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Quoted Micro 28 August 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Pharma C Investments (PCIL) has received a general meeting requisition from one of its shareholders. The directors are reviewing the request.
Technology marketing start-up Inteliqo (IQO) generated income of more than $400,000 and pre-tax profit of $250,000 from the distribution rights of the Langaroo app, which has still to be launched on Google Play and the Apple app store.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) has realised one of the five investments it took on from Chelverton Asset Management. Qualification Check B shares were bought by a trade buyer, and this will generate fees that will be shared by Macaulay Capital and Chelverton Asset Management. The net amount receivable by Macaulay Capital is £212,000.
Guanajuato Silver Company (GSVR) generated record production of 941,338 silver equivalent ounces in the second quarter and all-in sustaining cost was $22.47/ounce. Realised prices improved on the previous quarter. There was a small dip in net loss of $8.5m. Drill results from the Topia mine in Durango, Mexico have been promising.
Capital for Colleagues (LON: CFCP) investee company Bright Ascension provides software for the space sector, and it has been selected to lead onboard and ground software development for the three-year OS2-VOLT mission. This OS2-VOLT mission is being led by another investee company, Craft Prospect.
Marula Mining (MARU) has moved to the Apex section of the market. The construction of the initial modular processing plant for the Kinusi copper mine has been completed and is ready for transportation and commissioning.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) raised £50,000 at 0.75p/share.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) chief executive Eddy Travia bought 1.5 million shares at 1.25p each.
Andrew Offit has taken a 4.77% stake in AQRU (AQRU).
AIM
Education software and services provider Tribal (TRB) reported a 2% increase in interim revenues even though the NTU project has been cancelled. Annualised recurring revenues are 3% ahead at £51.9m. The NTU project is still the subject of dispute, but there will be no more non-legal costs. The second half is expected to be better and pre-tax profit is forecast to recover from £3.7m to £9.1m.
Loyalty technology provider Eagle Eye (EYE) has revealed that a previously announced three-year contract is with department stores operator Hudson Bay Company, which was formed in the seventeenth century and who’s backers included Prince Rupert. Hudson Bay Company will relaunch its digital loyalty programme using Eagle Eye technology.
Fulcrum Utility Services (FCRM) intends to seek shareholder approval to leave AIM. This announcement followed the release of full year figures showing an increased loss. The utility infrastructure business reported a £25.7m loss on a 18% decrease in revenues to £50.6m. Even excluding write-downs and restructuring charges there was a loss.
Compliance and maintenance services provider Kinovo (KINO) revealed a non-binding bid approach from Rx3 Holdings, which the bid target said was at 56p/share. Management says that the offer is at the lower end of board expectations. Rx3 has confirmed that the offer price will be at least 40p/share, because 29.9% shareholder Tipacs2 Ltd recently bought shares at that price from Western Selection (WESP).
Wellhead equipment supplier Plexus Holdings (POS) says a £5m rental contract for POS-GROP HG wellhead equipment and sealing technology announced in March has been increased in value to £8m. These revenues will be recognised in the year to June 2024, which should enable Plexus to move into profit. The 2021-22 revenues were £2.31m and they are expected to decline in 2022-23.
Bivictrix Therapeutics (BVX) has been granted a US patent for lead asset BVX001 and it expects to gain a Japanese patent in a few weeks. BVX001 is an antibody drug conjugate than targets leukaemia.
Cake Box (CBOX) reported like-for-like sales growth of 6.8% in the first 17 weeks of the financial year. That represents an acceleration of growth in recent weeks as marketing is stepped up. There are 212 outlets with scope for more. After paying the final dividend there is £6m in the bank.
Redx Pharma (REDX) says zelasudil (RXC007), an oral, selective Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 2 (ROCK2) inhibitor, has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for the potential treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The treatment is being used in a phase 2a clinical study for IPF and data is expected in the first quarter of next year. IPF is a disease of the lungs which progressively causes scarring and a reduction in lung function.
Neometals (NMT) says battery recycling joint venture Primobius has received an order for 10 tonne/day of lithium-ion battery recycling spoke with Mercedes. The facility will recover lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and other materials and feed them back into production of 50,000 batteries for new Mercedes vehicles. This is important because it will help the joint venture to gain credibility and win more business.
Cybersecurity firm Shearwater Group (SWG) has delayed publication of its full year results due to audit delays. They are set to be published on 5 September. On a brighter note, delayed contracts have been received in the first quarter of the new financial year. Market conditions are becoming more favourable.
Coro Energy (CORO) has sold its 18.76% stake in ion Ventures for £1.25m in cash, of which £250,000 is deferred until March 2024. The book value was $259,000.
MAIN MARKET
Graft Polymer (UK) (GPL) signed a manufacturing services agreement for production of haemostatic wound care products. The partner is in the Israel pharma market and the Graft Bio facility will provide manufacturing services for the partner’s patented haemostatic powder. This changes from a self-emulsifying powder to a gel when coming into contact with blood, thereby helping to clot the blood effectively.
Ferro-Alloy Resources (FAR) warns that problems with the delivery of concentrate material to its secondary processing facility will hit third quarter results. This follows record second quarter vanadium, molybdenum and nickel production.
Zamaz (ZAMZ) is changing its name to Dispensa, although the strategy remains the same. It will acquire growing, speciality food brands.
Ashington Innovation (ASHI) has signed heads of terms for the acquisition of Calon Cardio-Technology. Calon is developing a left ventricular asset device, an implantable heart pump for patients with severe heart failure.
Mode Group Holdings (MODE) is changing its name to R8 Capital.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 11 April 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Exchange (AQX) has launched Aquis Equinox, which is a regulated market-grade 24/7 matching engine. Rival exchange models need to be shut down to perform resets and maintenance. Aquis Equinox will be offered via the cloud or on-premise. Chairman Glenn Collinson bought 7,500 shares at 400p each and 5,000 shares at 412p each. Chief executive Alasdair Haynes acquired 10,000 shares at 390p each.
