPA.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 27 November 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Guanajuato Silver (GSVR) produced 787,086 ounces of silver equivalent and the loss fell by one-fifth to $7m when compared with the second quarter. The all-in sustaining cost increased to $26.22/ounce due to changes in mining and temporary closures.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) generated 78% IRR combined from two exits. There were £220,000 of realised gains in the nine months to September 2023. There is £430,000 of cash on the balance sheet. NAV is 112p/share.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has teamed up with Luxor Technology Corp to improve its bitcoin mining operating efficiency. Luxor’s firmware improves mining margins when profitability is low and can increase a machine’s hashrate when profitability is higher.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has secured an option to acquire 100% of the Crescent East lithium and gold project in the Mosquito Creek area of Western Australia. Shares were issued at 1.25p each to pay the £25,000 option fee.
Fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of drop-in fuel conditioner SulNOxEco in the shipping sector. Monaco-based dry-bulk ship management company Marfin Management trialled the additive onboard a 60,000 MT DWT bulk carrier over a three-month period. This showed improvements in fuel consumption.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says investee company Hastings Technology Metals has agreed a $50m equity funding facility for the Yangibana rare earths project. Hastings Technology Metals can draw down up to $50m from Alpha Investment Partners to provide working capital for the development of the mine. Project financing talks are progressing and there have been offers from potential partners and debt providers. Cadence Minerals has a 1.4% stake in the investee company.
Steve Xerri, who owns 4.81%, has been appointed as an executive director of Oscillate (MUSH) and he intends to focus on special situations either through individual investments or via a reverse takeover.
One Health Group (OHG) has gained two new contracts with NHS Trusts. One is to supply orthopaedic services and the other is for orthopaedic and gynaecology services. They will help to reduce waiting lists.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) says Sproutly Canada has completed due diligence on the acquisition of the company’s global cannabis-related assets in return for 49% of the enlarged share capital of Sproutly Canada. The effective valuation is likely to be around £4.2m. Regulatory approvals are required.
Kasei Holdings (KASH) has a digital asset portfolio worth $2.07m at the end of October 2023.
EDX Medical (EDX) has entered into a collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific. They will jointly develop and commercialise cancer diagnostics.
Looking Glass Labs (NFTX) has raised $1m at $0.10/unit – one share and one warrant exercisable at $0.10/share. A further ten million units have been swapped for $1m of debt. Further sources of finance are being sought.
Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) has appointed VSA Capital as corporate adviser, while Pharma C (PCIL) has appointed First Sentinel as its corporate adviser.
Res Privata NV has increased its stake in NFT Investments (NFT) from 3.33% to 4.09%.
AIM
Telecoms enterprise software provider Cerillion (LON:CER) grew strongly last year, while the rate of growth might slow this year it is still likely to make good progress given the recent €12.4m contract win. In the year to September 2023, revenues were one-fifth higher at £39.2m, while underlying pre-tax profit was two-fifths ahead at £16.8m, helped by a reduction in impairment charges from £1.77m to £256,000. The growth has come from software with a dip in services revenues. Net cash reached £24.7m at the end of September 2023. The dividend has been raised from 9.1p/share to 11.3p/share.
Light Science Technologies (LST) is acquiring the Injecta Fire Barrier trade and assets from Fire Barrier International. The Injectaclad product expands when heated and prevents the spread of fire and smoke. There is no initial payment with consideration in the form of a deferred profit share agreement. The deal should be earnings enhancing and generate cash. There are maintenance and installation synergies with the contract electronics subsidiary. The cash generated will help to finance the growth of the group.
Video games developer Team17 Group (TM17) says 2023 trading is slightly better than expected, although some titles are not performing as well as anticipated and that has hit margins. There has also been overspending and delays on some development projects. That means that underlying EBITDA will be around one-sixth lower than forecast at around £40m. Some titles are being reassessed and that is likely to lead to impairment charges of up to £11.5m.
Parity (PTY) announced the sale of its remaining business yesterday afternoon. It will become a cash shell. Parity will receive up to £3m depending on working capital adjustments for recruitment business Parity Professionals. The deal costs will be £240,000. There will be £639,000 including costs spent to settle the pension liability and finance the search for an alternative business. The company will change its name to Partway.
Velocys (VLS) is the worst performer on the day after the sustainable fuels company said that there is a potential bid at 0.25p/share from a consortium including Lightrock and Carbon Direct Capital Management. This would ensure long-term funding of the business. The low share price makes it difficult to finance the sustainable fuels operations. The share price dived 63.7% to 0.25p, which values Velocys at £4.5m. A large multiple of that value needs to be raised to fund development and production. Interim funding will be required.
musicMagpie (MMAG) is in bid talks with BT Group (BT.A) and asset manager Aurelius. The talks are at an early stage.
Cyber software and services provider Shearwater Group (SWG) appears set to return to profit this year. The core software businesses have been integrated, as have two of the three consultancy businesses. In the six months to September 2023, revenues dipped from £10.8m to £10.5m. That was due to much lower software revenues. Even so, gross profit improved and, stripping out amortisation and exceptionals, the underlying loss reduced £493,000 to £93,000. That is before restructuring costs. The cost savings will show through in the second half.
Telecoms testing instrumentation supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) has been hit by a reduction in spending by telecoms companies. In the six months to September 2023, revenues slumped from £12.7m to £7.8m and the company moved from a pre-tax profit of £3.1m to a loss of £600,000. Trading did not pick up in September as is normally the case. Non-telecoms revenues make up one-quarter of total revenues. The cost base is being kept steady in expectation of a recovery, even though that may not be until the next financial year. There is £13.5m in the bank.
There were no revenues from systems in the first half at SRT Marine Systems (SRT), but that will change in the second half when transceivers revenues will be well below the systems contribution as work on contracts reaches points where revenues can be invoiced and recognised. Interim revenues fell from £18.8m to £5.5m, although transceivers revenues were higher. Last year’s loss could be turned into a £7.2m profit this year.
Battery technology developer Ilika (IKA) has achieved its D4 development point for the Goliath battery. This is the start of turning the development into a battery product. Ilika will be able to create P1 samples for testing by customers. At the end of the week, Ilika confirmed that its interims will be in line with expectations with revenues of £1.3m and there is £13.2m in cash left.
Neometals (NMT) has completed the A$9m from a placing at 10p/share and wants to raise a further £6.8m from a one-for-eight entitlement offer. The cash will fund the development of the nickel, cobalt, lithium recycling business Primobius, including the delivery of a facility to Mercedes Benz, and potentially to purchase a stake in Canadian licensee Stelco.
Empire Metals (EEE) has released initial results for the first diamond drillhole at the Pitfield project in Western Australia. This shows significant grades of titanium oxide. There will be results from two more diamond drilling holes in the coming weeks. A further 6,000 metres of drilling is planned with more likely early next year. Copper is still potentially in the area as well.
Interim figures from diagnostics company Cambridge Nutritional Sciences (CNSL) showed the benefits of concentrating on its core personalised health and nutrition business. Revenues rose 44% to £4.9m and the loss was reduced. Production problems have been sorted out. There was strong growth in North America as management puts more resources into the region. A small full year loss is expected.
Lifestyle concierge services provider Ten Lifestyle (TENG) has moved into profit for the first time. It swung from a loss of £2.7m to a pre-tax profit of £3.2m thanks to economies of scale. There was also a tax credit recognised due to past tax losses. Investment in its digital platform and the international spread of business is helping Ten Lifestyle. New contract wins will help to increase this year’s pre-tax profit to £3.9m, according to Singer.
Gold explorer Oriole Resources (ORR) has announced heads of terms with contractor BCM International for the development of the Bibemi and Mbe gold projects in Ghana. BCM can earn up to 50% of the Bibemi project by making a cash payment of $500,000 and commit to spend $4m on the project. BCM will pay $1m in cash and spend a further $4m to earn a 50% stake in Mbe project.
