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Quoted Micro 2 December 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Incanthera (INC) has been accused of potential patent infringement in the formulation of its Skin + Cell skincare range. Even though Incanthera believes that there is no merit to the accusation, but the launch of the Skin + Cell range of products has been delayed. There is cash in the bank following a £2.6m subscription at 15p/share.
WeCap (WCAP) has converted £7.75m of loan notes in WeShop Holdings in return for 3.21 million shares, which is 1.33 million shares at 300p each and 1.875 million shares at 200p each. This increases the shareholding to 16.2%, including shares owned by 235%-owned Community Social Investments. WeCap says that the value of the shareholding is £24.6m, based on the last fundraising share price of 476p. WeCao has extended the discounted capital bond issued to Hawk Holdings for 18 months. The total owed is £6.18m.
Electric vehicle technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) increased full year revenues by three-fifths to £8.1m. Bus repowering revenues grew fastest, but this is labour intensive at low volumes. The loss increased from £5m to £9.1m. The cash outflow from operations declined from £9m to £6.29m. Costs are being reduced. There was £2.5m in the bank at the end of May 2024. A potential licensing agreement could provide cash flow over the next two years.
Water sector installation works provider Field Systems Design Holdings (FSD) improved annual revenues from £13.8m to £17.8m, with a small contribution from power generation. This enabled pre-tax profit to increase from £287,000 to £490,000. There was £2.59m in the bank at the end of May 2024.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 57.79p/share at the end of October 2024, down from 62.15p/share at the end of the previous month. There was nearly £600,000 of income generated from digital assets during the month.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) reported a fall in the full year cash outflow from operating activities from £171,000 to £55,000. Net debt is £86,000 at the end of June 2024. The sae of assets has raised $150,000, as well as a R and D tax inflow of A$173,000.
Inqo Investments (INQO) reported full year revenues improving from R7.37m to R8.2m. There was a movement from loss to profit.
Essentially Group (ESSN) has terminated its retainer with broker Clear Capital Markets.
In the year to June 2024, there was a cash outflow from operating activities of £375,000 at BWA (BWAP). Further exploration drilling is underway at Dehane and sample analysis results should be available in the near future. Chairman Jonathan Wearing has subscribed for 40 million shares at 0.5p each.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has appointed Fuelonomics Hydrocarbons Innovations as distributor of SulNOxEco fuel conditioners in Nigeria.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has received the initial order of Bitcoin miners and they are up and running in Nebraska.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) chairman and chief executive Sir Henry Angest has bought 116,000 shares at 900p each. He owns 58% of the voting shares. Barry Hersh has reduced his stake in Global Connectivity (GCON) from 6.97% to 5.96%. Newbury Racecourse (NYR) chairman Dominic Burke has bought 7,500 shares at 540p each.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has appointed Tony Moore as chairman and Jack Sun as finance director. Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has hired Adam Howard as finance director. He was previously at the National Walth Fund.
AIM
Frasers Group has taken a 6.4% stake in electricals retailer Marks Electrical (MRK). Frasers has a record of taking stakes in other retailers and it also has shareholdings in AO World and Currys. Canaccord Genuity has reduced its stake from 5.24% to 2.4%. Founder Mark Smithson still owns 73.8%. Rockwood Strategic (RKW) has built up a 4.54% stake in Kooth (KOO). This follows Canaccrd Genuity cutting its stake from 8.97% to 3.38%. River Global Investors recently nearly doubled its stake to 10.1%.
Bars operator Loungers (LGRS) has agreed a 310p/share cash bid from Fortress Investment, which values it at £338.3m. Irrevocable acceptances are 40.2%. Singer does not believe that this fully values the business and thinks 375p/share is a fairer value. Interim pre-tax profit grew 51% to £5.95m, while net debt was £12.2m. Like-for-like growth in revenues has been 3.9% so far in the third quarter.
Rare books dealer Scholium (SCHO) intends to leave AIM and believes this will save at least £75,000/year. In the six months to September 2024, underlying pre-tax profit improved from £43,000 to £221,000 on revenues that improved 30% to £4.97m. A matched bargain facility will be provided by JP Jenkins. The AIM cancellation is likely to be on 6 January. NAV is 74.6p/share.
In the six months to September 2024, TPXimpact (TPX) revenues fell from £41.6m to £37.8m, but underlying pre-tax profit improved from £600,000 to £1.1m. Most of the benefits from £3m of annualised cost savings will come through in the second half and next year. Net debt is £7.9m. The forecast 2024-25 revenues are already more than 90% underpinned by the current order book. Pre-tax profit should improve from £1.8m to £5.5m.
Trading at sustainable wood materials supplier Accsys Technologies (AXS) improved in the first half and full year figures will be better than expected. Interim revenues were 1% higher at €72.2m and there is also an initial contribution from the US joint venture of €1.9m. Arnhem plant volumes grew 5%. Underlying EBITDA rose from €1.6m to €4m. There was an exceptional charge of €20.8m due to the winding up of the Hull plant and the share of the joint venture loss jumped from €1.2m to €6.1m. Net debt was €40.2m at the end of September 2024. Full year EBITDA of €10m is forecast.
Gift wrap supplier IG Design (IGR) reported an 11% decline in interim revenues to $393.1m with North America still a problem area. Elsewhere, revenues fell at a slower rate. Stationery and party-related sales both fell by more than one-fifth. Higher sourcing and freight costs hit gross margins and there was a knock-on effect on operating margins. Pre-tax profit was 62% lower at $13.3m. The second half is the most important part of the year and even though full year revenues are set to fall, pre-tax profit is still forecast to improve from $25.9m to $32.7m.
Helix Exploration (HEX) reports that the Amsden formation at the Clink#1 well in the Ingomar Dome in Montana has sub-economic grades of helium. Amsden was always thought to be a small proportion of the potential resource. The more important Flathead formation at the same well had 2.5% helium. The company believes that there could be helium below the Amsden formation and there will be appraisal testing of the Charles formation.
Strix (KETL) says that the kettle controls market has weakened, particularly in higher margin markets in the UK and Germany. The positive signs in the first half did not continue. This is due to poor consumer confidence, while there are also cost pressures. Zeus has reduced its 2024 pre-tax profit forecast from £23.6m to £17.5m.
Nativo Resources (NTVO) owns 50% of Boku Resources, which owns the Tesoro gold mine. Boku has entered an agreement to sell vein material from the Bonanza mine to a local processing plant. It will receive the spot price minus 20-30%. Production is about to be built up and the cash from the deal will help to finance this.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) is placing its main subsidiary 3radical into administration after it failed to raise additional cash. The fall in the share price and apparent lack of liquidity before trading was suspended meant that the digital media business could not gain funding.
i-nexus Global (INX) intends to leave AIM. The cloud-based software provider says poor share price performance and liquidity has led to the proposal. There should be direct cost savings of £250,000. The business has been consistently loss making. There is a three-year growth plan. i-nexus Global raised £10m at 79p/share when it joined AIM in June 2018. The cancellation will happen on 27 December if shareholders agree.
Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) announced a maiden JORC compliant mineral resource estimate for the quicklime project in Zambia. This shows a near-doubling of the resource tonnes compared with the 2017 estimate. There is 145.2Mt at 95.7% CaCO3, including 11.8Mt in the measured category. This could provide more than 50 years of production. There is growing demand from copper and industrial clients.
Ultrasound simulators developer Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG) has court approval for the capital reorganisation that will allow distribution of cash generated by the AI technology sale. There is £39.6m in the bank. Ultrasound revenues have fallen from £8.4m to £7.4m in the period to 22 November. The rate of decline has slowed in the second half.
Mercia Asset Management (MERC) has unchanged NAV of 43.4p/share at the end of September 2024. Income more than covered costs before any investment valuation movements. The interim dividend is 0.37p/share, up 6%, and there is £46m in cash on the balance sheet. The strategy is to grow assets under management to £3bn, from the current level of £1.8bn.