Marula Mining (MARU) has observed high grade graphite mineralisation at Nyorinyori project in Tanzania. Results from sampling are expected in the second quarter of 2023. There have also been two major graphite prospects observed at the Bagamoyo project. Further mining licences could be added to the project. Site works at the 75%-owned Kinusi copper project are just starting and there are plans to install a copper processing plant. Brahma Finance has converted £265,000 of loan notes at 2p a share.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) says it has delivered more than 11.4 MWh of batteries so far in 2023. There are more batteries due to be delivered to projects in Australia and California.
Gunsynd (GUN) reported a realised and unrealised loss of £305,000 in the six months to January 2023. Net assets were £3.28m, including cash of £304,000.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) increased revenues by 92% in the three months to March 2023.
NFT Investments (NFT) says that its crypto assets are worth 2.77p a share at 2 April. The majority is in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Walls and Futures REIT (WAFR) has sold Pax Homes to chief executive Joe McTaggart for £1. Pax Homes has acquired IP by issuing Walls and Futures REIT 100,000 5% preference shares redeemable on 1 April 2029. This IP was valued at £118,000.
Decentralised finance business incubator AQRU (AQRU) lost £5.94m last year and net assets fell from £12.2m to £6.56m by the end of October 2022. That includes cash of £4.84m. That was before the £2.3m invested in Streaks Gaming. The annualised cost base has been reduced by two-thirds.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has terminated a consultancy agreement with a company that provided the services of Frank Boehm, who was the inventor of some of the company’s spinal stabilisation systems technology. He is challenging the company’s ownership of the IP.
Several SunNOx Group (SNOX) shareholders have entered into option agreements with RemNOx over 24 million shares at 30p each. The option lasts until 29 September. That could take the RemNOx stake to 29.8%.
KR1 (KR1) says NAV was 68.22p a share at the end of February 2023, up from 30.6p a share at the end of June 2022.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says that it appears that the Red Setter project is a potential analogue of the 26 million plus ounce Telfer deposit 15kn north east of the project.
Oberon Investments (OBE) is raising £450,000 at 3.5p a share.
Six Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) directors and people closely associated with them have bought a total of 709,064 shares.
Trading in the shares of S-Ventures (SVEN) has been suspended because its accounts have not been published.
AIM
Reading-based Ocean Harvest Technology Group (OHT) joined AIM last week. The company produces ingredients for animal feed using seaweed. Although the business started in Ireland, the main trading business is in Vietnam. The brand name of the products is OceanFeed and there are different products for different animals. Management believes it has spent €20m on developing and commercialising these ingredient products. A placing raised £6m, or £4.5m after expenses, at 16p. That valued the company at £20.1m. In 2022, revenues grew from €2m to €3m and the loss increased from €1.46m to €2.9m.
Fadel Partners Inc (FADL) joined AIM last week and raised £7.55m at 144p a share. It provides rights and royalty management and brand compliance services. There is £4.6m set aside for boosting sales and marketing and services supporting them. There will also be funding for research and development.
Franchise Brands (FRAN) is making its largest ever acquisition and raised £92m from a share placing at 180p. This will help to finance the £200m purchase price for Pirtek Europe, plus working capital adjustment of £12.2m. Pirtek Europe provides on-site hydraulic hose replacement and other services through 213 service centres and 838 mobile service vans. There are 70 franchisees in eight countries and the company has the right to enter eight other European countries. Franchise Brands will have operations in ten countries. Forecast 2023 group revenues are £155m or £168m on a pro forma basis. Forecast 2023 group EBITDA is £29m.
Restaurants operator Fulham Shore (FUL) is recommending a 14.15p a share cash bid by Tokyo-based TORIDOLL Holdings. TThe bidder has revenues of around £1bn and already has European interests. It works with specialist private equity firm Capdesia in Europe. The takeover will enable greater expansion of the Franco Manca and The Real Greek brands.
Logistics firm Xpediator (XPD) has recommended the 42p a share bid that was initially proposed last year. The shareholders will also receive a special dividend of 2p a share.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise Group (LIKE) continues to gain share in a tough market. First quarter revenues were 19.7% higher. Last April’s acquisition Delta Carpets was not included in the comparative period, but it is not a big business. Higher prices helped but there was significant underlying growth.
Linear generator technology developer Libertine Holdings (LIB) shares declined after management revealed delays in development work that mean that 2022-23 revenues could be up to £400,000 lower than the expected £1.32m.
Saietta Group (SED) won the largest ever order for its eDrive systems. The £5m order is for 3,000 bespoke systems based on the AFT140 motor from Nasdaq-listed urban delivery vehicles manufacturer AYRO. Saietta is exclusive supplier for the Vanish vehicle launched in February. First deliveries will be in the autumn and the full number delivered by the end of 2024.
Tungsten West (TUN) is restructuring the operations of its Hemerdon tungsten and tin project in Devon. Costs will be cut, and surplus assets sold. Concentrate already on the site will be sold. Project funding is being discussed. A convertible note issue raised £7m and an open offer could raise up to £2m.
Block Energy (BLOE) has improved its financial position, and the salary sacrifice scheme started in April 2020 has come to an end. Cash generation in building from the WR-B01Za, which is producing 274 barrels of oil/day. There is optimism about further wells.
MAIN MARKET
World Chess (CHSS) has been seeking to join the stockmarket since the end of 2019, when the business was starting to build up. It has arrived on the standard list having raised £3.04m at 6.25p a share. The share price ended the first day of trading at 6.5p (5p/8p). There were no trades reported. World Chess has the commercial rights to chess governing body FIDE’s online chess gaming platform, the Grand Prix series, the Candidates Tournament and the FIDE World Chess Championship. The Russia-based business was sold last year.
Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) got had £809,000 in cash following a £236,000 loss in 2022 – mainly down to the expenses of the flotation. That means there is around 8p a share in cash, which is a premium to the market price. The flotation price was 10p. Cash shell Aura Renewable Acquisitions is still considering its first acquisition. The directors are not taking any fees and the ongoing expenses are minimal.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 3 April 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) reported an increase in revenues from £17.2m to £19.9m in 2022. The pre-tax profit improved from £3.6m to £4.5m. that reflects the operational gearing. All three parts of the business were profitable. In the cash of the Aquis Stock Exchange this was probably the first time it has made a profit in any of its incarnations. This was on the back of a 48% increase in issuer fees because of the 22 new companies joining the market.
Wine maker Chapel Down Group (CDGP) increased underlying pre-tax profit by 22% to £1.7m in 2022. Singer expects this profit level to be maintained in 2023 before more than doubling to £4m by 2026. Net cash is £3.3m. NAV is 38p a share.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) reported better than expected 2022 results. Pre-tax profit jumped from £4.6m to £20m and the dividend was raised by 11% to 42p a share. The loan book increased by 11% to £2.2bn. NAV is 1411p a share.
Good Energy (GOOD) 2022 revenues jumped from £146m to £248.7m as energy prices increased, while the energy supplier returned to profit. There was net cash of £19m at the end of 2022. The book value of Zap-Map is £13m. Management is seeking to expand its energy efficiency services operations.
Ananda Developments (ANA) published a medicinal cannabis research round-up. The sublingual spray shows promising results in diabetes type 2 patients. There has also been progress in explaining the mechanisms of action of CBD alleviating bladder pain syndrome. Shareholders voted for the acquisition of MRX Global.
A £289,000 interim cash outflow at Tectonic Gold (TTAU) was partly offset by the £101,000 of proceeds of the sale of shares in Kazera. There was net cash of £46,000 at the end of 2022.
Visum Technologies (VIS) made an interim loss of £457,000 on revenues of £120,000. The first US location for its theme park video technology was opened in November. Debt financing has been secured for rides and attractions. Existing sites in Europa Park and Linnanmaki will reopen in April. The financial position is expected to improve.
Valereum (VLRM) has sold shares in subsidiary Valereum Collections raising £70,500 at 625p a share. Valereum retains a 99.8% stake in the company, which will operate the group’s NFT programme. The Valereum share price dived 23.6% to 5.25p, which is a new low for the year.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $500,000 in Hydra Ventures, which supports and incubates decentralised autonomous organisations, in return for 5,000 HYDRA tokens. This is part of a $10m fundraising.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had net assets of 77.78p a share at the end of February 2023. There are 13 companies in the investment portfolio. Castlefield Investment Partners has reduced its stake from 45.9% to 42.1%.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has made a sale of a 1.5MWh energy storage system to STS Group for a solar storage project in Hungary.
ChallengerX (CXS) had £92,000 in cash at the end of 2022, and a £250,000 subscription announced in February has yet to be received. The development of the company’s marketing platform requires more money.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) has entered into an agreement with Vorensys for the use of the RentGuarantor services. Vorensys provides tenant referencing services.
CRUSHMETRIC Group Ltd (CUSH) has issued an unsecured convertible bond with a principal of S$250,000 (£151,000), which has a coupon of 10% and matures in February 2026.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) boss Mads Jensen bought 3,000 shares at an average price of 83p each.
Shares in Asimilar (ASLR) fell ahead of the trading suspension on 3 April due to the accounts not being published in time.
AIM
Scottish gold producer Scotgold Resources (SGZ) has been hit by falling ore grades at the Cononish gold mine. The average gold grade in January was 5.65g/t. compared with an estimated grade of 7.35g/t. A different part of the mine is being developed and the production process is being changed. Shore has its forecasts under review because of concerns about the financial position of the company.
Daisy Group is making an agreed bid for ECSC (ECSC), which values the cyber security services provider at £5.4m. The bid is 54.02p for each share in cash. ECSC joined AIM at the end of 2016, when it raised £5m at 167p a share.
Cameroon-focused oil and gas company Bowleven (BLVN) had $2.45m in cash and investments at the end of 2022 and it is considering its options for raising more money. Bowleven will need cash to invest in the Etinde project, although there will not be progress there until Perenco completes the purchase of New Age’s operating interest. Bowleven’s interest in Etinde is estimated to be worth more than $150m.
Footwear retailer Unbound Group (UBG) has received a 10.5p a share potential offer from WoolOvers Group. There would also be a contingent value right that would give shareholders the proceeds of any insurance claim related to business interruptions due to Covid lockdowns. Unbound management says it would be likely to accept this offer. The recent fundraising was at 15p.
Building and architecture software supplier Eleco (ELCO) reported 2022 results that were the first 12 months of an 18-month period where the switch to a focus on SaaS is holding back revenues, which dipped 3% to £26.6m. Pre-tax profit was better than expected at £3.6m and net cash was £12.5m. The final dividend is 0.5p a share with a special dividend of 0.58p a share on top. This year’s pre-tax profit is expected to be £3.8m.
Sustainable fuels developer Velocys (VLS) has risen on the back of the latest UK government consultation paper on sustainable aviation fuel, which identifies the Fischer Tropsch process as part of the main technology. This can be supplied by Velocys, which has active projects in the UK and US.
Video games developer tinyBuild (TBLD) is investing in new games, so there has been a reduction in net cash. However, the strong back catalogue means that the business is resilient and not dependent on one game becoming a hit.
MAIN MARKET
Used car finance and property bridging loans provider S&U (SUS) reported full year results in line with expectations. In the year to January 2023, underlying pre-tax profit dipped from £47m to £41.4m, after higher bad debt provisions of £13.9m. Even so, the provision is still relatively low. Used car prices continue to rise, but at a lower rate than early last year. Net debt was £192.4m at the end of January 2023, compared with committed facilities of £210m. The dividend was raised to 133p a share.