Mercia Asset Management (MERC) has exited one of its older investments, raising £30.2m – a 2.7 times return on invested capital. Virtual reality games developer nDreams has been acquired by Aonic for £90.3m. This was Merica Asset Management’s largest investment and £3.8m of the proceeds are being reinvested in Aonic. The consideration was 17.5% ahead of the March 2023 valuation.
Duke Royalty (DUKE) generated a 17% increase in recurring cash revenues to £12.2m with a 35% increase in all cash revenues to £14.1m. During the period, Duke Royalty made one of its biggest initial investments in glass architectural products supplier Glasshouse Products. The $11.5m investment is backing a member of the original founding family buying back the business.
Maritime AI provider Windward (WNWD) has signed a five-year contract with a European national coastguard that is valued at €3.2m. The cash is expected to be paid upfront, while annual contract value will be increased by $700,000/year.
MAIN MARKET
Structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) reported lower interim revenues, but a higher profit. In the six months to September 2023, revenues were 8% lower at £215.3m, but underlying pre-tax profit improved 17% to £14.2m. This includes an unchanged contribution of £600,000 from the India joint venture, while the modular products business made a maiden profit. The interim dividend was raised 8% to 1.4p/share. The UK and Europe order book is worth £482m, even though the £50m contract for Hertfordshire-based film studio Sunset Studios has been delayed.
Standard list shell Tertre Rouge Assets (TRE) is attempting to raise up to £50m to buy rare cars and acquire cash generative businesses involved in supercar events. Around £30m is set to be invested in a range of cars that have already been identified. They are worth between £1m and £10m. The plan is to generate gains on these investments -15% annual returns are targeted – while hiring them out to photoshoots and other income generating activities to cover overheads. The Run To Group Ltd, which organises supercar adventures to the Monaco Grand Prix, will also be acquired and management will remain with the business. The group’s board of directors includes racing drivers and business men and they can expand this business and others. There will be cash left over to buy other companies.
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) says lower volumes and prices meant that revenues fell 2% in the nine months to September 2023. New customers are being attracted and this will help future volumes. Margins are increasing.
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) improved its NAV to 96.5p/share at the end of September 2023. That was helped by positive currency movements and a small uplift in valuations, predominantly due to a fundraising by an investee company.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 September 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) reported interims showing growth in all four divisions of the group and the Aquis Stock Exchange remains profitable. Group revenues improved from £7.85m to £9.34m, while pre-tax profit rose from £699,000 to £1.15m. Net cash is £13.9m.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) says trading improved in the second quarter and cost savings started to kick in. This partly offset the decline in revenues in the first quarter, but the interim revenues were still slightly lower at £30m. Operating costs and interest charges increased, and the loss trebled to £3.13m. Adnams is taking on new customers, but the average order size has reduced. Trading conditions are uncertain, but the new customer sand listings will help to boost the second half.
Africa-focused battery metals company Marula Mining (MARU) is considering moving to the standard list as an alternative to AIM. Management believes that this would not add any additional time to the process, and it believes that the proposed investment by Q Global Commodities will make Marula Mining large enough to be eligible for the standard list. It is also planning listings on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Warrants exercised at 4p/share raised £50,000. A shipment of 27.5 tonne high-grade material processed from stockpiles at the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine in South Africa has been delayed. The offtake agreement with Southern Jade Resources has been terminated and an alternative agreement is being finalised. Additional drilling at Blesberg is progressing and initial assay results should be published in late October.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has executed a binding letter of intent with Sproutly Canada Inc, who will acquire the assets of the cannabis-based drug discovery company. After completion of due diligence, the assets will be acquired in return for shares equivalent to 49% of Sproutly. The effective valuation is C$7m (£4.2m). Sproutly has to go through audits and other regulatory requirements to become active and trading on the Canadian Stock Exchange.
Fuel additives SulNOx Group (SNOX) says it requires new equity investment from existing and new investors in order to achieve faster and sustainable revenue growth. There would additional industry hires for the board and sales personnel. There will also be increases in stock levels and new products will be developed. The board is seeking shareholder authority to issue new shares. Mohanned Nawaz Haq does not agree with the new strategy and the board recommends voting against his appointment at the AGM on 26 September.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) improved interim turnover by 3% to £8.03m, but the company fell into loss because gross margins slumped. The nursery increased its contribution, but there were lower attendances at races. An event in July had the highest attendance for four years. Next year will get the full benefits of the media rights deal.
Broker and wealth management company Oberon Investments (OBE) has raised £2.5m via a placing at 3.6p/share and a retail offer could raise a further £500,000. The share price dipped 2.78% to 3.5p. The cash will fund expansion, including the recruitment of revenue generating teams. The Winterflood Retail Access Platform offer has a minimum subscription of £50. Investors can apply for shares via their broker or intermediary and the closing date is 4.30pm on 25 September.
Silverwood Brands (SLWD) has been given an extension of the time to deliver its defence to the legal action by Lush and VSA resigning as corporate adviser and being replaced by Peterhouse. Lush is refusing to recognise the transfer of a 20% stake to Silverwood Brands. VSA Capital (VSA) owns 0.88% of Silverwood Brands and says that the share price slump will hit its interim results to September 2023. It will make the loss larger than expected.
Property investor Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) increased net assets by 1% to £34.4m at the end of April 2023. Disposals meant that full year revenues fell 2.5% to £5.56m. There is £6.23m in cash available for investment. No final dividend is declared, partly due to the lack of distributable reserves.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) investee company Evergreen Lithium has completed the final analysis of its EXOSPHERE BY FLEET Ambient Noise Tomography geophysics survey at Bynoe. Nine pegmatite targets have been identified. Approvals are required for drilling.
Watchstone Group (WTG) had net assets of £7.6m at the end of June 2023, including cash of £8.3m. By 19 September, cash had fallen to £7.6m. The claim against PwC was dismissed by the High Court and Watchstone had to settle legal costs. Canadian legal action continues.
Helium Ventures (HEV) has raised £250,000 at 4p/share. There are plans to move to AIM rather than the standard list, while maintaining the Aquis quotation. It hopes to do this by the end of this year. The potential acquisition of tracking technology company Trackimo is progressing, and Mark Notton has been appointed as its chief executive.
MBH Corporation (M8H) has acquired caravan and motorhome retailers Lincoln Leisure Vehicles and Golden Castle Caravans for an initial £400,000 in cash and £2.58m in loan notes. There will also be share issues totalling £2.24m over the next two years. The companies made an operating profit of £660,000 last year. These businesses will be integrated with the existing caravan and motorhomes operations.
Pharma C investments (PCIL) says that the general meeting scheduled for 27 September will not go ahead because the requisition has been withdrawn. The proposals were to remove Gavin Hilary Sathianathan and appoint Paul Ryan and Noel Lyons to the board.
Medical device developer TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has appointed Victoria Sena and Samuel Ogunsalu to the board. The company is not appealing the disciplinary notice from the Aquis Stock Exchange and the new appointments will improve corporate governance.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) says that the SuperSeed II LP has sold Garvis, a SaaS company offering language model technology and AI-native demand forecasting. The original investment was in September last year. There was a triple digit IRR on the investment.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) subsidiary Miriad has been appointed as corporate communications agency to Imperial Diagnostix Laboratories, which plans to float next year. Imperial Diagnostix Laboratories provides point of care testing products and has been granted access to the NHS supply chain.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says drilling has started at the Red Setter project in Western Australia. Initial targets are at a shallow depth and the company is seeking broad spreads of mineralisation. Drilling at the Cottesloe prospect reinforces previous findings. Additional drilling will be 50% funded by the Western Australian government’s EIS scheme up to a total of A$220,000.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) says that Canadian company Elemental Energy has commenced operation of the company’s 8.4MWh Invinity VS3 vanadium flow battery. This is the largest operation so far.
Majestic Corporation (MCJ) reported flat revenues of $13m, while pre-tax profit dipped from $980,000 to $862,000. There was $680,000 generated from operating activities. The metals recycler has $1m in the bank. Rising interest rates have had a negative impact on commodity prices.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) directors and the managing partner of EPIC Investment Partners bought a total of 16,837 shares at 160p each.