In the six months to September 2024, Cloud-based services provider Iomart (LSE: IOM) reported flat revenues of £62m, with a like-for-like decline when acquisitions are excluded, and a slump in pre-tax profit from £7.6m to £4.3m. The dividend has been reduced from 1.94p/share to 1.3p/share due to the lower earnings. The £57m purchase of Atech broadens the range of services provided and deepens the relationship with Microsoft. Atech provides fully managed and security services for mid-market business and enterprise customers. Net debt was £29.8m, but it is expected to rise to £79m in March 2025 following the payment for Atech.
In the six months to September 2024, thermal insulation and acoustic material manufacturer Autins Group (AUTG) was hit by a 17% drop in revenues, but gross margins improved. Underlying EBITDA fell 46% to £400,000. Net debt is £1.18m but there are more than £3m of available borrowing facilities.
Building services provider Northern Bear (NTBR) interims show a small improvement in revenues from £36.9m to £37.6m, but higher overheads meant that pre-tax profit dipped from £1.68m to £1.54m, although this was slightly better than expected. There was an operational cash inflow of £2.2m. Net debt is £1.4m. Hybridan forecasts a dip in full year pre-tax profit from £2.14m to £1.84m, although there is potential for an upgrade.
Cyber security services provider Shearwater (SWG) improved interim revenues by 8% to £11.3m and it is on course to be profitable for the full year. There has been an increase in demand for on-premises cyber security, which Shearwater can provide. Net cash should be £6.8m at the end of March 2025.
Quadrise (QED) has signed two long-awaited agreements. The deal with shipping company MSC and Cargill involves production of bioMSAR and MSAR fuels in Antwerp and will enable vessel trials on board the MSC Leandra. Cargill will supply feedstocks and sell the fuels to MSC. The trial should start in the first quarter of 2025. There is also an agreement with fuel supplier Auramarine to develop decarbonisation products in the marine sector. They will enable companies to comply with new environmental regulations.
Oracle Power (ORCP) has received the final batch of assay results for the drilling at the Northern Zone intrusive hosted gold project. These show high grades over an expanded area. A mineralisation report is expected by the end of November and then a mining lease application will be submitted. Cantor Fitzgerald has reduced its stake, and Mahfuz Chowdhury has taken a 3.72% shareholding.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) says revenues in the 10 months to October 2024 are 4% lower. This represents a steady performance in current markets with new business being won. Net dent is £4.7m. National Insurance and other budget measures will cost £1.5m/year.
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) reported a decline in NAV from 96.2p/share to 93.96p/share over the first quarter to September 2024. A foreign exchange loss offset gains. The S/£ exchange rate has strengthened, and the value of the portfolio has increased by more than the first quarter loss. Shares in NASDAQ-listed AST SpaceMobile more than doubled in value during the period. There was £24.9m in the bank.
Cardiff Property (CDFF) grew NAV from 2844p/share to 2931p/share. The dividend was raised from 22p/share to 23.5p/share. Net cash was £2m at the end of September 2024.
Motor dealer Caffyns (CFYN) improved interim underlying pre-tax profit from £259,000 to £452,000. The interim dividend is maintained at 5p/share. Net debt is £11.5m. There is £38.4m of property in the balance sheet at book value and there is unrecognised surplus of more than £10m on top of that. Caffyns is selling a property in Lewes for an amount that exceeds one-quarter of the company’s market capitalisation of £12.3m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 4 September 2023
Valereum (VLRM) says the takeover of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange will go ahead in September. In the middle of September, a US fund is due to provide funding of £5m-£8m in two tranches. Trading in the shares has been suspended ahead of the publication of an admission document, which is likely to be in early October.
Fibre optic cables materials supplier Unigel Group (UNX) reported a dip in interim revenues from £18.8m to £18m, even so pre-tax profit jumped from £442,000 to £852,000 due to lower overheads. There was a £244,000 cash inflow from operating activities. The market declined by 3% during the period because of a slowdown in 5G investment.
Marula Mining (MARU) has acquired ore sorters to expand processing capacity at the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine. Two ore sorters will cost £1.74m in total. The target production is up to 50 tonnes/day of lithium spodumene product from existing stockpiles. An agreement has been signed for an initial sale of 27.5 tonnes of high-grade material from Blesberg. The sale price is $3/000/tonne, based on a minimum grade of 6%. The company is negotiating to cancel a previous offtake agreement with Southern Jade Resources.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) has warned that the Sonora lithium project licences, where it owns 30% of the entity that owns them, could be cancelled by the Mexican government because of minimum investment obligations between 2017 and 2021. Evidence of the spending may not have been submitted when required. This is subject to appeal. WH Ireland has already put a cautious value on the asset because of this uncertainty.
Psychedelic substances investment company Clarify Pharma (PSYC) had net assets of £1.1m at the end of May 2023. Cash had fallen to £183,000 at the end of August.
AQRU (AQRU) continues to reduce the number of employees and streamlined its investment pipeline. The main digital asset businesses have been injected into Langland Software Solutions in return for a 30% stake. Three directors are leaving the board, including Phil Blows who controls Langland. AQRU retains individual stakes, plus cash and crypto tokens.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 48.13p/share at the end of July 2023. There was income of £572,000 generated during the month.
Shareholders of Oscillate (MUSH) voted against voluntary liquidation. Net assets were £2.95m at the end of May 2023, including £1.17m in cash.
PanGenomic Health Inc (NARA) had net liabilities of $1.45m at the end of June 2023.
Clean Invest Africa (CIA) has received £200,000 from the convertible loan note issue. This will provide additional working capital. Pascal Portmann has become a non-exec director.
Black Sea Property (BSP) has raised €7.56m through a loan note issue.
Andrew Offit has taken a 4.8% stake in NFT Investments (NFT).
AIM
Pharma IT systems supplier Instem (INS) is recommending an 833p/share cash bid by Ichor Management, which is controlled by funds managed by Archimed SAS. The bid is still below the share price peak of 905p in September 2021. Instem is valued at £203m. The board believes that private ownership will provide greater access to capital to fund acquisitions and growth.
SailPoint Technologies UK is bidding 2.35p/share for Osirium Technologies (OSI), which may be nearly double the previous market price, which was an all-time low, but it is well below the share price peak of 201p during the 4 May 2016, less than one month after it joined AIM. The bid values the cyber security company at £3.11m. SailPoint Technologies believes that the business will fit well with the SailPoint Identity Security Platform. A unified platform will be developed for securing privileged and non-privileged identities for customers and there will be enhanced regional opportunities.
Frasers Group (FRAS) continues to build up its stake in online fashion retailer boohoo (BOO) from 9.1 to 10.4%. Frasers has also edged up its interest in ASOS (ASC) from 19.3% to 19.8%, although 9.2% is held through financial instruments.
Sustainable wood products supplier Accsys Technologies (AXS) made a strong start to the financial year, but it warns that demand from the construction market is declining. Sales volumes for the year to March 2024 will be worse than expected and profit will be much lower than anticipated. Operating costs are being reduced.
Revolution Beauty (REVB) has appointed Lauren Brinley as chief executive. The beauty and cosmetics products supplier also published its 2022-23 accounts. Lauren Brindley was until recently head of American retailer Walgreen’s beauty and personal care operations across its stores and online. Prior to that she worked at Boots and Tesco. Revolution Beauty has new distribution agreements with Walgreens and Boots. In the year to February 2023, revenues edged up 2% to £187.8m, while the loss reduced from £45.9m to £33.9m. That masks improved trading in the second half. First quarter sales were 60% higher, but there was destocking in the corresponding period last year. EBITDA was £3.5m in the period. Net debt increased to £21.5m.
Rosslyn Data Technologies (RDT) raised £2.7m from a placing and subscription at 0.5p/share and a retail offer to existing shareholders could raise up to £500,000 more. On top of the share issue, there is a proposed issue of 10% convertible loan notes to raise £600,000 from Hargrave Hale AIM VCT, Octopus AIM VCT and Octopus AIM VCT2. The conversion price is the lower of 0.5p or the issue price of another fundraise. There are also plans for a 50-for-one share consolidation. There will be a resolution at the general meeting on 18 September to gain shareholder approval.