Standard list shell Marwyn Acquisition Company II (MAC2) has appointed former Curtis Banks Group chief executive Will Self as the chief executive – pensions division. This year, AIM-quoted Curtis Banks was acquired for 350p a share in cash by Nucleus Financial Platforms, which valued the SIPP administrator at £242m. Will Self will lead the search for suitable financial services acquisitions. The strategy has been further refined to include themes including changing population demographics, intergenerational wealth transfer, social and family support and concentration of wealth.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 20 March 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
MBH Corporation (LON: MBH) joined the Access segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange on 13 March. The shares have previously been traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the Dusseldorf Stock Exchange. Trading started on Aquis at 7p (5p/9p) and it stayed at that price all week. There were no trades. MBH has subsidiaries in a wide variety of sectors. They include, education, construction, transport, health, engineering, property, leisure and food.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) is investing £1m in A ordinary shares in automotive engineering and manufacturing start-up Morris Commercial, as part of an £8m investment round. The investment is in three tranches with an initial outlay of £500,000. The full investment will be made by the end of 2023. The initial product is the Morris JE electric van, which is based on the design of the Morris J-Type van.
Quantum technology investment company Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) welcomes the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s plan for quantum technology. There will be investment of £2.5bn over ten years. This should help to increase investor interest in quantum.
Chapel Down Group (CDGP) believes that changes to UK duties are positive, because of the support for English sparkling wine producers. Chapel Down, along with Shepherd Neame (SHEP) have signed a partnership deal with The Boat Race, which happens on 26 March.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) has taken over the management of the unquoted portfolio of Chelverton Asset Management.
Kasei Holdings (KASH) is still waiting for £350,000 from the February 2023 fundraising. Management hopes that this cash will be received in the next few days.
Coinsilium Group (COIN) is acquiring the advisory business and certain intellectual property assets of Tokenomi for £116,500 in cash and shares. There are four retained Web3 blockchain project clients with a further ten prospective clients. Revenues could be £551,000 over the next 12 months.
IamFire (FIRE) has subscribed a further £200,000 for convertible loan notes in WeShop, taking the total invested to £2.7m. The total amount invested in WeShop is £6.7m and there is the right to subscribe for a further £1.05m of loan notes. The conversion price is 200p. John Lewis and Sports Direct have recently become affiliated to WeShop.
Altona Rare Earths (ANR) has ended trading on Aquis. Trading starts on the standard list on 20 March. Forbes Ventures left Aquis on Friday, although it intends to acquire a litigation financing business and return to the quoted arena.
Silverwood Brands (SLWD) is still experiencing opposition to the transfer of shares in skincare products supplier Lush. Silverwood Brands holds the rights to the shares even if ownership is not registered.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has raised additional subscription funds at 0.3p a share, taking the total to £427,000.
Res Privata NV has sold its 3.83% stake in NFT Investments (NFT). Mark Horrocks has increased his shareholding in Lift Global Ventures (LIFT) from 7.1% to 11%.
EDX Medical (EDX) non-executive chairman Jason Holt bought 400,000 shares at 3025p each. Incanthera (INC) chief executive Dr Simon Ward has subscribed £115,000 for shares at 6.95p each.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd (GSVR) has secured a $5m silver and gold pre-payment facility, which replaces the current facility.
Snacks manufacturer S-Ventures (SVEN) says the audit for its figures for the year to September 2022 will last until the end of April, so trading in the shares will be suspended on 3 April.
Essentially Group (ESSN) joined Aquis on 17 March. The brief announcement claims that the prospectus is on the company’s website, but it is impossible to find.
AIM
Hurricane Energy (HUR) has agreed a bid from Prax Exploration & Production, which values the oil and gas producer at up to £249m. There will initially be a 3.32p a share transaction dividend and cash consideration of 0.83p a share, totalling 4.15p a share. There is then a supplementary dividend of 1.87p a share. Shareholders will also receive a deferred consideration unit worth up to 6.48p a share. The deferred consideration is based on 17.5% of future net revenues earned by Hurricane between 1 March 2023 and 31 December 2026. The deferred consideration will be paid twice a year in arrears.
MTI Wireless Edge (MWE) grew revenues of each of its three divisions and two of them made a higher profit contribution. An initial contribution from communication and monitoring systems developer PSK WIND Technologies, offset the loss of Russian distribution business. In 2022, group revenues improved from $43.2m to $46.3m, while underlying pre-tax profit rose from $4.04m to $4.32m. The total dividend is 3 cents a share. Net cash was $8.14m at the end of the year. The profitability of the Antennas division is recovering.
Cloud-based secure payments technology provider PCI-PAL (PCIP) grew interim revenues by one-third to £7.3m. North American growth was particularly strong. Total annualised contract value is £14.7m. The full year loss is likely to be around £2.2m. Legal costs due to the patent dispute meant that net cash fell to £1.9m, but it has risen since December. There should be no problem with the accounts at Silicon Valley Bank.
Digital coupons and loyalty technology provider Eagle Eye (EYE) reported the expected interims and says that full year results will be better than expected. The pre-tax profit forecast has been edged up from £3.5m to £3.8m and the 2023-24 figure has been edged up to £5m. Net cash could reach £5.3m at the end of June 2023. There should not be any problems arising from the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, although there are still cash deposits in the bank.
Verditek (VDTK) has signed an exclusive supply agreement to supply solar panels to building and roofing products supplier Lindab Profil AB. They will be sold in the Nordic and eastern European markets. The exclusivity depends on the sale of panels of 850kw in 2023.
Cordel (CRDL) has won an important contract with Amtrak in the US. The six-and-a-half year contract is valued at $6.7m. There will be $1m recognised in 2022-23 and $2m in 2023-24, with rest coming in the remaining time of the contract. Cordel’s technology will be used to capture and manage data on clearances of surrounding rail infrastructure.
Redx Pharma (REDX) merger partner Jounce Therapeutics has received an unsolicited offer from Concentra Biosciences. Cancer treatments developer Redx Pharma recently announced the merger with Jounce Therapeutics and the AIM company’s shareholders would own 63% of the enlarged group.