Kasei Holdings (KASH) has switched its corporate adviser to VSA.
AIM
International retailer Mothercare (LON: MTC) reported a decline in full year revenues from £82.5m to £73.1m. A fall in admin expenses and interest costs, partly offset this decline, but underlying pre-tax profit still slumped from £8m to £3.4m before restructuring costs. The lack of contribution from Russia was a factor in the lower revenues – this is part of the Alshaya franchise area. Middle East demand remains subdued since Covid. Net debt rose from £9.9m to £12.4m. The loan facility is being renegotiated. The current interest rate is 19.2%. Since the year end, a reduction in pension contributions has been agreed. In the ten years to March 2033 the total contributions will be £34.9m, down from £73.7m in the previous ten years. The revaluation of the pension fund shows a deficit of £35m.
Finsbury Food (FIF) is recommending a 110p/share bid by a company backed by DBAY Advisors valuing the cake maker at £143.4m. There is a non-voting share alternative to the cash bid for eligible investors. The bid is less than ten times prospective earnings. The share price has not been at this level since early 2019.
Renewable electricity supplier Good Energy (GOOD) had a strong first half due to higher tariffs and lower supply costs, but the second half will be tougher. Interim revenues were 46% ahead at £156.1m and the company swung from a loss to a pre-tax profit of £13.1m. The energy services business is losing money as it is being built up. The interim dividend has been raised by one-third to 1p/share. Tariff reductions are happening ahead of falls in supply costs for the company and that will lead to a second half loss, but Good Energy will still be profitable for the full year.
Orcadian Energy (ORCA) announced that it has entered non-binding heads of agreement with a North Sea operator to farm out the Pilot project for a full carry until first oil. Orcadian Energy would retain a 18.75% working interest. The agreement includes the drilling of five subsea wells. Orcadian Energy will receive $100,000 when the agreement is completed, plus $100,000 if it is awarded an additional licence. Field development plan approval would trigger a payment of $3m.
Trading has deteriorated since August at replacement windows supplier Safestyle (SFE) and it is expected to lose £10m in 2023. Order levels are falling short of budget. Net debt could reach £6m at the end of 2023 – the credit facility is £7.5m. Management wants to strengthen the balance sheet.
Harvest Minerals (HMI) reported interims showing a near-doubled loss as demand for fertiliser fell and pricing was lower in the period. The second half sales are normally much greater than in the first half, but they continue to be disappointing. Low crop prices mean that farmers are not investing to boost production. Cash has declined and the company has moved into net debt of £1.4m, partly due to a jump in inventories.
Eqtec (EQT) announced that the Billingham waste-to-energy project is not going ahead. Potential customers have closed facilities and the project is behind schedule. So far, £4m has been invested. There is a possibility of getting some of this cash back. Eqtec is also taking legal action against its partner in the Deeside project, seeking repayment of £4m of loans. The focus is other European markets. Forecast 2023 revenues have been slashed by more than three-quarters.
Scancell (SCLP) reports that early data from the phase II SCOPE study of SCIB1 in combination with checkpoint inhibitors as a treatment for advanced melanoma are positive. Tumour reduction at 13 weeks is 31-94%. This is for a relatively small number of patients, but it does indicate that there is strong potential for the treatment. The second stage of the study has a strong probability of success. This data will be available in the first half of 2024. Potential partners are likely to be interested.
Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) raised £756,000 at 6.5p/share. This cash will be used to define identified pegmatite targets through a drilling campaign at the Atex lithium-tantalum project in Cote d’Ivoire. Firering Strategic Minerals holds 90% of the company that owns the Atex project. Firering Strategic Minerals also owns 75% of Bri Coltan, which owns the coltan rights for the Atex area. Coltan is composed of tantalum, niobium, iron and manganese. Nine target areas have been identified, including the six newer ones. The latest drilling is planned for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Alien Metals (UFO) says the latest drilling results from the 90% owned Hancock Iron Ore project in Western Australia indicate the potential for the project. There is high-grade mineralisation. The resource estimate will be upgraded.
Digital coupons and loyalty technology provider Eagle Eye (EYE) reported organic growth of 29% last year. International revenues grew strongly as new retailers were added to the service and when they sign up retailers tend to stay with the company. This year, pre-tax profit could improve from £4.3m to £6.2m. The cash pile reached £9.3m at the end of June 2023.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) is bucking the trend of the consumer sector, where many other companies selling to the public are performing poorly. That is down to the fact that Warpaint London is in the value end of the cosmetics market. It is also adding retailers and benefiting from the international spread of the business. UK interim revenues were 28% ahead, while group revenues were 46% higher.
Structural steel supplier Billington (BILN) significantly improved margins in the first half and it still has a strong order book despite the contraction of the construction sector. This reflects the broad spread of projects being supplied. Revenues were 30% higher at £60.1m and pre-tax profit jumped from £1.3m to £4.59m.
There is not going to be a bid for Kinovo (KINO), which was not going to recommend the 56p/share offer and there was no increase tabled.
MAIN MARKET
Motor dealer Pendragon (PDG) plans to sell its entire core business to North American automotive retailer Lithia Motors for £250m. This would turn Pendragon into a software business and there could be a £240m payout to shareholders, equivalent to 16.5p/share. Lithia Motors would also subscribe £30m for 279.4 million shares and will roll out Pendragon’s Pinewood dealer management software to its existing 50 UK sites. However, there has been a bid approach for the whole company from Sweden-based Hedin Mobile and US transportation company PAG International. The initial 28p/share offer was turned down, but a higher bid of 32p/share is being considered.
First Tin (1SN) still has cash of £7.9m and that is enough to fund the DFS for the Taronga tin project in Australia. The cost of the project could be reduced by using solar power and more efficient processing. The mineral resource estimate has been increased by more than 240% to 133 million tonnes. The Tellerhauser project in Germany hopes to gain a mine permit in the third quarter of 2024.
Shipbroker Braemar (BMS) has reaffirmed that it will make an underlying pre-tax profit of at least £20m for the delayed results for the year to February 2023. The investigation into transactions between 2006 and 2013 is nearing completion. There may be adjustments to previous accounts.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 August 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Equipmake Holdings (EQIP) has developed electric vehicle drivetrain technology that has won initial contracts. It raised £10m at 4.25p a share to invest in production facilities and finance working capital. The share price ended the first day at 5.875p (5.5p/6.25p). Snetterton-based Equipmake was founded in 1997 by former Lotus Formula 1 head of development Ian Foley and refocused on electric vehicle technology in 2007. Equipmake has a vertically integrated model. It designs and manufactures components for its electric drivetrain and integrates them into a system. Management is confident that being a systems integrator gives it a competitive advantage.
Bath-based Macaulay Capital (MCAP) was formed to acquire Macaulay Management Ltd. The strategy is to originate potential investments and generate fees from these businesses by advising them and helping to raise money, as well as investing alongside other investors. The focus is smaller companies in well-established markets. An initial investment has been made in a food manufacturer, which has also provided income for the company. Macaulay Capital raised £1.9m at 20p a share. Macaulay Capital has cash of £1.796m after the flotation. The shares ended the first day of trading at 21p (20p/22p). Managing director David Horner is also managing director of Chelverton Asset Management and a director and owner of 29.99% of AIM-quoted investment company CEPS (CEPS).
TECC Capital (TEC) is subscribing for £300,000 of convertible loan notes in EDX Medical Ltd, with a reverse takeover expected to eventually happen. This is subject to due diligence. EDX Medical was founded by Sir Chris Evans to develop digital diagnostics products and services. It owns a laboratory in Cambridge and offers testing and genomic sequencing research.
In the year to March 2022, Oberon Investments (OBE) increased its revenues by 75% to £6.7m. That includes an initial contribution from financial planning business Smythe House. The big increase in revenues came from corporate finance. The pre-tax loss was £581,000, after a £212,500 gain on investments. Funds under management increased by 80% to more than £1bn.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) has acquired three pubs in Essex. They are all freehold.