Summary results for the phase II dose ranging study assessing Orenetide for hypoactive sexual desire disorder were disappointing and that has hit the Ovoca Bio (OVB) share price, which slumped 78.7% to an all-time low of 2.4p. The results of the study in Australia and New Zealand show that the treatment was not statistically significantly better than placebo. The ckinompany will have to decide how to move forward with the product and whether it should continue development. Ovoca Bio had €2.6m in the bank at the end of July.
Kinovo (KINO) says that it would not recommend a 56p/share bid from Rx3.
Linear Generator technology developer Libertine Holdings (LIB) says fees expected from Hyliion may not be recognised this year. This means that the loss would be higher than the £2.6m forecast. The first phase of development is complete and Hyliion has a six-month option period to negotiate IP rights. Work on the MAHLE powertrain was completed later than scheduled. There is £1.2m in the bank, which should last until May.
Application specific integrated circuits designer Sondrel Holdings (SND) has been hit by contract delays. Three major customers have delayed development for 6-12 months because of economic uncertainty and concerns about consumer confidence. Interim revenues will be 17% higher at £9.3m, but the full year forecast has been cut from £28.4m to £13m. Sondrel is likely to move into a net debt position by the end of 2023, but this should be temporary.
EnSilica (ENSI) has secured a $2.4m contract with an existing European customer for the development of an advanced networking ASIC. Most of this revenue will be recognised in the year to May 2024, which underpins forecasts. It has also won a €2.5m contract for its satellite broadband chip.
Pelatro (PTRO) will ask shareholders to vote to cancel the AIM quotation because of the cost and the inability to raise cash. The general meeting will be held on 21 September. Finance director Nic Hellyer is leaving the board. A matched bargain facility will be put in place.
Star Energy (STAR) is moving into geothermal project development in Croatia. This is part of the company’s move to refocus from gas to geothermal energy. A 51% interest in A14 Energy is being acquired for €1.3m in cash plus €300,000 back costs. A14 owns the Ernestinovo licence in the Pannonian Basin in Croatia. Bids have been placed for further licences. Up to €1.5m more is payable if the licences are granted.
MAIN MARKET
Networking and biomedical technology company BATM (BVC) grew interim revenues by 5% to $60.2m and gross margin improved. Pre-tax profit improved from $1m to $2.3m. Cash declined to $41.9m at the end of June 2023.
RegTech Open Project (RTOP) was the biggest riser in the Main Market last week. The share price rose 55.4% to 172.5p, having joined the market on 25 August at 100p. This values the business and operational resilience software company at £103.5m. The underlying business generated revenues of £1.1m in 2022, down from £1.31m in 2021, due to a fall in operational resilience fees. The operating loss increased from £930,000 to £2m. RegTech Italy, which is part of a group that owns 65% of RegTech Open Project, is providing a shareholder facility of up to £8m with an initial cash drawdown of £2m that will help to pay the expenses of the listing. The company estimates total directors’ remuneration of £505,000 over the next 12 months.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 7 November 2022
Cooks Coffee Company Ltd (COOK), which was already quoted on the New Zealand Stock Exchange, joined Access segment of Aquis on 2 November at 20p a share. The share price rose to 21.5p (20p/23p) by the end of the week. There were no trades during the week. The company owns the Esquires Coffee and Triple Two Coffee brands. It has 111 outlets around the world, including 70 in the UK, making it the largest franchise café chain in the UK. Elena Garside has been appointed as a non-executive director.
Brewer Daniel Thwaites (THW) more than doubled interim pre-tax profit from £7.5m to £15.7m, although most of the improvement came from a gain on interest rate swaps of £7.6m, up from £500,000, due to higher interest rates. Turnover was 21% ahead at £57.9m, although trading was disrupted in the corresponding period. Net debt was £61.1m at the end of September 2022. The performance of pubs is mixed, and beer volumes are not back to past levels. Higher hotels revenues were more than offset by increased costs.
Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) investee company Universal Quantum says its German subsidiary has been commissioned by the German Aerospace Centre to build a fully scalable trapped-ion quantum computer. This follows projects supported by the UK government. Non-exec director Nigel McNair Scott has acquired 500,000 shares at 2p each, 1.5 million shares at 1.966p each and 500,000 shares at 1.95p each.
Valereum (VLRM) has gained regulatory approval for the acquisition of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange and the deal should be completed in the first quarter of 2023. Smaller companies in the Middle East, India and Africa. The plan is to attract An NFT strategy will be launched next year. Simon Brickles is chairman of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange, and he will join the Valereum board. There has been the conversion of £130,000 of the funding facility into shares. There is an outstanding balance of $2.35m.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) wants to raise up to £10m from a placing at 0.02p a share. The shares will come with warrants exercisable at 0.05p. The cash will be used for fintech acquisitions. Supplying financial services to smaller companies is an area that management believes is underserved. Wealth management technology is another potential area. Acquiring a digital bank could provide a base to grow into these areas. A broker option will enable existing shareholders to buy shares, and this is open until 21 November. Bondholders will be given the chance to convert into shares.
Quetzal Capital (QTZ) has a conditional agreement to acquire the shares it does not own in TAP Global for 450 million shares. The deal requires a fundraising to finance the enlarged group. This has led to the suspension of trading in Quetzal Capital shares.
Wind and water-based green hydrogen production systems developer Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has commenced prototype testing of the wind element of the system. The wind turbines are designed to be more efficient, and the tests will show whether they achieve expected power output.
VVV Resources Ltd (VVV) has raised £241,000 at 20p a share and every four shares come with a warrant exercisable at 50p a share. The share price slumped 55% to 22.5p because of the placing’s large discount to the market price. VVV Resources has a conditional agreement to acquire 100% of the Mitterberg copper project in Austria and 49% of the Shangri La polymetallic project in Western Australia.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says the Amapa ore reserve estimate supports a 15-year mine life and Cadence has increased its stake in Amapa to 30% by converting loans and capitalising management and admin contributions. Investee company Evergreen Lithium is moving towards an ASX listing.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) sold 660 cases of whisky generating $87,000. Sales have slowed in the US ahead of a move to a larger distributor. Rogue Baron is selling its De Rhum Spot bar.
Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP) generated revenues of £55,000 in the six months to July 2022. There was a £694,000 cash outflow during the period, leaving cash of £635,000. Overheads have been reduced.
Dynasty Gaming & Media, which is an investee company of AIM-quoted Blue Star Capital (BLU) will deliver new games developed by Pioneer Media Inc (PNER), to Asian telecoms company Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, which has 100 million subscribers in Indonesia.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has been approached with an equity financing package. More cash is required for working capital.
There has been more buying of property investor Ace Liberty & Stone (ALSP) shares by chief executive Ismail Ghandour. He acquired 20,000 shares at an average price of 0.595p each. Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) director Richard Oldfield is continuing to buy shares. He acquired at total of 9,500 shares at 680p each. Coinsilium (COIN) chief executive Eddy Travia bought 250,000 shares at 1.9p each.
MiLOC (ML.P) is changing its name to Crushmetric Group.
AIM
Accsys Technologies (AXS) will report a significant impairment charge relating to the restructuring of the Tricoya consortium. Accsys Technologies intends to take 100% ownership of the Hull Tricoya plant, and construcgtion is going to be put on hold for six months. That will reduce the cash outflow. The restructure means that the consortium partners will receive 11.9 million Accsys Technologies shares. The debt facility will be restructured with the principal reduced from €15m to €6m. The plant may cost €35m to complete. A decision on construction will depend on the assessment of the longer-term outlook for costs. The fourth reactor at the Netherland Accoya plant will increase cash generation.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) says the Korean Food and Drug Administration has agreed to a single pharmacokinetic study for a new drug application for iron deficiency product Accrufer. This should start before the end of the year. Korea Pharma will conduct the survey and regulatory approval could be gained before the end of 2023.