Purplebricks (PURP) has received a possible offer from Strike Ltd, although it is not yet part of the formal sale process and has not entered into a non-disclosure agreement.
Reabold Resources (RBD) has been approached by Kamran Sattar on behalf of an affiliate of Portillion Capital which could lead to a bid at a 10% premium to the previous day’s closing price of 0.2035p. The board believes this offer undervalues the oil and gas investment company. It recently sold the Victory gas discovery to Shell and intends to return £4m to shareholders.
Circle Property (CRC) announced a return of capital through a B share issue with a second distribution to follow. The company has nearly completed the sale of its property portfolio. The first distribution of 158p a share (£46.2m) will be on 21 March. A second distribution of 58p a share should be made in April. There will be a much smaller distribution when the final disposal is completed. An incentive payment of £620,000 is being paid to each executive.
Digital mental health company Kooth (KOO) has won a significant contract in California covering 13-25 year olds. Services will be provided to the Behavioural Health Virtual Services Platform, and they will launch in January 2024. Specific terms are still to be finalised, but there should be a material impact on annualised recurring revenues from 2024.
Condor Gold (CNR) is entering the end of the first phase of the process to sell the La India gold project in Nicaragua. There are three formal expressions of interest, including two non-binding offers, with more likely to be received. The project requires $105.5m of investment and has an estimated NPV (5%) of $86.9m.
MAIN MARKET
Structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) is expanding in Europe through the acquisition of steel fabrication company Voortman Steel Construction Holding for €24m. The Netherlands-based company will provide greater access to the northern European market.
Data integrity and banking integration software provider Gresham Technologies (GHT) is accelerating the growth of its Clareti software. Group revenues grew from £37m to £48.7m in 2022. That was helped by currency movements and a full year contribution from post-trade processing software supplier Electra, but there was still strong organic growth. The fastest growth was in the US. Pre-tax profit improved from £4m to £6.9m. Singers forecasts a 2023 pre-tax profit of £7.4m. with flat earnings due the corporation tax rate rise, increasing to £9.6m next year.
Harwood Capital has increased its stake in RM (RM.) from 8.88% to 10.4%, including 9.18% held by Rockwood Strategic (RKW). Theodore W King’s stake has risen from 7.36% to 8.25%.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 5 December 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Energy (GOOD) says trading to the end of October was in line with expectations, but the subsequent mild winter has reduced gas consumption. Risk management actions should enable the energy supplier to meet 2022 expectations. There was £21.2m in cash at the end of October 2022. Heat pump installer Igloo Works has been acquired for £1.75m. Last year’s revenues were £1m. This will form an energy services division.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has sold 15MWh of vanadium flow batteries to Everdura Technology in Taiwan. A deposit will be paid soon, and the first deliveries will be late in 2023. This is the largest ever single order and there is follow-on potential of 255MWh over three years and it will help to underpin 2023 forecast revenues of £23.7m.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has acquired Staffordshire-based MI Accountancy Solutions, which already provides accountancy services to the employee owned businesses investor’s clients. The cost is £90,000 with a further £20,000 deferred depending on performance.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) has entered an agreement with Fishertown Property for a proposed lease of a 2.5 acre site in County Longford. This will become its first full scale waste plastic to hydrogen in Europe. A €50,000 payment has been made and an option for the site is being negotiated.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) has completed drilling at the Specimen Hill project in Queensland. This has intersected a geophysical target below high-grade historic mine. An adjacent target has also been intersected. Joint venture discussions will be pursued.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd (GSVR) produced 700,264 of silver equivalent ounces in the third quarter, which is more than double the previous quarter. Cash costs fell by 19% to $19.53/ounce. However, lower silver and gold prices meant that the loss increased.
Field Systems Designs Holdings (FSD) was still affected by Covid in the year to May 2022. The mechanical and engineering contractor’s revenues fell from £9.98m to £8.09m. That meant that the loss increased from £534,000 to £1.9m. Revenues from the water sector have not grown as expected, but work is coming through. More than £9m of work has been secured for this year.
IamFire (FIRE) has subscribed for £2m of convertible loan notes in WeShop Holdings, which could be converted into one million shares, while an existing £4m investment would convert into 1.33 million shares. IamFire has the right to subscribe for a further £1.75m of convertibles. IamFire also holds convertibles in a shell that owns 25% of WeShop.
Pioneer Media Holdings (PNER) generated initial revenues of $482,000 in the year to May 2022. There was a reported loss of $28.6m, after $25.7m of impairment charges and fair value changes on investments. There was a credit of $3.26m relating to changes on accrued consideration. The cash outflow from operations was $2.14m. There is cash of $1.65m.
Recently floated Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) increased interim operational revenues by 37% to NZ$1.93m. Overall revenues fell because of the timing of recognising capital revenues on store openings. Pre-tax profit improved from NZ$128,000 to NZ$146,000 as costs were reduced.
Africa-focused sustainable investment company Inqo Investments (INQO) increased interim revenues from R608,000 to R3.39m. The loss was slightly reduced at R5.18m after a sharp increase in employee costs.
Nine months revenues from Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) improved from $4.91m to $8.91m and the reported loss was reduced.
Marula Mining (MARU) secured a 73% commercial interest in the Bagamoyo graphite project in Tanzania, which includes 22 graphite mining licences.
In the six months to August 2022, Asia Wealth Group Holdings Ltd (AWLP) reported a decline in revenues from $940,000 to $844,000 and it moved from profit to loss. There was $1.19m in the bank at the end of August 2022.
Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) says that it received £3.07m from its open offer at 25p a share, compared with the £4.56m it was seeking.
Evrima (EVA) chief executive Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi has made a £250,000 secured convertible loan facility available to the company. So far, £100,000 has been drawn down. This matures at the end of November 2023 and the coupon is 10%.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) chief executive Marc Howells has resigned, and George Thomas has replaced him.
AIM
Online retailer boohoo (BOO) has increased its stake in Revolution Beauty (REVB) from 13% to 26%. Bob Holt has taken over as chief executive. The shares remain suspended and there are still concerns about the 2021-22 figures.