Capital For Colleagues (LON: CFCP) has moved from the Access segment to the Apex segment. Capital For Colleagues has increased its stake in TPS Investment Holdings to 27.6% through an additional cash investment of £500,000 through the purchase of existing shares from two executive directors.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) says that its Jamaican affiliate is acquiring up to 96% of Citiva Jamaica for cash and shares. Citivas has a cultivation, manufacturing and processing facility for medical grade cannabis. This will help to obtain final approval to distribute cannabis products from the Jamaican authorities. A director, Roderick McIllree, has loaned $150,000 to Apollon.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) has been appointed adviser to Metalinq Labs Inc and it has a token purchase agreement to acquire $200,000 of future Metalinq tokens, which should be issued in 2023. Metalinq is a next generation Layer 3 protocol solution enabling interoperability between metaverses. Existing Indorse token owners are eligible to receive Metalinq tokens. Coinsilium holds 5.35 million Indorse tokens.
Visum Technologies (VIS) has signed a framework services agreement with Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging and this enables the launch of Visum’s video technology system in the US. The financial year end has been changed to June.
Greencare Capital (GRE) is still seeking a suitable cannabis-related acquisition. There is still £679,000 in the bank.
AQRU (AQRU) lost £2.32m in the six months to April 2022 and still had net cash of £6.1m.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) generated revenues of $87,492 in the three months to June 2022. Options for financing continued growth are being considered.
Shares in Lekoil Ltd (LEK) returned from suspension after the publication of interim results. Thanks to finance income Lekoil reported a pre-tax profit of $836,000. Olapade Durotoye is leaving the board to take up a role at Savannah Energy.
Richard Battersby is stepping down from the BWA Group (LON: BWAP) due to ill-health. G and O Energy Investments has bought a 13.45% stake from St Georges Eco-Mining Corp.
Former boss Michael Williams has reduced his stake in British Honey Company (BHC) from 3.96% to 1.3%. He left the board in October. The 2021 results have yet to be published and trading in the shares is suspended.
Waste plastic to hydrogen business Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) started trading on the US OTCQB Venture Market on 26 July. Executive director Howard White bought 55,500 shares at 9p each, taking his stake to 3.89%.
Chris Akers has increased his stake in Oscillate (MUSH) from 12.45% to 13.11%. Paul McKillen has a 4.15% stake in Marula Mining (MARU).
AIM
Leisure and entertainment company Brighton Pier Group (PIER) beat expectations for the year to June 2022. Adjusted EBITDA was £10.8m, which is higher than the previously upgraded forecast of £10.4m. Net debt fell from £13.3m to £6.1m. Pre-tax profit is expected to more than quadruple to £6.4m, although it was boosted by government support measures such as a temporary cut in VAT and business rate relief. The ending of the support and cost inflation means that the equivalent 2022-23 pre-tax profit is expected to fall to £4.4m on flat revenues. However, Brighton Pier intends to change its year end to December. There will be 12-month figures followed by 78-week results to December 2022.
Lithium-ion battery cell technology developer AMTE Power (AMTE) has chosen the site for a new 0.5GWh battery production facility. The facility will be in Dundee and could open in the third quarter of 2025. At full capacity, the facility could generate annual revenues of more than £200m. Scottish Enterprise and other funding bodies could contribute up to £190m of the cost of the facility. The rest will come from debt and equity.
Secure payments technology provider PCI Pal (PCIP) beat expectations in the year to June 2022. Revenues were £11.9m, compared with the previous expectation of £11.5m. finnCap has reduced its loss forecast to £2.9m. Annualised recurring revenues are 43% higher at £11m. Monthly cash breakeven is possible this year. There is no news concerning the patent dispute with Sycurio (previously Semafone).
Mobile data computing services and technology provider Touchstar (TST) increased first half revenues by 7% to £3.1m, with two-fifths of these revenues recurring. The order book is 75% ahead at £1.1m. Full year earnings could be 5.5p a share and net cash is expected to be £2.4m – at least one-third of the current market capitalisation.
Printed circuit technology developer and supplier Trackwise Designs (TWD) says that there are further delays to its large electric vehicle contract. There will be compensation for delays causing shortfalls in the minimum supply levels in the agreement. The Stonehouse improved harness technology (IHT) facility will be fully up and running by the end of the year and there are additional contracts that could be won, although most would not reach significant volumes until 2024. Management is confident that it can secure hire purchase and other facilities to cover the additional finance required.
Recruitment company Empresaria Group (EMR) is reporting interims on 11 August. The interim trading statement indicates that the expected weakness in health care is being offset by other operations. Net fee income is 15% higher at £32.6m. Net debt fell from £14m to £11.8m over six months.
Stanley Gibbons (SGI) intends to cancel its AIM quotation. The largest shareholder Phoenix SG believes it is better to cancel the quotation considering the limited free float and additional costs. The 58% shareholder also says that it would reconsider its financial support if shareholders do not agree to the cancelation. Stanley Gibbons remains loss making. Graham Shircore is stepping down as chief executive in September and he will be replaced by Tom Pickford.
In-content advertising company Mirriad Advertising (MIRI) expects flat revenues in 2022 because of weak market conditions in China. The Chinese operations will be closed next year and that will save annualised costs of £1m. That is on top of the £2.5m of annualised savings expected for the rest of the business. Interim revenues have halved, although US revenues increased. There is £17.7m in the bank and cash should be higher than previously expected at the end of 2022.
MAIN MARKET
Finance and insight and control software provider Aptitude Software (APTD) grew annualised recurring revenues by 33% in the first half through a combination of organic and acquisitive growth. Revenues were 31% higher at £36.1m. Higher research and development spending is holding back short-term margins, but they should recover in the next couple of years. Operating profit declined from £5.1m to £4m. Net cash was £10.7m at the end of June 2022 and it should increase in the second half. The interim dividend is unchanged at 1.8p a share.
Gresham Technologies (GHT) generated 19% organic growth in revenues to £23m in the first half of 2022. Strong US dollar revenues offset the weaker pound. Net cash is £6.5m. New contract opportunities mean that management is confident that it can meet full year pre-tax profit expectations of £5.8m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 9 May 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
In 2021, Newbury Racecourse (NYR) is paying a special dividend of 89.6p a share. The £3m payment comes after the receipt of the final £10.7m from the sale of housing development land. Newbury Racecourse increased turnover by 75% to £14.8m as racing returned to the course. There is still potential for further recovery this year. Attendances increased from 12,000 to 105,000. The hotel reopened in January 2022. There was a swing from £2.17m loss to an underlying pre-tax profit of £333,000.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) is investing £406,000 in Aegiq Ltd, a photonics company using quantum technologies in the cybersecurity market. That gives it a 4.06% stake. Helium Special Situations has reduced its stake from 4.57% to 1.52%.
Goodbody Health Inc (GDBY) reported better than expected revenues for 2021. The CBD products and testing company made an underlying loss of £900,000 on revenues of £17.1m. Arden forecasts a £5.1m profit this year.
VSA Capital (VSA) has received a settlement of outstanding fees of £153,000 from client Anglo African Agriculture in the form of 3.82 million shares. This gives VSA a 15.3% stake plus warrants and convertible loan notes.
Gunsynd (GUN) has terminated the disposal of Oyster Oil and Gas to Sajawin.
Clarify Pharma (PSYC) had net cash of £1.3m at the end of April 2022. Investment opportunities in the psychedelics market are being assessed.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has acquired intellectual property and patents from Aion Therapeutic for £96,000 and 4.35 million shares. It will also pay a royalty fee of 4% on net revenues from products based on these patents. The patents cover potential cancer treatments.
ChallengerX (CXS) has appointed Olivia Edwards as chief executive and Nicholas Lyth as finance director.
Phase 1 assay results from the Monte Muambe project held by Altona Rare Earths (ANR) show significant levels of rare earths.