Science Group (SAG) is buying the shares it does not own in TP Group (TPG) for 2.25p a share in cash. That values TP Group at £17.5m. Science Group already owns 28% of the company.
Oil and gas producer Hurricane Energy (HUR) has received an indicative bid of 7.7p a share but does not recommend this offer. Instead, a formal sale process has started because 28.9% shareholder Crystal Amber Fund Ltd (CRS) is keen to sell its stake. Hurricane Energy is generating cash and has more than $370m of tax losses. If there is no bid a 3.1p a share distribution is planned.
Rising costs have meant that paper manufacturer James Cropper (CRPR) with energy costs having a significant effect on paper making. The technical fibres business is not growing as fast as anticipated. Price rises are offsetting some of the cost increases. The full year pre-tax profit estimate has been cut from £5.4m to £2m, after breaking even in the first half to 24 September 2022.
Empire Metals (EEE) says the mapping of the Pitfield copper project show extensive copper, silver and other base metals anomalies over a 40km strike length. Exploration field work will start by the first quarter of 2023.
MAIN MARKET
Bowen Fintech (BWN) is a standard list shell that is seeking fintech acquisitions, such as digital payments and trading platforms, anywhere in the world. The initial focus is Europe, Asia and the US. A business that is already generating revenues with potential for growth would be ideal for Bowen Fintech. A placing raised £2m at 4p a share. There were no trades on the first day and then two on the following day. There were two more deals on Friday. The share price ended the week at 6.25p (5p/7.5p). That is nearly double the pro forma NAV of 3.2p a share.
Vox Capital has reversed into standard list shell Vertu Capital Ltd to form Vox Valor Capital Ltd (VOX) and trading recommenced on 31 October. Vertu Capital issued 2.2 million shares at 1.2p each to acquire London-based digital marketing and technology business Vox Capital, which equates to 93.9% of the enlarged share capital. However, the share price opened well below the issue price and has fallen to 0.6p (0.5p/0.7p).
National World (NWOR) is considering a bid for Daily Mirror owner Reach (LON: RCH), although it has not made an approach.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 29 November 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Energy (GOOD) is selling its 47.5MW of renewable generation capacity and then reinvest the cash. The portfolio is valued at £56.8m, with £39.1m of related debt, and could be sold in the first quarter of 2022. Good Energy is investing in the latest funding round for Zap Map and the disposal cash may be received at around the same time. The company is investing in its decentralised energy services platform, and this will be rolled out next year. There will be further investments in these areas. Competition has fallen away in the domestic energy supply market and management believes that more normal conditions could return next spring. There will be £2.5m of additional costs to cope with the knock-on effect of higher prices and the exit of rivals. There is still a possibility of achieving full year expectations.
Oberon Investments (OBE) nearly trebled revenues in the first half with the growth coming from the broking business. In the six months to September 2021, revenues improved from £1.2m to £3.4m, while funds under management were £765m at the end of the period. Investment management fees doubled, but corporate finance income jumped from £89,000 to £1.56m. Oberon moved from a loss of £514,000 to a pre-tax profit of £128,000. New product launches should enhance growth in funds under management, while the broking side remains busy.
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) investor NFT Investments (NFT) is investing $250,000 in Afterparty Inc, a platform where creators generate revenues from music events. This was set up by former Disney executive David Fields.
Eastinco Mining and Exploration (EM.P) plans to acquire battery metals explorer Aterian Resources and move to the standard list. There will be a ten-for-one share consolidation and the company’s name will change to Aterian. AIM-quoted Altus Strategies (ALS) will become a major shareholder. A fundraising has raised £850,000 from convertible loans and £100,000 from shares at 1.5p each, which is the conversion price of the convertible loans. Aterian Resources has a portfolio of 15 exploration projects.
Investment company Gunsynd (GUN) had net assets of £6.3m, including £1.07m of cash, at the end of July 2021. Investee company Low6 still intends to float.
KR1 (KR1) has contributed 350,000 Polkadot tokens to the Acala Network auction. It already has more than 10.2 million Acala tokens and more will be received after 96 weeks, when the Polkadot tokens will be returned. A further 350,000 Polkadot tokens were contributed in the auction of smart contract platform Moonbeam Network. Again, these will be locked up for 96 weeks and a undecided number of Moonbeam tokens will also be received.
Newly crowned Aquis company of the year DXS International (DXSP) reported a small dip in interim revenues from £1.72m to £1.62m, while pre-tax profit fell from £151,000 to £21,000. The second half is expected to be stronger, although additional costs will hold back profit. The healthcare IT provider continues to develop its cloud-based product and it is accelerating the development of products aimed at long-term conditions, such as diabetes.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) is closing its Bin 1301 bar in Washington DC and concentrate on the bigger De Rhum Spot site.
Pioneer Media Holdings (PNER) is planning to acquire NGMI Labs Inc in return for four million shares. Pioneer has 45 days to undertake due diligence. NGMI was founded by three people with significant experience in the decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) tokens sector.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) expects to receive a tax rebate of $275,000 by the year end.
Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) has persuaded ASDA to stock 17 of its Vitality CBD products.
Scott Livingston has taken a 5.54%, not 5.16%, stake in Silverwood Brands (SLWD).
AIM
Marshall Motor Holdings (MMH) says that 64.4% shareholder Marshalls of Cambridge is thinking about selling its stake. Constellation Automotive has made it clear that it is interested.
Alien Metals (UFO) has acquired 30% of the Munni Munni project in Western Australia from ASX-listed Platina Resources for A$2.23m in shares and cash. This is one of the largest platinum group resources in Australia and it is near to the Elizabeth Hill project, which has platinum, silver, copper and nickel potential. Munni Munni has a historic non-compliant JORC resource estimate that suggests that there is 1.14 million ounces of palladium, 830,000 ounces of platinum, 152,000 ounces of gold and 76,000 ounces of rhodium. Artemis Resources owns the other 70%.
Telecoms billing and customer relationship management software provider Cerillion (CER) more than doubled its full year pre-tax profit from £3.7m to £8.5m, helped by much higher software revenues. New orders are building up and the order book is at record levels. The dividend was raised from 5.5p a share to 7.1p a share.
Driving safety technology developer Seeing Machines (SEE) has won its largest ever driver monitoring systems (DMS) order and raised £30.4m at 11p a share on the back of this announcement. The cash will be used for technology development and boost sales resources. The DMS deal, which has come through Magna International, is worth A$120m. In the year to June 2021, revenues improved from A$39.9m to $46.6m, while the loss was substantially reduced to A$16.7m.
Credit hire and legal services firm Anexo (ANX) has won a new contract with MCE Insurance to provide claims services for non-fault motorcycle accidents, which tends to be higher margin business. This will boost market share.
Appreciate (APPS) made the expected, although lower, loss in the first half, but the 50% increase in the interim dividend to 0.6p a share suggests confidence in the future. Revenues were 50% ahead at £41m with the faster growth coming in the consumer business even though the Christmas savings order book is lower. Appreciate has withdrawn from lower margin corporate business and there is volatility in bookings in recent months.
Asset management services provider MJ Hudson (MJH) achieved organic revenue growth of 14% and it is on course to grow full year revenues from £25.5m to £31m, helped by acquisitions, which would produce a pre-tax profit of £4m. Demand for ESG services is growing rapidly. On top of that, there is increasing outsourcing of the services provided by MJ Hudson.
Ashtead Technology (AT.) provides services and rents equipment to the offshore oil and gas and offshore wind markets. Services can be provided for installation, ongoing maintenance and decommissioning. It raised £15.5m at 162p a share to help it to grow internationally. The offshore wind services market is set to grow at 19% a year up until 2025. The shares ended the week at 162p.
Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) is well positioned to take advantage of the increasing focus on energy and water efficiency. It raised £12m at 277p a share and the shares ended the week at 285p. Eneraqua Technologies supplies and installs technology that improves energy and water efficiency in multiple occupancy social housing and commercial projects. The systems installed include the company’s Control Flow HL2024 technology, which will be manufactured in Spain. The order book for between August 2021 and January 2022 includes £22m of contracted revenues and there a further £21.3m of contracted revenues for the following two years.