Digital media company Digitalbox (DBOX) has acquired The Poke (www.thepoke.co.uk) for an undisclosed sum. It picks humorous content from the internet, unlike the Daily Mash which writes its own content. The Poke generated revenues of £170,000 in the year to November 2021.
Duke Royalty (DUKE) reported a 67% increase in recurring interim cash revenues from its royalty investments and free cash flow was 1.71p a share. There was a further improvement in cash revenues in the third quarter.
First Property (FPO) reported a fall in reported profit due to one-offs, but the interim dividend was maintained at 0.25p a share. NAV is 48.3p a share, not including any valuation for the investment management business, which is more than twice the share price.
A trading update from Light Source Technologies (LST) says that farmers are reluctant to commit to capital investment and that has slowed progress leading to a higher loss in the year to November 2023. The growers are finding it difficult to pass on cost increases to customers, so they are not making the commitment to install the controlled environment technology. Also, contract manufacturing margins have declined.
Venture Life Group (LON: VLG) is buying HL Healthcare, which owns Earol, EarolSwim and Sterinase, for £13m. The products generated EBITDA of £1.7m in 2021-22 and they should do better this year – £3m of the consideration is dependent on 2022-23 revenues. Venture Life is expected to make a 2022 pre-tax profit of £946,000 and that could improve to more than £4m in 2023.
Telecoms customer engagement software provider Pelatro (LON: PTRO) says the currency movements between the US dollar and Indian Rupee will lead to a shortfall in reported revenues this year. Along with other factors, this will reduce revenues by up to $800,000, although the currency movements will have a positive effect on costs that partly offsets the shortfall. EBITDA will be slightly below expectations. Some new clients are moving to a licence model, which means revenue will be recognised earlier.
Luxury brand Mulberry Group (MUL) reported flat interim revenues with higher international sales offsetting a decline in the UK. Mulberry moved from profit to loss as marketing and other spending was increased. There was an £11.2m cash outflow from operations.
Compliance and maintenance services provider Kinovo (KINO) continues to improve its profit in the six months to September 2022 and it has a strong order book. Revenues improved by one-quarter to £29.8m in the first half. Margins continue to rise with underlying pre-tax profit recovering from £1.61m to £2.1m. Three-year visible revenues total £146m, which includes contracts and predictable spend. That underpins around 90% of the 2022-23 forecast revenues of £62.1m. Net debt has fallen to below £100,000. However, in the short-term debt will increase again because of the requirements to finish contracts that are part of DCB, which was sold and then went into administration. Part of the deal was that Kinovo would guarantee the completion of projects. This could cost a total of £4.3m.
Inspiration Healthcare (IHC) says that it expects 2022-23 revenues to be similar to the previous year because of market uncertainty, particularly in China. Cenkos has reduced its forecast revenues from £45m to £41.1m. Because the reduction relates to higher margin products it means that pre-tax profit will dive from £3.96m last year to £540,000 this year.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) says third quarter like-for-like sales were 21.8% higher and in October and November this accelerated to 27.7%. Total sales have more than doubled this year.
Fox Marble (FOX) has won damages and costs in its arbitration proceedings with a customer in India. Damages were Euro383,177 and costs were £454,584. The customer has 28 days to challenge the award.
MAIN MARKET
Antimicrobial and textile odour control materials developer HeiQ (HEIQ) has acquired the land and property of Chem-Tex Laboratories Inc in the US for $2.5m in cash and shares at 74.4p each. Securing the site will enable further expansion. The focus of manufacturing investment will be the US because of the availability of chemicals and the reduced exposure to rising energy prices.
Edward Spencer is requisitioning a general meeting at MetalNRG (MNRG). He owns 7.3% of the company and wants to remove the chairman and chief executive. He wants four people to be voted onto the board, including himself.
Highway Capital (HWC) has still not completed the acquisition of Guinevere Esports and Entertainment, which was announced in October 2021. Highway made an interim loss of £243,000.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 17 October 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) is having a good week. Early in the week it announced a sale of a a 0.8MWh Invinity VS3 flow battery system to Equans Belux and then it won a California Energy Commission project as part of a consortium developing a large solar-plus-storage microgrid. Invinity Energy Systems will provide a 10MWh vanadium flow battery system. Delivery is expected in 2023. There is also a new relationship with US Vanadium, which could lead to a joint venture.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) is acquiring Peregrine X, which has developed diagnostic technology and the initial market will be oil well-head analysis. There are also medical uses. The initial consideration will be £1m of zero-coupon convertible loan notes with a further four tranches of £1m depending on progress. The total number of loan notes would be converted int a 46.2% stake in the company. The seller will also receive 500 million warrants exercisable at 1p a share. They will also receive 70% of post-tax earnings generated by Peregrine up until 2,000 tests have been contracted and 200 delivered. There are currently no revenues. This deal marks a move away from the engineering sector.
British Honey Company (BHC) has launched a strategic review of the business and sources of finance. A sale of the company is an alternative. Management expects to publish its 2021 results and 2022 interims before the end of October. More cash is required for working capital by the end of November.
Consumer businesses operator Silverwood Brands (SLWD) has announced a loss of £300,000 for the period to August 2022. The UK consumer market is tough and Silverwood is trying to increase its sales overseas.
Semper Fortis Esprit (SEMP) has ended all its contracts with esports players, and it is seeking other ways to exploit the market.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has sold its holding of A shares in Hire and Supplies Ltd for £970,000 and reinvested £1.21m in new ordinary shares, giving it a 20.8% stake.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Poland-based Elkard in relation to a plastic waste processing plant producing energy. They will start looking for a suitable site and the two companies will share the costs.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) has completed the sale of Arbuthnot Latham’s West End office. The offer was previously indicated as £60m. Chairman and chief executive Sir Henry Angest bought 25,000 shares at 820p each.
Igraine (KING) has bought a 10.2% stake in Oscillate (MUSH) and its executive director Stephen Winfield has joined the Oscillate board.