Coinsilium (COIN) has been appointed as adviser to Silta Finance and entered into an agreement to purchase $75,000 of future SILTA tokens. Silta is building a technology to connect decentralised finance to infrastructure project developers.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has sold its remaining stake in builder’s merchant Merkko Group for £378,000.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has received the first UK order for Shinju and Shinju 8-year old whisky.
S-Ventures (SVEN) chairman David Mitchell bought 57,959 shares at 32p each. Chris Akers has increased its stake in Quetzal Capital (QTZ) from 19.1% to 20.1%. John Mahtani reduced his stake from 5.71% to 3.83%.
AIM
Online retailer of building materials CMO Group (CMO) continues to grow on the back of a buoyant market as well as gaining market share. The online share of the sector remains relatively low. The second half growth was not as fast as in the first half. In 2021, revenues grew 46% to £76.3m. There is organic growth supplemented by acquisitions. CMO moved from loss to an underlying pre-tax profit of £1.4m. Net cash was £6m. Following the acquisition of JTM Plumbing Plumbingsuperstore.co.uk is being launched later this year. First quarter trading has continued to be strong with like-for-like growth of 3%.
Neonatal intensive care medical devices supplier Inspiration Healthcare (IHC) increased full year revenues from £37m to £41.1m. Acquisition contributions offset the one-off Covid ventilator revenues in the previous year. Pre-tax profit improved from £3.13m to £3.96m, although earnings fell 12% to 6.1p a share because of the additional shares issued for acquisitions. The company’s order book is strong.
In 2021, targeted digital advertising services provider Dianomi (DNM) revenues grew from £28.4m to £35.8m, even though Asia Pacific revenues fell from £1.72m to £1.18m due to the ASX website stopping having advertising content. Underlying pre-tax profit moved from £2m to £2.9m – share based payment charges and float costs led to a loss being reported – and it is expected to increase to £3.6m this year. The average spend of the top 100 advertisers increased 27% to £280,000 each. Net cash was £10.3m at the end of 2021.
In 2021, Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG) reported revenues 47% higher at £7.6m, mainly from ultrasound simulation products, while the cash outflow from operations was £2.3m. AI revenues remain modest, and it will take time for them to build up. Cenkos upgraded its 2022 revenues forecast from £9m to £10m, but the cash outflow will be similar.
Plastics and packaging supplier Coral Products (CRU) is using some of its cash pile to acquire Film & Foil Solutions, a supplier of flexible packaging film used for food, books, carpets and for cable tapes. The initial payment is £1.35m in cash, plus £750,000 in shares at 15.5p each. There is just over £900,000 that could be payable based on the settlement of a contract dispute and an insurance payment. The acquired business made an underlying profit of £541,000 in 2021.
Energy efficiency as a service provider eEnergy Group (EAAS) has been hit by contract delays. That means that 2021-22 EBITDA could be £3m and not £4.4m as previously expected. A new finance director is being appointed.
Green hydrogen production developer ATOME Energy (ATOM), which was spun out of President Energy (PPC) at the end of 2021, has secured a major 60MW power purchase agreement with ANDE, the national power supplier in Paraguay. Hydrogen production could commence in Paraguay in the first quarter of 2023.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) will report revenues around £15m lower than expected due to overstocking. This will knock £10m off operating profit. Price rises are offsetting the effect of inflation.
Castings (CGS) 2021-22 results will be slightly ahead of expectations. Demand for commercial vehicles remains strong, but there is still uncertainty about the ability produce heavy trucks.
Kendrick Resources (KEN) was formerly AIM-quoted BMR Group, which left AIM in August 2018 after problems with the progress of the Kabwe project in Zambia. Kendrick still has a 11% royalty interest in Kabwe. Kendrick Resources has acquired Northern X Finland and Northern X Scandinavian. In Finland, there is an exploration licence at the Koitelainen project and two licences at the Karhujupukka project. There are two projects in Sweden: the Airijoki project and the Central Sweden project. There is also an option over three projects in Norway.
Gresham Technologies (GHT) has secured a contract with an existing bank customer worth up to £6.3m over a period of five years. The company’s Clareti software will be used across the whole UK business of the bank.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 7 March 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Field Systems Designs Holdings (FSD) reported a sharply increased loss in the six months to November 2021. There were unpaid debts of £300,000 due to the financial failure of NMCN. The overall loss increased from £267,000 to £1.52m on revenues that fell from £5.75m to £2.64m. The pandemic hit trading and the AMP7 spending by water companies has yet to ramp up. This is required to be done by 2025. The order book is worth £7m.
A general meeting has been requisitioned at CBD products supplier Love Hemp (LIFE) by a shareholder owning more than 5% of the company and it will be held on 1 April. The requisitioner wants Andrew Male to be removed as chairman and the directors’ salaries slashed by 75%. They also want a strategic review of the company and a review of the financials, pus a halt to marketing spending.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) has made its first investment. It has invested £300,000 out of a £470,000 fundraising by Siloton, a company that uses quantum techniques and photonic integrated circuits in sub-surface optical scanning devices used in healthcare and testing. The initial use is to monitor age-related macular degeneration. Quantum Exponential holds a 12.8% stake.
Gunsynd (GUN) is changing its investing policy. The sports sector has been added to the resources, life sciences and alcoholic beverages sectors. The rest of the policy is unchanged. The shareholders will vote on this change at the AGM.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has signed a joint venture agreement with South Africa-based medical cannabis company Tri-Media Canna. Apollon will own 49% and receive a gross royalty on sales of its products in South Africa. There will also be opportunities for clinical trials for cancer treatments in South Africa. Tri-Media Canna is investing £150,000 in Apollon at 2.5p a share and will invest a further £150,000 in the future when the agreement is finalised.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) has received the final payment of £10.7m for the land sold to David Wilson Homes. The cash will be used to pay down borrowings.
In the year to August 2021, Wheelsure Holdings (WHLP) reported a reduction in revenues from £233,000 to £144,000. The loss increased from £203,000 to £224,000.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $7m in Zee Prime II as part of a $35m fundraising.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) has received a A$289,000 cash rebate from the Australian tax authorities. There will be a further claim for work in the second half of 2021.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised £256,500 from a placing.
Trading in Early Equity (EEQP) shares has been suspended.
AIM
Battery metals producer Neometals already had an ASX listing prior to joining AIM, which management hopes will raise the company’s profile in UK and Europe. This was an introduction, so no new money was raised, although the expenses were £1.53m. The introduction price was 70p and it has risen to 85.5p. Perth-based Neometals has 13 subsidiaries, two joint ventures and one associate business. There is a lithium-ion battery recycling joint venture with SMS Group called Primobius. This will use the company’s own lithium-ion battery recycling technology. There are also two potential opportunities in Finland and Sweden for vanadium recovery projects. Neometals has a 70% stake in Reed Advanced Materials, which has developed the ELi lithium process. This reduces the requirement for reagents and is at semi-pilot testing stage.
The core software products sold by GetBusy (GETB) continue to grow sales and have excellent retention rates. Newer products, such as Certified Vault and Workiro are still at the early stages of building their customer bases, but they provide cross-selling opportunities to existing clients. GetBusy continues to lose money even though revenues grew from £14.2m to £15.4m. Annual recurring revenues are £15.8m. Net cash was £2.67m at the end of 2021.
Cloud-based secure payment technology provider PCI-Pal (PCIP) continues to win business even though the patent infringement dispute with Semafone continues. Total annual contract value is £11.4m. The company remains loss making, although the loss is falling, but the cash raised last year means that this is not a concern. Offices have been opened in Canada ad Australia.
Following FCA approval, Fletcher King (FLK) has completed the placing £547,000 at 52.5p a share. Elliott Bernard has a 29.99% stake and David Gibbs and Matthew Wise have been appointed to the board on his behalf.
MAIN MARKET
BATM (BVC) grew strongly last year, and both the biomedical and network and cyber divisions have much further to go. The biomedical division benefited from continued demand for Covid-19 testing, but other diagnostic tests also increased sales. There are new products that will enhance that growth. BATM is starting to win contracts for its Edgility edge computing and network function visualisation product. Group revenues were $140m in 2021 and they could rise to $157.9m this year. Pre-tax profit was boosted by one-off gains in 2021. A 2022 pre-tax profit of $12.7m is forecast with a jump to $20.1m anticipated in 2023 when the significant investment made by BATM really starts to pay off.