Brickability (BRCK) is paying an initial £3.3m for HBS NE, which takes it into the renewable energy products market. It supplies and maintains solar, battery storage and electric vehicle charging. Brickability has relationships with housebuilders, which are being required to install EV charging points in new homes. Even before cross-selling, the deal is earnings enhancing.
Cyber security services provider Shearwater (SWG) reported a small decline in interim revenues due to lower services sales. Software revenues were flat, but margins improved. There is 50% visibility for second quarter revenues.
Treated sustainable wood producer Accsys Technologies (AXS) increased interim revenues by 31% in the first half. Accoya production remains limited because the new reactor will not go into service until next year. The Hull Tricoya plant will should commence production next July. The plans for the potential US Accoya plant are also progressing with a final investment decision expected in the next few months.
Omega Diagnostics (ODX) grew its health and nutrition revenues to pre-pandemic levels. Sales of the global health division also grew but Covid-19 test sales were disappointing. DAM Health has ordered £750,000 of tests since the end of the half year. Net cash was £3.9m at the end of September 2021. Omega remains loss making, and it is difficult to predict how quickly revenues will grow. There are some orders coming in for the VISITECT CD4 test.
Workflow technology provider ActiveOps (AOM) has improved gross margin and interim revenues grew by one-fifth. Annual recurring revenues are running at £19.8m.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane (MACF) is trading ahead of expectations. Revenues are 25% higher than last year and the pre-tax profit is ahead of 2020. There are cost pressures and some customers have had supply problems elsewhere so their demand for packaging has reduced. Net debt was £2m at the end of October 2021.
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has announced a dividend of 0.74p a share.
JLEN Environmental (JLEN) is targeting a dividend of 6.8p a share in the year to March 2022. The interim dividend is more than covered by earnings. The portfolio of renewable energy and environmental assets has been diversified in recent years and that means that the company is not as dependent on revenues from wind power, which were hampered by low wind speeds in the period. Other assets performed well and there are plenty of investment opportunities in Europe. NAV is 98.4p a share.
Marine technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) has secured a multi-year contract with Minnowtech. It will supply sonar technology for the jointly developed shrimp farming technology. Commercial launch is planned in Asia and the initial order will be more than $200,000. OTAQ owns 15.2% of Minnowtech. A major customer has given notice and OTAQ is seeking additional sources of funding.
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) has signed an agreement with Dalriada Drug Discovery Inc of Canada, which will provide research and development services on compounds that Oxford Cannabinoid has access to via the Canopy Growth Corporation agreement.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 28 June 2021
Good Energy (GOOD) says it is perming better this year than in the same period last year which included the start of the lockdown. Forward buying has improved margins. The smart meter rollout is accelerating.
Dispersion Holdings (DEFI) has invested C$200,000 at 18 cents a share in Defi Yield Technologies Inc. This gives it a 3.5% shareholding in the company that is developing a platform for decentralised financial services.
Altona Rare Earths (ANR) has raised £178,000 at 12p a share, which was a premium to the market price. Altona subsequently acquired up to 70% of the Monte Muambe rare earths project. It will take a 1% stake on signing the deal and increase it to 20% in phase 1 when £40,000 in cash is paid and one million shares are issued. In order to take a 70% stake a total of £240,000 in cash will be paid and three million Altona shares have to be issued. On top of this there are minimum expenditure commitments over three phases of the project.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) says its bar in Washington DC increased sales by 38% to $225,000 in the three months to May 2021 even though capacity has halved. Trading in the shares has started on OTCQB.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) is preparing to drill the Specimen Hill project in Queensland. There have been positive results from sampling and the structural modelling of the site has been completed.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had net assets of 64.06p a share at the end of May 2021. It sold his investment in Anthesis Consulting for £1.15m during the period. There was cash of £2.65m at the end of May 2021.
DiscovOre (ORE) is changing its name to Oscillate. and it will focus on the medical psychedelic industry. This includes treatments for drug-resistant depression, anxiety, addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ananda Developments (ANA) expects to begin construction of a research facility in July. Strains of medicinal cannabis have been selected for research. Liberty Herbal Technologies has received a US patent for its vaping device.
CBD products supplier Sativa Wellness Group Inc (SWEL) has opened its 40th testing clinic for travellers and has introduced blood testing for Covid-19 immune response through some clinics. The clinics will be listed on the NHS Patient Access service.
Valereum Blockchain (VLRM) has raised £1m at 70p a share.
Virgata Services has extended its offer for Walls & Futures REIT (WAFR).
Tim and Charlotte Syder have increased their stake in Newbury Racecourse (NYR) from 4.5% to 8.7% and they appear to have been bought from Andy and Judith Stewart.
AIM
Printed circuit technology developer and supplier Trackwise Designs (TWD) has disappointed the market due to electric vehicle contract delays. Interim revenues more than doubled from £2.91m to £6.07m thanks to the initial contribution from Stevenage Circuits. A pre-tax profit of £200,000 in 2019 was turned into a loss of £400,000. There is currently net cash of £2.87m. The new factory should open later in the year.
Demand for Accoya wood continues to be strong, but Accsys Technologies (AXS) will not be able to increase production capacity until a new reactor is installed in the Netherlands later in the year to March 2022. In 2020-21, Accsys moved into profit and cash generation improved. A decision is awaited about how Accsys will make progress with the Hull Tricoya plant, where the contractor has resigned. Cash was raised in May to finance the US joint venture, but more cash may be required.
First Property (FPO) had to reduce the valuations of its owned Polish properties last year and that hit net assets. Management says that some of that valuation reduction should be reversed following a restructuring of the finance lease on one of the properties. NAV fell 22% to 42.8p a share at the end of March 2021 and it could improve to 48.8p next March. Loan to value is 45.3%. There is no final dividend.
In 2020, Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) reported revenues of €22.5m and a reduced loss. The palm oil supplier will benefit from the higher palm oil price this year, enabling it to move into profit. The cashew plant will also make a contribution.
Musical instruments retailer Gear4Music (G4M) performed strongly last year, and revenues improved from £120.3m to £157.5m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £3.1m to £14.6m. This year will be tough, though. Pre-tax profit is forecast to fall back to £7.5m even though current trading is better than expected. The company has started buying existing brands. Premier is a drums brand and Eden is a bass amp supplier. Further acquisitions are likely.
Packaging manufacturer Robinson (RBN) says that revenues in the first five months of 2021 are 17% ahead of the same time last year. This is mainly due to an initial contribution from the Schela acquisition and passing on raw material costs – volumes are 1% ahead.
Jade Road Investments (JADE) had a net asset value of 67p a share at the end of 2020. There was an improved valuation of quarry company Future Metal Holdings. The three-year mining licence has been renewed and an independent assessment of the business will be published later this year.
Tristel (TSTL) has gained approval for foam-based surface disinfectant Jet from the EPA in the US. This will enable approvals to be sought with individual states. Tristel Duo, the disinfectant for ultrasound devices, has been approved in Canada and South Korea.
Vector Capital (VCAP) has raised £1.5m at 47p a share and this will be used for marketing and increasing the loan book. The cash raised at the end of 2020 has been deployed.
Location Sciences (LSAI) has given 12 months notice to its chief executive and finance director. They are continuing to work in the business.
MAIN MARKET
Nottinghamshire-based construction and infrastructure services provider NMCN (NMCN) has secured a highly dilutive rescue fundraising after falling into financial difficulties The company continues to lose money and the terms reflect the dire financial position. A £14m subscription is proposed, with a up to £5m more to come from an open offer. There is also a £10m convertible bridging loan – convertible at 20p a share and with fees and interest it equates to 62.4 million shares. Svella, which is run by former Stobart boss Andrew Tinkler, will subscribe for up to £7.4m of the subscription shares and provide the loan.