MiLOC Group Ltd (ML.P) has raised nearly £40,000 at 20p a share. BWA Holdings (BWAP) has been unable to raise up to £500,000 via share issue and it may have to sell assets or issue more loan notes. A holder of £516,000 of RentGuarrantor Holdings (RGG) loan notes has converted them into 312,495 shares, which is just short of 3% of the enlarged share capital.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (EO.P) had net assets of 242.3p a share at the end of September 2022.
Valereum (VLRM) has appointed First Sentinel Corporate Finance as corporate adviser.
AIM
Energy and water efficiency equipment provider Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) grew its interim revenues from a combination of organic growth and a contribution from recent acquisition Welltherm, which provides drilling services for heat pump installation. Revenues were 92% higher at £24.2m, while underlying pre-tax profit was £3m. Full year expectations are covered by contracted orders as are nearly three-quarters of next year’s forecast revenues. A full year pre-tax profit of £10.6m is forecast. There are plans to move into the consumer market, but that will not make a meaningful contribution until next year – although there will be £500,000 of marketing costs.
Drug developer Evgen (EVG) is partnering with Swiss biotech Stalicia for the potential use of SFX-01 for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder and other CNS disorders. This deal could generate up to $160.5m in milestone payments and double-digit royalties, although that is a long way away. The upfront payment is $500,000 with a further $500,000 once a volunteer study is completed in the first half of 2023. If the FDA approves an investigational new drug admission that will spark a $5m payment – possibly next year. Evgen is also undertaking an additional early-stage study for the treatment of glioblastoma using SFX-01.
Interior design and furnishings supplier Sanderson Design Group (SDG) improved its interim profit, but trading was weaker in August. In the six months to July 2022, revenues edged up by 0.7% to £57.9m, although that does reflect the ending of business in Russia. Underlying pre-tax profit improved from £5.6m to £6.3m, helped by additional high margin licence fee income. The interim dividend is maintained at 0.75p a share.
Faron Pharmaceuticals (FARN) completed a placing raising €8.4m at €1.85 each. The cash will be used for the acceleration of the bexmarilimab, which is an immunotherapy treatment for difficult-to-treat cancers, clinical development programme and manufacturing.
Data analysis software provider WANdisco (WAND) has generated bookings of $61.2m so far this year with the majority coming in the third quarter. This is already higher than expectations for the full year and there is more to come. There was $26.3m in the bank at the end of September 2022, helped by upfront cash payments on contracts. Losses continue, though.
Property lending platform operator Lendinvest (LINV) reported platform assets under management one-third higher at £2.4bn, but finnCap has downgraded its full year forecast. Interest rate volatility is hampering margins. Chief executive Rod Lockhart bought 27,111 shares at 67.5p each and the chief investment officer bought 60,000 shares at 63.75p each.
Coral Products (CRU) has acquired Ecodeck Grids, which supplies building and landscape products for driveways and shed bases. There is an initial payment of £3.35m in cash and shares, with up to £1.25m more potentially payable. The products use 100% recycled plastic.
Beeks Financial Cloud (BKS) reported an improvement in full year underlying pre-tax profit from £1.6m to £2.1m. It is forecast to increase to £3.2m this year.
Sierra Oncology Inc is returning the rights to SRA737, which was jointly developed by Sareum Holdings (SAR) and the Institute of Cancer Research, to the CRT Pioneer Fund.
Investment publisher Bonhill (BONH) has commenced a strategic review that could lead to the sale of the company or separate businesses. Trading remains difficult and shareholder Rockwood Strategic (RKW) is providing a £800,000 loan facility.
MAIN MARKET
OTAQ (OTAQ) is raising £2m via a placing at 4p a share, while a four-for-five open offer could raise up to £1.2m more. It is also moving from the standard list to the Access segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange. There is also a broker option that could raise up to £400,000 if there is enough demand. In order to raise the cash, the nominal value of the shares is being reduced from 15p to 1p. Every four new shares taken up will come with a warrant exercisable at 12p. The fundraising is dependent on shareholders agreeing the move to Aquis, which is planned for 9 November. In aquaculture, OTAQ has developed sonar technology that scans shrimps, live plankton analysis systems and water quality monitoring software. The geotracking operations have developed a rail personnel and asset safety and sports trackers.
Raj Unnikandeth is stepping down as a director of Zamaz (ZAMZ) six weeks after it floated. Zamaz believes that its technology platform can help to efficiently build brands via e-commerce. Earlier in the week, Zamaz acquired 70% of Italy-based food and wine retailer Eccellenze through its existing food platform subsidiary Bella Dispensa. This follows the purchase of Italian meat products supplier Ecocarni.
HeiQ (HEIQ) has filed a complaint in the US against ICP Industrial Inc for breaching exclusive agreement terms. The agreement relates to the use of HeiQ Viroblock in printing processes. ICP has failed to pay royalties or minimum fee payments, as well as not providing timely reports.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 10 October 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) says full results should be ahead of market expectations of a £13m pre-tax profit. The third quarter trading statement says Arbuthnot Latham deposits exceed £3bn, although costs of deposits are rising. Base rate rises have a positive effect on results as changes to deposit rates lag the rises in interest rates. Credit criteria are being tightened, particularly for property. Assets under management are £1.35bn. Non-exec Sir Nigel Boardman acquired 9.749 shares at 810p each.
Helium Ventures (HEV) has conditionally agreed to acquire Vestigo Technologies, which has developed tracking product Trackimo. Shares will be issued at 10p each and the existing share capital prior to the deal would be valued at £1.68m. Helium Ventures plans to move to the standard list after the reverse takeover. In 2021, Vestigo had revenues of $28.1m and has partnerships with Vodafone and Paramount. Trading in the shares has been suspended.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) had net assets of £5.6m at the end of April 2022, following an increase in the value of its option in cyber security business Arqit Inc. Since then, two new quantum technology investments have been made. There is still cash for further investments and there are plans to set up a fund that will raise further funds to invest in quantum technology.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has acquired a suite of international patents through a joint venture. The patents are relevant for the company’s wind-based hydrogen production system, plus other systems. The patents were issued to the vendor when it employed the boss of HFI’s development subsidiary. The payment will be £33,000 in cash, 5.2 million shares and 2.5 warrants exercisable at 12p each, with the second tranche of the payment dependent on the achievement of development milestones.