Hamak Gold (HAMA) is a Liberia-focused gold explorer with two gold prospects. Liberia is apparently an underexplored and underdeveloped area in sub-Saharan Africa. There are already two significant gold projects in Liberia that are near to the company’s prospects. Hamak raised £955,000 at 10p a share. The £706,000 raised after expenses will finance the initial exploration.
More Acquisitions (TMOR) is a new cash shell that intends to make acquisitions in the energy transition sector. The placing raised £1.25m at 1p each. More Acquisitions has issued all shares at the same price and there was a cap on expenses. This means that the underlying NAV is 0.96p a share. The share price ended the first day at 1.15p (1p/1.3p). The cash could be supplemented by up to £3.8m if all the warrants in issue are exercised.
URA Holdings (URAH) has returned to the London market after more than three years but this time it is the standard list and not AIM. The cash shell has secured the acquisition of Malaika Developments, which has exploration interests in Zambia. URA issued 60 million shares to acquire the company and raised £1.05m at 2p a share. The share price opened at 2.5p and closed at the end of the week at 2.25p.
Alkemy Capital Investments (ALK) has been readmitted to the standard list after it set up a new subsidiary to potentially supply lithium hydroxide monohydrate to battery manufacturers. The new plant could be set up at Teesside in the freeport. The board is assessing the prospects for the project and a feasibility study should be delivered at the end of March. The shares were readmitted at 100p, but the bid/offer spread is 75p/125p.
In the year to September 2021, telecoms services provider Toople (TOOP) reported a reduction in revenues from £3.44m to £3.01m, although gross profit increased. That was still not enough to cover overheads. There was a £835,000 cash outflow from operating opportunities. There was £282,000 in cash, offset by debt of £1.69m. However, £380,000 was raised at 0.045p a share after the year end.
Pineapple Power Corporation (PNPL) is not going ahead with the proposed acquisition of cleantech investment company BVP Investments because they could not agree on the valuation.
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) says it has the support of 46.5% of shareholders but the requisitioner of the general meeting wants it to go ahead. The meeting is likely to be held on 6 April.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 17 January 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Failed bidder Ecotricity has requisitioned a general meeting at Good Energy (GOOD) in order to remove Will Whitehorn as a director and to stop the company selling generating assets without shareholder approval. The meeting will be held on 11 February. Ecotricity owns 25% of Good Energy. The sale of the generating assets is an important part of the company’s strategy. The cash would be used to reduce borrowings and invest in newer businesses, such as Zap-Map and other digital businesses.
Samarkand Group (SMK) has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with AIM-quoted Venture Life (VLG). The e-commerce technology platform will be the exclusive distributor of mouthwash Dentyl Dual Action and halitosis mouthwash Ultradex in China for an initial term of five years.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) has signed a letter of intent with RZZO, which is a regional municipal waste management company in Ostrow Wielkopolski in Poland. RZZO will provide a plot of land where a HUI waste plastic to hydrogen plant can be sited and also source the plastic waste. They will seek funding from the EU as well as Polish grants. The heat would be fed into a district heating system.
Eastinco Mining and Exploration (EM.P) has identified 11 new pegmatite zones at its HCK joint venture in Rwanda. These are potential tantalum-niobium bearing zones. The sampling should be completed in February.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has signed agreements with more than a dozen cannabis cultivators. They all have the appropriate licences. It has also set up the Apollon Kannabiz Cooperative to work with local Jamaican farmers. Rod McIllree has been appointed as a non-exec director. He owns 29.1% of Apollon.
Western Selection (WESP) cut its stake in Northbridge Industrial Services (NBI) from 9.65% to 6.21%, while Harwood Capital has raised its stake to 16.9% to 20.4%. Western Selection raised £1.7m from the disposal.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (ESO) had net assets of 510.95p a share at the end of 2021.
Sativa Wellness Group Inc is changing its name to Goodbody Health Inc (GBDY).
Dispersion Holdings has changed its name to AQRU (AQRU), which is aligned with the brand of its retail online platform for lending cryptocurrencies.
Rutherford Health (RUTH) will leave Aquis on 25 January.
AIM
Frontier IP (FIPP) says the increase in the value of tis stake in the Nasdaq-listed Exscientia will be an important component of the rise in NAV at the end of 2021. NAV was 69.8p a share at the end of June 2021. A small portion of the shareholding has been sold and further sales are likely. This cash can be ploughed back into Frontier IP and help with new investments.
Legal services provider Gateley (GTLY) reported organic growth of 23% in the six months to October 2021. That partly reflects the weak comparative figures as well as underlying growth. All four divisions grew revenues with only the property division having a small contribution from an acquisition. Utilisation levels improved from 79% to 84%. Underlying pre-tax profit increased from £7.5m to £8.5m. The interim dividend was one-fifth higher at 3p a share. Management is seeking acquisitions to add to organic growth. There is normally a second half weighting to the figures.
Strong trading at Metro Rod and Metro Plumb is the major factor behind the growth at Franchise Brands (FRAN) and the B2C franchise brands are recruiting more franchisees. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to increase from £4.8m to £6.4m. Net cash was £8.6m at the end of 2021.
Corporation Financeiere Europeenne acquired shares in CIP Merchant Capital (CIP) taking its stake to 31.8%. This has sparked a mandatory bid at 55p a share. This is a substantial discount to net assets of 87.6p a share. The plan is to save the costs of being a quoted company.
Cornerstone FS (CSFS) has come to an agreement with Robert Lee concerning the £100,000 convertible loan facility he had promised. Instead of being convertible at a fixed price of 61p a share the convertible could be converted at the average mid-market price of the shares for the five dealing days prior to the drawdown of the loan if this is lower. This will mean that it is much more dilutive unless there is a sharp rise in the share price. The international payments company says 2021 revenues should be £2.3m with more generated by direct sales.
Specialist IFA Frenkel Topping (FEN) is paying up to £10m for Cardinal Management, which provides patient support at hospitals following traumatic events. This provides access to potential clients at an early stage.
Heart disease risk assessment technology developer GENinCode (GENI) has filed a pre-submission for its Cardio inCode-SCORE test with the FDA in the US. This will provide information ahead of a future marketing application. The test combines genetic risk with clinical risk to assess an overall risk of heart problems for a patient.
Oil palm plantations operator Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) generated record figures in 2021. December crude palm oil production more than doubled and the total production for the year was 39,953 tonnes, up 17.5% on the previous year. Extraction rates are starting to improve. The average crude palm oil price was $868/tonne, which is 44% higher than in 2021. The crude palm oil price is currently more than $1,000/ tonne
Minds + Machines (MMX) decided to return the remaining cash to shareholders and cancel the AIM quotation. There will be 10.4p a share tender offer.
Vector Capital (VCAP) has increased its debt facilities by £5m to £35m. In 2021, the total loan book rose by 27% to £46.3m. This is ahead of expectations.
Capital equipment supplier Mpac Group (MPAC) says it traded in line with expectations in 2021. A pre-tax profit of £8.2m is forecast. The closing order book was £77m. The 2021 results will be published on 14 March.
Holders Technology (HDT) is paying a special dividend of 2p a share on 28 January in addition to a final dividend which will be announced with the 2021 figures. The interim dividend was 0.5p a share. This follows the disposal of some of the company’s PCB assets for around £1.7m.
Mosman Oil and Gas (MSMN) has dropped its plans for a 100-for-one share consolidation after negative feedback from shareholders.
MJ Hudson (MJH) has gained a multimillion contract to advise the ACCESS local government pension scheme over a seven-year period. This covers eleven local authority pension schemes. They have £35bn in pooled assets.