Fasteners supplier Trifast (TRI) reported slightly better than expected 2020-21 figures. Industrial activity is recovering. This year pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £11m to £12.9m.
Tirupati Graphite (TGR) has increased sales of its graphite products CarboflameX and GrafEN 45545 with trial and sample orders received. Land has been secured for a dedicated product development facility.
Cizzle Biotechnology (CIZ) has signed a deal to develop a companion diagnostic with St George Street Capital for certain of its potential autoimmune treatment assets that it has licensed. This deal takes Cizzle into a new area, but lung cancer remains the focus.
Zegona Communications (ZEG) is paying an interim divided of 2.6p a share. That is based on the dividend from Euskaltel and does not reflect the proceeds from the telecoms company’s takeover.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore Quoted Micro 2 December 2019
Coinsilium (COIN) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Devmons to set up a joint venture using Coinsilium’s existing Gibraltar subsidiary TerraStream. The company will offer blockchain software and systems development. Devmons supplies the technology development expertise. More details will be published when the agreement is signed, and it is hoped that operations will commence in the first quarter of 2020. The new venture should not need significant funds, due to advanced payments being requested when any contract is won.
Gunsynd (GUN) has entered an agreement to sell its stake in Oyster Oil and Gas to Sajawin Pty Ltd. There will be a payment of £20,000 after the signing of the term sheet and a further £240,000 to be paid in two tranches, the second of which will be payable 60 days after completion. Sajawin still has to complete due diligence and raise at least A$1.5m when it reverses into an ASX shell. Gunsynd will subscribe for A$200,000 of shares. The deal can be terminated if the conditions are not met by the end of April. Production sharing contracts for four blocks in Djibouti are not included in the transaction. George Garnett has resigned as a non- executive director of Gunsynd.
Sativa Group (SATI) is exploring the possibility of an AIM quotation. It has appointed Cenkos Securities as adviser. Management hopes that the move could happen early next year. The first batch of seedlings is being prepared for a move to the cultivation room with the first extract of medicinal cannabis set to be delivered to King’s College London before the end of 2019. That will be used in research on inflammation and respiratory conditions. Crops take 12 weeks to grow.
NQ Minerals (NQMI) says that production at the Hellyer gold mine in Tasmania is ahead of expectations, but there is room for improvement in 2020. NQ has made an additional investment of £150,000 in Tasmania Energy Metals in the form of a three-year convertible loan. NQ has an option to acquire the exploration licences and minerals processing facility that is being developed. The Barnes Hill nickel project mineral resource estimate has increased to 14.3 million tonnes grading 0.725 nickel and 0.05% cobalt.
Southern Africa-based social impact company Inqo Investments Ltd (INQO) increased its interim revenues but also made a higher loss. The Kazuko Lodge was hampered by the water shortage in the Cape Town area, but the weak Rand is boosting demand for holidays from Americans. There was an increase in honey produced by Bee Sweet Honey in Zambia. Cash in the bank improved from R12.3m to R21.2m. following a further cash injection by existing shareholders. The NAV was R179m at the end of August 2019.
AfriAg Global (AFRI) has completed the sale of its African operations. The share consolidation was completed on 29 November.
Dana Group International Investments Ltd (DANA) says that its NAV fell from $51.9m to $7.03m in the 12 months to June 2019. There was a small profit for the year and the decline in NAV came from write-downs. Trading has ended in London Capital Group Holdings and Queros Capital Partners 8% bonds 2025.
AIM
Sustainable wood products supplier Accsys Technologies (AXS) is raising €46.3m in order to fund the completion of the Tricoya plant in Hull and the fourth Accoya reactor in Arnhem. It will also finance the evaluation of an Accoya plant in the US. The cash will be raised at €1.05 a share via a placing and a one-for-seven open offer. The Hull plant could be operational in the second half of 2020.
STM Group (STM) warns that the rebranding of its UK pensions business has been delayed as it awaits regulatory approval to operate as a Master Trust for auto-enrolment. New pension applications have been lower than expected. The 2019 underlying pre-tax profit is forecast at £2.5m. Next year’s indemnity insurance payment will cost an additional £500,000.
Wilmcote Holdings (WCH) is raising up to £6.5m via a 31.199996 for one open offer at 1p a share in order to replenish its coffers while it seeks a suitable acquisition in the chemicals and other sectors. There was £7.5m in cash at the end of June 2019. Wilmcote will look at smaller acquisitions than in the past.
Online fashion retailer Sosandar (SOS) increased interim revenues by 53% to £2.82m with growth accelerating in the second quarter to September 2019. October revenues were more than £1m. Sosandar is still loss-making, but it could move into profit in 2020-21. The customer database has been significantly increased.
Parcel delivery firm DX (DX.) says its recovery continues to be on track. It expects to return to profit this year.
Cyber security services provider Shearwater Group (SWG) generated organic revenue growth of 11% in the first half. Overall revenues grew 262% to £16.3m. New managed service contracts provide revenue visibility. There was £1.68m in the bank at the end of September 2019.
A £5m fundraising at 0.15p a share will help Union Jack Oil (UJO) to finance the drilling of two appraisal wells at West Newton, where it has a 16.665% interest. There will also be a side-track well drilled at Biscathorpe.
There will be a second half shortfall in revenues at Malvern International (MLVN) with little improvement on the same period last year. Delays in approving overseas students, plus poor trading in London and Malaysia. WH Ireland has withdrawn forecasts. Cutting out Malaysian losses could enable Malvern to make a profit in 2020.
CAP-XX (CPX) is acquiring supercapacitor manufacturing assets from Murata, which a licensee of CAP-XX IP. This will boost manufacturing capacity and should improve profit. CAP-XX has raised £2.75m and an open offer could raise up to £750,000 more.
Live data systems company WANdisco (WAND) is raising $16.5m at 425p a share, which was a premium of 23% to the previous closing price. This will provide additional working capital. An existing customer has extended its relationship with WANdisco and the contract is worth $500,000.
MAIN MARKET
Interim figures from Associated British Engineering (ASBE) show improved revenues and a lower loss. That is mainly down to a better performance by British Polar Engines. The business has been rationalised and surplus space will generate revenues in the fourth quarter. The pension deficit remains a concern.
Flavourings supplier Treatt (TET) reported flat full year revenues of £112.7m, but a 5% improvement in underlying pre-tax profit to £13.3m. There was a 10% decline in citrus revenues, which was made up for by growth elsewhere. The dividend was raised from 5.1p a share to 5.5p a share. There will be increased US capacity next year.
Nuformix (NFX) is raising £1.25m at 7p a share in order to provide funds while it negotiates deals in Asia and North America for NXP002, which is focused on the treatment for human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. There will also be additional money spent on two other treatment programmes.
Highway Capital (HWC) had net liabilities of £908,000 at the end of August 2019. It continues to seek a suitable acquisition.
Blake Holdings is making a mandatory cash offer for Hardy Oil and Gas (HDY) having taken its stake to 42.27%. The 5p a share offer values Hardy at £3.7m.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 26 November 2018
Blockchain venture builder Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) says that RIF Labs is acquiring RSK Labs, where Coinsilium owns 65,000 series Seed-1 preferred shares. The cost of the investment was $83,750. The acquisition is a share for token swap and Coinsilium will end up with 1.95 million RIF tokens, which is the equivalent of 139.4 bitcoins, currently valued at $773,000. However, an initial 12.5% of the consideration will be released six months after the deal is completed and then 2.5% each month for 42 months.
NQ Minerals (NQMI) has entered into an additional marketing and off-take agreement with Traxys Europe. The deal covers the production from the Hellyer project in Tasmania for the first five years. This includes a facility for prepayment.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) says that its Australian subsidiary has received a A$590,000 tax rebate from the Australian government. A 43.5% rebate is due on qualifying technical expenditure and so far more than A$2m has been received. Spending continues.
Gowin New Energy Group Ltd (GWIN) chief executive Chen Chih-Lung is lending £40,000 to the company for 12 months at an annual interest rate of 2%.
AIM
Music and audio equipment supplier Focusrite (TUNE) is continuing to grow internationally although Asia is growing at the fastest rate. Full year revenues grew by 14% to £75.1m, while pre-tax profit improved from £9.51m to £11.3m. The dividend is 22% higher at 3.3p a share. There is £22.8m of cash in the bank and this could be used for add-on acquisitions. Tariffs on Chinese exports are being used as a way of testing out price rises for the US market. Forecast profit growth is modest but there is potential for outperformance.
Tristel (TSTL) is buying its distributor in Benelux and France and this will enhance earnings. The maximum payment for Ecomed will be €6.8m (£6m) with €5m paid up front. The deal also provides an additional warehouse in Europe. A full year contribution in 2019-20 will increase pre-tax profit by £700,000 to £6.5m.
Sustainable timber supplier Accsys Technologies (AXS) has increased its capacity for Accoya production by 50% and this will help production in the second half. Demand for Accoya is strong and sales increased from €28.3m to €31.1m in the six months to September 2018. The development of the Tricoya plant in Hull is progressing. Construction could be completed in the middle of 2019 and it will breakeven at 40% of capacity. Tricoya, which is used in MDF-type panels, is currently produced from Accoya and this plant will free up Accoya production for other customers. Numis forecasts a rise in full year revenues from €60.9m to €73.1m and a decline in loss to €5.1m. Net debt is expected to be €46m at the end of March 2019 and it will continue to rise because of the capital investment programmes. If partners can be secured in the USA and Asia then this could provide a significant boost to the company.
Initial drilling results at the Havieron licence area in Western Australia provided good news for Greatland Gold (GGP) with two wide zones of gold and copper mineralisation intersected. This significantly extends the known mineralisation.
Immunodiagnostic System Holdings (IDH) is up to its old tricks. The interim figures were published at 5.04pm on Friday 23 November. To be fair this is 14 minutes earlier than the half year trading statement so maybe the company is improving. Here’s hoping. Interim revenues were flat at £18.5m but the company fell into loss. There was £27.8m of cash in the bank (net cash of £26.5m) at the end of September 2018. Maybe some of this should be spent on an alarm clock so management can get up in the morning to release its results.
Chris Jagusz has stood down as chief executive of Redcentric (RCN) as revenue growth has been hard to come by. The latest interims have sparked downgrades for 2018-19 with revenues cut by 5% to £94.2m.
SIMEC AtlantisEnergy (SAE) has singed a joint venture with AD Normandie Developpement and this will enable the commencement of tidal energy projects between France and Alderney. A capacity of 3,000MW is being targeted and there is potential for EU grants.
Innovation software provider Imaginatik (IMTK) has achieved annualised cost savings of £1.2m, but the strategic review held back revenues and new orders in the first half. The cash outflow declined. Trading levels are picking up.
There are no competition concerns about the Ebiquity (EBQ) disposal of its advertising intelligence business to Neilsen Media Research. The business has been underperforming because of the uncertainty and this will enable the deal to go ahead. Ebiquity says that 2018 operating profit will be lower than expected.
Positive news about the Wressle oil project, where the planning officer for North Lincolnshire has recommended approval. The original application was refused two years ago. Operator Egdon Resources (EDR) owns a 30% interest in Wressle, Europa Oil and Gas (EOG) has a 30% interest and Union Jack Oil (UJO) has a 27.5% interest. Humber Oil and Gas owns the other 12.5%.
Integumen (SKIN) has raised £355,000 from a placing at 0.44p a share. This cash will support the development and commercialisation of Labskin. Integumen is paying €40,000 and six million shares to former chief executive Declan Service.
Sutton Harbour (SUH) returned to profit in the six months to September 2018, although the corresponding period had a hefty asset write-down, and it is raising cash for pre-construction funding. An open offer of 77-for-786 at 29p a share will raise up to £3m and close on 6 December. Planning approvals have been received for the Sugar Quay and Harbour Arch Quay schemes in Plymouth.
Electronic and battery products supplier Solid State (SOLI) is starting to improve its performance, although there may still be a decline in full year profit. In the six months to September 2018, revenues were 5% ahead at £23.6m and pre-tax profit improved from £1.55m to £1.66m. The interim dividend was 5% higher at 4.2p a share. The order book was worth £29.6m at the end of September 2018.
TomCo Energy (TOM) has appointed Turner Pope to replace SVS as broker and trading in the shares has recommenced.
SEC (SECG) is acquiring France-based public and corporate affairs business CLAI. An initial 10% stake, but with 50.1% of voting rights, will cost €490,000 in cash. A further stake of 40.01% will be acquired in the second half of 2020 and another 10% in the second half of 2023. The shareholders can ask SEC to buy the remaining shares between 30 July 2025 and 30 November 2025. The final payments are based on an earnout although the maximum will be €8.8m. In 2017, CLAI made a pre-tax profit of €551,000 on revenues of €4.49m. The acquisition could be earnings enhancing. CLAI will continue to be run by existing management.
Majestic Wine (WINE) is finding the UK market tough and margins are coming under pressure. Peel Hunt has reduced its 2018-19 pre-tax profit forecast by £2m to £12.8m, partly due to increased investment in Naked.
Kestrel has increased its stake in Pebble Beach Systems (PEB) to 22.2%.
Another disappointing trading statement from Fire Angel Safety (FA.) has led to a 2018 profit downgrade. Stock problems and delays to orders have hit the smoke alarms supplier. Scottish legislation due to be passed next year should provide a boost to demand. Fire Angel will be loss-making in 2018 but should make a small second half profit.
Legal services firm Knights Group (KGH) says that interim figures will be in line with expectations with double digit organic revenue growth. The interims will be announced on 15 January.
Maritime identification systems developer SRT Marine (SRT) had already flagged its 9% increase in interim revenues to £3.2m and increased underlying loss of £1.3m. There was little contribution from the GeoVS analytics system. There are expected to be significant deliveries in the second half, but timing cannot be guaranteed. A full year profit of around £3m is expected if the deliveries do take place. SRT is no longer considering investing in its own satellite constellation for this business.
FIH Group (FIH) reported flat interim profit, although there was a sharp improvement in contribution by the Momart art and museum logistics business. There was a decline in the performance of the Gosport ferry and Falkland Islands activities.
Lawyer Gateley (GTLY) says interim revenues will be one-fifth higher at £46.4m with around 50% of this organic growth. Full year revenues should be at least £102m. EBITDA margins should be maintained suggesting full year EBITDA of more than £19m. That is slightly higher than previous consensus.
Argentina-focused oil and gas producer and explorer President Energy (PPC) says the first Puesto Flores development well is producing at 600 bopd, having peaked at 1,000 bopd. This is as much as was anticipated from all three development wells. The results from the second development well appear positive and testing is about to commence. finnCap believes that the first well could have a post-tax NPV of $20m.
Pallett developer and manufacturer RM2 International (RM2) is raising £13m at 105p a share, following a 200-for-one share consolidation. This replaces the second tranche of a previously announced placing which would have happened at 1p a share (200p a share equivalent) but RM2 did not meet the performance requirements to spark the other placing. All but one of the investors set to buy shares previously will subscribe to the new placing. The cash will be used to fit track and trace devices to existing pallets, produce new pallets and cover admin costs. The cash will last until next April.
finnCap has sharply downgraded its pre-tax profit forecasts for telecoms services provider Maintel Holdings (MAI) due to project delays. The 2018 figure has been cut from £12.9m to £9.8m and the 2019 figure from £16.1m to £12.7m. The 2018 dividend is still expected to be 34.5p a share, although the cover will fall to 1.6 times. There is a move towards recurring revenues which will have a longer-term benefit for Maintel.
Restaurants operator Tasty (TAST) has revised its £7m term loan facility, which will be extended until March 2022. Quarterly repayments will be reduced from July 2019, by which time the amount draw down will be reduced by £1.1m. Net debt is currently £4.3m.