MAIN MARKET
Cash shell Electric Guitar (ELEG) joined the standard list on 11 January. It raised £1.2m at 3p a share and the share price has risen to 3.7p. The current NAV is 1.78p a share, which is effectively all cash. Electric Guitar is a shell seeking acquisitions in the digital advertising sector. There could be opportunities to consolidate smaller agencies. A suitable target will be run by management with a good record, be involved in growth areas, have good quality clients, an existing IT platform and be scalable. It should be near to cash generation. The company acquired would have an enterprise value of at least £5m.
East Star Resources (EST) has gained readmission to the standard list following the acquisition of Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan. A placing raised £3.1m at 5p a share.
Canadian Overseas Petroleum (COPL) has made a significant oil discovery in Wyoming. The discovery has between 1.5 billion and 1.9 billion barrels of oil in place.
PYX Resources Ltd (PYX) has begun sales of rutile from its Mandiri deposit in Indonesia with production of ilmenite and leucoxene starting later in the year.
One Heritage Group (OHG) is acquiring Seaton House in Stockport for £675,000. This is an office building, and the plan would be to convert it into up to 30 apartments. The gross development value is £5.6m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 10 January 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) has agreed an exclusive, non-transferrable licence for the distributed modular gasification technology developed by Powerhouse Energy, and this covers Poland, Greece and Hungary. There is also an initial agreement in Bulgaria. The technology turns waste plastic into syngas. Hydrogen Utopia has raised £3m at 7.5p a share, which values the company at £28.8m. The share price has risen to 13.75p. There has already been work done on developing a facility in Poland. The initial cost could be €10m and the facility in Poland could be on stream in 2023. Hydrogen Utopia is targeting places where EU funding or private sector cash is available to finance investment. Even so, the company will need to raise more cash, but not for 18 months.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) increased interim revenues from £2.19m to £2.72m and the loss was reduced from £1.56m to £951,000. Third quarter activity is improving and the acquisition of Aftech should be completed during January, although the effective date is 1 December, and this will help the second half, as well as enhancing earnings. Vulcan has raised £224,000 at 1.6p a share.
British Honey Company (BHC) says that 2021 sales will be at least £8.4m and there is a strong order book for the first quarter of 2022. Production and dispatch will be consolidated at the Market Harborough distillery and the Buckinghamshire office and distillery will be closed.
Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) has exchanged contracts on the acquisition of a property in Stafford that is let to Iceland Foods. The purchase price is £1.26m and the annual rent is £95,000. Ace Liberty has raised £11.85m from disposals. There were £200,000 of convertible loans converted into shares and there is £375,000 of convertible loans outstanding.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has renewed three medical cannabis licences approved by the Jamaican government.
EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) is stopping buying back its shares. It has bought 628,844 shares in the past month.
Trading in the bonds of Belvedere Leisure has been suspended because the annual report has not been published. The audit should be completed by the end of the month. Trading in Lombard Capital (LCAP) shares has also been suspended. Although the results for the year to June 2021 have been published Aquis has queried the audit report relating to the recoverability of loans. Lombard Capital has net liabilities of £1.57m.
AIM
Facilities by ADF (ADF) is the first AIM new admission of 2022. The company provides vehicles and services to the film and TV industry, predominantly in the UK but also in Europe. The £13m net raised at 50p a share that Facilities by ADF has raised will be invested in much needed additional capacity. The company is already nearly fully booked for this year. The company has a fleet of more than 500 vehicles and trailers. This includes artiste trailers, make-up units, generator units and transport vehicles. This could increase to 700 by the end of 2023. Unsurprisingly, revenues fell from £15.9m to £8m in 2020 because lockdowns affected TV and film production. There has been a sharp recovery in the first half of 2021 with revenues reaching £11.5m, which is nearly as much as in 2018.
Conroy Gold and Natural Resources (CGNR) has signed the joint venture agreement with Turkey-based Demir Export. This covers licences held along the 65km district scale gold trend in the Longford-Down Massif in Ireland. The plan is to develop an initial gold project and start mining. Phase 1 will involve Demir Export investing €5.5m to earn 25%, then another €4.5m to earn a further 15%. The final phase will involve the investment of additional funds by Demir Export so that the project will reach construction ready status. That will take the stake to 57.5%. Regulatory consent is still required.
Restaurants operator Tasty (TAST) says that second half trading was extremely encouraging, but December, normally the best month of the year, was disappointing because of Covid uncertainty. There are 50 restaurants trading with the other four due to reopen later this year. There are two or three restaurants that might be sold.
Nicholas Slater has increased his stake in upmarket kitchens supplier John Lewis of Hungerford (JLH) from 4.78% to 6.07%. John Llewellyn Lewis has reduced his stake from 22.15% to 19.57%, while non-exec Alan Charlton has bought 2.5 million shares at 1.2p a share, taking his stake to 8.73%.
MAIN MARKET
Slovenia-based Graft Polymer (GPL) is a developer of polymer modification and drug delivery systems. More than 50 products have been launched. In 2020, GraftBio was started to develop IP for biopharma applications. Revenues remain small but there are opportunities for them to grow significantly. The business should have strong operational gearing. A placing raised £5m at 21.5p a share. Graft Polymer intends to invest in capital equipment and further product development. A new production line will cost £2m and some of the other cash will go on lab upgrades and other investment. Management also wants to expand the distribution network and secure deals with more partners.
AdvancedAdvT (ADVT) has acquired 12 million shares in advertising agency M&C Saatchi (SAA) at 200p a share and the standard list shell approached the advertising agency with a bid proposition based on a share swap. AdvancedAdvT had £129.2m in the bank at the end of June 2021, so this investment is less than one-fifth of that cash. Vin Murria is a director of both companies, and she has a 13.2% stake in M&C Saatchi. The independent directors of M&C Saatchi say that they do not believe in the logic of a merger and also do not think the valuation put on the business is high enough.
Online retailer Made.com (MADE) says that the UK and Europe each achieved 38% growth over 2021. Average order values were 8% higher and active customers increased by 26%. The supply chain is a worry, but management says that lead times are three to four weeks. This follows the deferral of around £40m of sales to the first quarter of £40m. Made.com is still expected to lose money in 2021 before moving into profit in 2022.
Motor dealer Lookers (LOOK) has sparked another upgrade with its trading statement. Peel Hunt has increased its 2021 pre-tax profit forecast from £82.6m to £86.7m. Strong margins continued in the fourth quarter. However, those margins may not continue.
Macfarlane (MACF) has sold its labels business for £6.4m. This business generated a profit of £300,000 in 2020.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 20 December 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
The ecommerce technology and brands retailer Samarkand Group (SMK) reported lower interim revenues because of a one-off PPE contract in the previous period. There was a small underlying dip in revenues to £7.17m as the wholesaling business is being run down to a less important level of operations. The two core parts of the business grew revenues. The company’s brands generated £2.25m and the NOMAD ecommerce technology business generated just over £3m. Samarkand remains loss-making. Net cash was £8.8m at the end of September 2021, but Samarkand subsequently acquired Napiers the Herbalists for an initial consideration of £1.7m in cash. Revenues continue to grow at an accelerating rate. The current focus is organic growth through adding new clients.
Rural Broadband Solutions (RBBS) is acquiring Cadence Networks for £80,000 in cash and the issue of two million shares at a notional price of 7p each. Cadence is an internet service provider with revenues of £145,000. It has three data centres in London that Rural Broadband Solutions can use to build its national data network to replace third party providers. This will help to improve gross margins. There are 2,733 premises connected to the fixed wireless network of Rural Broadband Solutions. A placing is raising £1.675m at 3p a share. Directors are subscribing for 18.3 million shares. Investec Bank will advise on infrastructure funding.
VSA Capital (VSA) reported interim revenues of £1.16m and a loss of £235,000. This reflects the delay in the flotation of Tungsten West, which subsequently generated revenues of more than £1m.
Walls and Futures REIT (WAFR) has sold its residential property in Southfields for £662,500, which is a 2% premium to its valuation. This is the final private rental property in the portfolio.