The NAV of value-focused investment vehicle Gresham House Strategic (GHS) has held up well considering the stockmarket decline. It grew to 1264p a share at the end of September 2018 and it was still 1243.2p a share on 16 November. The stake in IMImobile (IMO) has been reduced but it remains a strong performer. Cloud communications software supplier IMImobile improved its interim revenues by one-quarter and organic growth was 15%. The growth came from the European and American operations. Established customers are buying more services from the company and acquisitions are supplementing growth. Liontrust has increased its IMImobile stake to 21.4% but Kestrel has cut its to below 3%.
Payment protection software provider PCI-PAL (PCIP) is paying former boss William Catchpole his contracted entitlements plus £100,100 in settlement of his claims. The board unanimously asked Catchpole to leave in October. The final loan note repayment of £250,000 has been received from the buyer of the contact centre business.
Digital and media recruiter Nakama Group (NAK) reported flat interim net fees of £2.7m, but it managed to return to profit thanks to reduced costs. Further cost cutting is underway. There was a £558,00 cash inflow from operations and net debt was £488,000.
Antennas developer MTI Wireless Edge (LSE: MWE) has completed its merger with Israel-quoted majority shareholder MTI Computers and the initial benefits will show through in the second half. The interim figures show organic growth in revenues of 2%, but that growth should accelerate in the second half. Water management technology provider Mottech is winning new business and there are good prospects for the other divisions. The NAV is 17.8p a share and the full year dividend could be 1.25p a share.
Two directors have invested nearly £230,000 in shares in Condor Gold (CNR) at 22pa share. Non-executive Jim Mellon took his stake to 7%, while executive chairman Mark Child has reached 6%. Condor has been granted an important environmental permit for the development of a processing plant at its La India project in Nicaragua. SRK Consultants is preparing an updated mineral resource.
Juridica Investments Ltd (JIL) plans to leave AIM as part of the process of winding-up the company. The quotation will be cancelled on 21 December after liquidators from KPMG Channel Islands are appointed. Management fees will be reduced.
Online women’s fashion retailer Sosandar (SOS) continues to build up its sales, having been trading for two years, and they reached £1.84m in the six months to September 2018. The loss was nearly £2m. Returns were 52% but that was put down to a high level of dress sales in the period and it can be more difficult to get the right fit. The benefits of the move to the Magento 2 ecommerce platform and the investment in the website are showing through in the second half. October was a record month. A placing raised £3m after the balance sheet date so pro forma cash is £5.56m.
600 Group (SIXH) has rationalised its UK business and sorted out its pension problems. Interim revenues were slightly ahead but underlying margins improved from 5.1% to 6%. The machine tools and laser marking equipment supplier is expected to improve its full year pre-tax profit from $3.05m to $3.9m.
Motor dealer Cambria Automobiles (CAMB) has performed well considering the dip in the new car market. Used vehicles and aftersales offset some of the decline. There was a 2% decline in revenues to £630m and underlying pre-tax profit fell by 13% to £9.8m. The capital investment programme for new sites has peaked and the benefits of that investment are still to come.
Veltyco Group (VLTY) is still finding it difficult to collect the money it is owed. This means that its cash is running low and this will impact its ability to promote its own brands.
Graphene materials supplier Directa Plus (DCTA) is confident that it will achieve 2018 revenues of €2.3m and this figure could double in 2019. Growth is coming from textiles, environmental and elastomers customers.
Ubisense Group (UBI) is selling RTLS SmartSpace for up to £35m, which is around two-thirds of the software company’s current market value. The group had cash of £6.8m in the middle of November 2018. Funds managed by Investcorp Technology Partners will pay an initial £30m. Liabilities of £3.1m and a loan of £1.75m will have to be paid out of the proceeds. The company’s name will be changed to IQGeo and it will focus on the myWorld product, which helps telecom companies to integrate their technology ecosystem. The myWorld business generated interim revenues of £5.7m but £3.2m was geospatial services from third party products. Some of the cash will be distributed to shareholders.
The decline in annual pre-tax profit at Stride Gaming (STR) from £18.9m to £14.8m was no surprise given the impact of regulation and tax. The online bingo and gaming company is likely to report a further fall in profit this year. A special dividend of 8p a share has been announced and in future 50% of net earnings will be paid in dividends.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging and labels supplier Macfarlane Group (MACF) continues to grow revenues organically, supplemented by recent acquisitions. Organic growth has been 5% and overall growth is 13%. The fourth quarter is important, though. Full year pre-tax profit is forecast to improve by 47% to £13.6m and earnings per share by one-third to 7p. Acquisition payments should be offset by cash generated in the second half.
S and U (SUS) has increased its investment in Aspen Bridging from £20m to £30m. Aspen has been trading for less than two years and is already in profit.
Creightons (CRL) increased its interim profit by 44% to £1.38m on revenues one-third ahead at £22.3m. The main growth in sales has come from retailer own brands, while Creightons own brands raised their sales by 11%.
David Brown has sold his 4.55% stake in Associated British Engineering (ASBE).
Sealand Capital (SCGL) has formed a new subsidiary called ePurse (HK) Ltd, which is generating commissions from WeChat Pay activities in Hong Kong. Licences have been obtained in the UK and Dubai.
Andrew Hore
Intellisys – Daily Actions 07012016
Daily Actions is a daily summary analysis of changes in short term actions from our Daily Recs – AIM and Daily Recs Main markets reports. This report is typically distributed before the open of trading in London.
AIM Market
ST Rec. changed | ||
Banks & Investment Banks | From | To |
Ambrian | Buy | Neutral |
Basic Resources | From | To |
Condor Gold | Buy | Neutral |
Firestone Diamonds | Neutral | Buy |
Patagonia Gold | Buy | Neutral |
Serabi Gold | Buy | Neutral |
Financial Services | From | To |
Aurora Russia | Neutral | Buy |
Public Services Properties Investments | Neutral | Buy |
RAB Special Situations Company | Buy | Strong Buy |
Raven Russia | Buy | Neutral |
Ortac Resources | Buy | Neutral |
Industrial Good & Services | From | To |
Accsys Technologies | Neutral | Buy |
Croma Security Solution Group | Neutral | Sell |
Dart Group | Neutral | Sell |
Nakama Group | Neutral | Buy |
Hydro International | Sell | Neutral |
Media | From | To |
International Greetings | Sell | Neutral |
MBL Group | Neutral | Buy |
Mediazest | Neutral | Buy |
Ten Alps | Buy | Strong Buy |
Oil & Gas – Explorers | From | To |
Solo Oil | Neutral | Buy |
Xcite Energy | Neutral | Buy |
Xtract Resources | Sell | Neutral |
Oil & Gas – Producers | From | To |
Iofina | Neutral | Buy |
Personal & Household Goods | From | To |
Churchill China | Neutral | Sell |
Tandem Group | Neutral | Sell |
Retail | From | To |
Eco City Vehicles | Buy | Neutral |
Stanley Gibbons Group | Buy | Neutral |
United Carpets Group | Sell | Neutral |
Technology | From | To |
Cyan Holdings | Neutral | Buy |
Earthport | Buy | Neutral |
Forbidden Technologies | Buy | Neutral |
Simigon | Buy | Neutral |
Travel & Leisure | From | To |
GVC Holdings | Neutral | Sell |
Main Market
ST Rec. changed | ||
Aerospace & Defence | From | To |
BAe Systems | Neutral | Sell |
Engineering & Machinery | From | To |
Vesuvius | Neutral | Buy |
Rotork | Neutral | Buy |
General Retail | From | To |
SuperGroup | Neutral | Buy |
Media & Entertainment | From | To |
Informa | Neutral | Sell |
Personal Care & Household Products | From | To |
PZ Cussons | Neutral | Buy |
Speciality & Other Finance | From | To |
Aberdeen Asset Management | Neutral | Buy |
Support Services | From | To |
Tribal Group | Buy | Neutral |
Utilities | From | To |
National Grid | Neutral | Sell |
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