Love Hemp Group (LIFE) generated revenues of £4.33m in the year to June 2021 and revenues from major retailers are increasing. Plans to move to the Main Market are progressing.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has completed its high-volume processing laboratory. Processing capacity has increased to 20 litres of medicinal cannabis oil a day.
BWA Group (BWAP) says that the independent expert review of the two 90%-owned mineral sands projects in Cameroon supports the potential for significant mineralisation. BWA intends to drill 2,500 metres at Nkoteng and 1,500 metres in Dehane in the first quarter of 2022. An initial mineral resource estimate is expected by next summer.
Igraine (KING) says 2%-owned investee company Excalibur Medicines has completed the ARCADIA phase II clinical trial to assess a potential treatment for diabetics with Covid-19. The trial shows that AZD1656 reduced mortality in patients in combination with other medication. There are no safety concerns
S-Ventures (SVEN) has raised £3m at 70p a share and it will spend the cash on growing its food and wellness businesses. Clean Invest Africa (CIA) has raised £102,000 at 0.5p a share. IamFire (IAF) has raised £4.75m at 3p a share. EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) has raised £20m from a zero dividend preference share offer. EPE has spent £1.1m and £175,000 buying back ordinary shares at 330p each and 350p each respectively.
Rutherford Health (RUTH) has arranged an £8m loan at an annual interest rate of 15%. Schroder UK Public Private Trust and other shareholders will provide the loan in two tranches of £4m. There is also a convertible loan of £2m from LF Equity Income Fund – the conversion price is 176p. This will provide the working capital needed and a longer-term financing will be arranged next year. The cash is required because the cash for the £12.35m placing with SDI Holding has not been received. The acquisition of Proton Partners International has also not been completed.
Western Selection (WESP) has reduced its stake in AIM-quoted Northbridge Industrial Services (NBI) from 11.35% to 9.65%. The sale, at 159.7p a share, raised £791,000. That is a gain on the balance sheet value of £216,000. Harwood Capital has increased its stake from 15.1% to 16.9%, including an unchanged 13.4% held by Gresham House Strategic (GHS).
New chief executive Andrew Carter has bought 66,079 shares in Chapel Down Group (CDGP) at 45.4p each. He owns 99,699 shares. Voyager Life (VOY) chief executive Nick Tulloch bought 537,776 shares at 18p each and chairman Eric Boyle acquired 519,112 shares at the same price. They own 14.3% and 9.1% respectively. Burns Singh-Tennent has bought one million shares in Oscillate (MUSH) at 2p each. He owns 5.22%.
AIM
NWF (NWF) had a successful first half even though feed volumes were disappointing and group figures will be much better than the previous year. Actions taken to retain drivers have helped the fuels and food distribution divisions. Fuels has done better than expected with a short-term boost from fuel shortages, which NWF did not suffer from, in the autumn. The food distribution business is benefiting from increased capacity. Net debt has fallen providing further scope for fuels acquisitions.
Totally (TLY) is acquiring Energy Fitness Professionals (Energy Fit-Pro), which provides workplace fitness services. The total cost will be up to £1.3m and Totally still has plenty of cash to finance further acquisitions. In the year to March 2021, Energy Fit-Pro made a pre-tax profit of £445,000 on revenues of £984,000. There will be cross-selling opportunities.
Digital transformation services provider Made Tech Group (MTEC) grew interim revenues by 131% to £11.7m thanks to the focus on the public sector. Hiring continues ahead of anticipated growth. Short-term gross margin was reduced due to the increased use of contractors.
Multi-utility connections and electric vehicle charging installer Fulcrum Utility Services Ltd (FCRM) is raising £19.5m at 12p a share and it could raise up to £6m more via an open offer. The placing and open offer price is below the underlying NAV of 15.4p a share, although more than 50% of that figure relates to intangible assets. The order book was £80.9m at the end of September 2021.The cash will be used to invest in the smart energy infrastructure sector as meter asset provider (MAP).
Acquisitions and tax adviser K3 Capital (K3C) expects to report a 30% increase in interim revenues to £30m through a combination of like-for-like growth and acquisitions. The diversification into additional services provides a stronger base for the group.
Hurricane Energy (HUR) could make a $54m write-off on its activities in the Greater Warwick area (GWA) of the North Sea because it does not want to fund the drilling obligations under the licence.
Tungsten Corporation (TUNG) founder Edmund Truell and his associates are backing a possible bid of 40p a share by Kofax Inc. California-based Kofax is an automated software provider that simplifies the handling of data. The board says that the bid significantly undervalues the digital invoicing business. Cloud-based automation technology provider Jaggaer LLC has decided not to make a rival bid but venture capital firms Accel-KKR, could still make an offer.
Deepmatter Group (DMTR) is seeking more cash, but it will take until early next year to secure additional investment for the digital chemistry data company. At the end of June 2021, Deepmatter had £1.8m in cash and that has fallen to £400,000. Deepmatter is loss-making.
Printed circuit technology developer Trackwise Designs (TWD) is raising £6m at 80p a share, which is a significant discount to the market price at the time of the announcement. An open offer could raise up to £1m. Capital equipment deliveries were delayed, although the EV contract will start next year.
Sovereign Metals Ltd (SVML) was listed on the ASX and obtained a secondary quotation on AIM. A scoping study for the Kasiya rutile project confirms that it is a significant deposit. The NPV8 after tax is $861m with a mine life of 25 years. The capital cost is estimated at $332m.
Youth-focused digital media company LBG Media (LBG) joined AIM in order to build a cash pile on the balance sheet so that organic and acquisitive growth can be achieved. It raised £30m at 175p each, leaving pro forma net cash of £27.1m. The share price ended the first day at 200p and the week at 193.45p.
DSW Capital (DSW) licences its brand to professionals involved in corporate finance and accounting services and provides them with back office support. Many individuals become licensees after working with major accountancy firms. Warrington-based DSW believes that the flotation will boost the profile of the business and enable it to grow geographically and broaden the services provided. DSW raised £5m at 100p a share and the price ended the week at 123.5p.
In the six months to October 2021, Begbies Traynor (BEG) revenues were 39% ahead at £52.3m. Underlying pre-tax profit jumped 60% to £8m thanks to an improvement in operating margin from 14.4% to 16%. Net cash was £1.2 million at the end of April 2021.
Public Policy Holding Company Inc (PPHC) provides public affairs, crisis management and lobbying services in the US. It has three subsidiaries in the top 20 US lobbying firms. A placing raised £11.1m at 135p a share. Although the company has reported losses, a change in bonus arrangements will make it profitable.
Problems at the CHESS naval systems subsidiary led to a slump in interim profit at defence firm Cohort (CHRT), but it still increased the interim dividend by 10% to 3.85p a share. The group order book remains strong and includes some large orders. A new managing director has been appointed at CHESS.
Jade Road Investments Ltd (JADE) says that the structure of restaurants group Fook Lam Moon has changed, and it may no longer own 71%. This could lead to a partial or full provision of the $29.1m valuation in the balance sheet.
MAIN MARKET
Anemoi International (AMOI) has completed the acquisition of id4 AG for £5.33m, with an initial payment in shares with 50% deferred and dependent on achieving targets over the next five years. The SaaS-based business provides anti-money laundering and know your client software products. A placing raised £2.175m at 4p a share.
Spinnaker Acquisitions (SPAQ) is planning to acquire leak detection technology developer HomeServe Labs, from fully listed HomeServe (HSV) for a mixture of cash and shares. The business trades under the name LeakBot and it helps insurers to reduce claims costs. Insurers can provide LeakBot to homeowners free of charge. The company would be renamed Ondo InsureTech.
Marine technology products developer OTAQ (OTAQ) is raising £1.38m at 22p a share. Interim revenues fell from £2m to £1.8m. Net debt was £800,000 at the end of September 2021. The regulatory review in Scotland has held back progress and it continues to do so. There are plans for new product launches.
Publisher National World (NWOR) says full year revenues will be around 85%, following the purchase of JPI Media, with growth in digital income and a slowing in the rate of decline of print revenues. There should be cash of £23m at the end of 2021.
Andrew Hore