National Milk Records (NMRP) generated a 6% increase in 2021-22 revenues to £23.2m, while pre-tax profit improved from £1.65m to £2.22m. The dividend was raised by one-third to 2p a share. The milk recording and testing services increased revenues. The biggest increase was in genomics which rose from £292,000 to £488,000 and there is a potential launch in the US during 2023.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (ESO) has invested £2m in Denzel’s Ltd, a premium dog snacks brand, which raised £3m in total. Denzil’s has listings in major supermarkets and has launched its own website. It is part of the Tesco Incubator Programme.
There has been a mineral resource upgrade at the Amapa iron project in Brazil, where Cadence Minerals (KDR) owns 27%. The updated resource at Amapa is 276Mt grading 38.33% Fe, up from 177Mt. The measured resource is 55Mt grading 39.26% Fe.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had net assets of £13.8m at the end of May 2022, equivalent to 74.5p a share.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has gained new contracts for its natural food businesses with ASDA, Holland Barrett, Co-op, WH Smith and easyJet. Two retailers in Finland have started stocking company products.
Marula Mining (MARU) has taken a 49% interest in the Kinusi copper mining project in Tanzania. The licences last seven years. In return for the interest, Marula has reimbursed $50,000 of costs incurred by Takela Mining and issued it with 4.5 million shares at 2p each.
Quetzal Capital (QTZ) had £1.07m in the bank out of net assets of £2.86m at the end of June 2022.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) secured a distribution agreement with blood collection services provider Tasso Inc, which supplies virtually painless medical devices to draw a blood sample with no needles. Goodbody’s clinics will be able to extract more blood than from a finger prick.
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) reinstated the interim dividend at the rate of 14p a share.
Director buying at Kent-based brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) pushed the share price 0.4% higher at 672.5p. Richard Oldfield bought 6,000 shares at 675p a share and George Barnes acquired 3,200 shares at 672p each. The final dividend is 15p a share and the shares go ex-dividend on 13 October. Coinsilium (COIN) chairman Malcolm Palle acquired 500,000 shares at 1.9p each, while chief executive Eddy Travia bought 500,000 shares at 1.95p each. The share price rose 8.11% to 2p.
Global Smollan has increased its stake in Samarkand Group (SMK) from 14.8% to 17.6%.
Pioneer Media Holdings Inc (PNER) has raised $1m through a sale of units at 10 cents each. They include one share and one-half of a warrant exercisable at 25 cents. This cash will be spent on technology development and expanding the web3 gaming business.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has sold a 1.3MWh VS3 flow battery system for use in a datacentre in Arizona. Amati reduced its stake from 5.87% to 4.92%.
Trading in the shares of Vulcan Industries (VUL), Hot Rock Investments (HRIP) and VVV Resources Ltd (VVV) has been suspended due to failure to publish results.
AIM
Peter Gyllenhammar has taken a 11.2% stake in Pressure Technologies (PRES) following the share price slump after last week’s trading statement. Pressure Technologies had a disappointing second half. There will be a full year loss and the engineering company will also breach covenants on its bank facility. More cash is required. Net debt was £5.4m at the interim stage and it could be £3.9m at year-end. The finance could come from a share issue or a convertible issue or another form of funding. Management is talking to Lloyds about the bank facility. Forecast net assets are £15.4m, including the company’s main factory, which is nearly double the market capitalisation.
Former broker analyst Bill Currie has taken a 4.15% stake in online retailer In The Style (ITS). He is a non-executive director of retail loyalty technology developer Eagle Eye (EYE) and he owns 12.9% of the company. Lombard Odier has cut its stake from 20.1% to 19.8% and Ameriprise Financial has reduced its stake from 5% to 4.39%.
Gateley (GTLY) has acquired patent attorney Symbiosis IP for up to £2.5m. The business made a pre-tax profit of £300,000 in the year to March 2022. This business fits with Adamson Jones.
In video game advertising technology developer Bidstack (BIDS) raised £10.5m at 2.85p a share. Irdeto subscribed for £5m worth of shares. There are plans to develop a platform for sports bodies to control content that appears in their licenced IP. The rest will go on working capital and commercial development.
Public Policy Holding Company Inc (PPHC) is acquiring California-based KP Public Affairs in an earnings enhancing deal. Public Policy Holding Company provides public affairs, crisis management and lobbying services in the US. The acquisition enhances earnings by 2% in 2022 and 9% in 2023.
NWF (NWF) continues to perform strongly with the feed division recovering, helped by higher milk prices, and food distribution trading better than expected. Fuel distribution volumes are lower than in the previous year as people delay refilling their tanks, although margins have improved.
Seeing Machines (SEE) has an exclusive collaboration deal with Magna International for rear view mirror occupant monitoring applications in vehicles. Magan is paying $17.5m in cash ($10m immediately and $7.5m over two years) and investing $47.5m via a convertible note, which is convertible at 11p a share. This should be enough cash to get the driver monitoring technology business to profitability.
Oxford Biodynamics (OBD) is raising £9.1m via a placing at 20p a share and up to a further £2.95m could be raised through a one-for-6.81644 open offer. The share price rose 56.3% to 17.975p, which is still well below the placing price. This cash will help to fund the commercial development of the EpiSwitch CiRT test for cancer, which has been issued with a US reimbursement code earlier in the week.
Parcel and freight delivery company DX (DX.) has published interim figures and it intends to recommence dividend payments. A total dividend of 1.5p a share is expected for 2022-23 and that provides a base for further growth. Cash could still grow steadily. Trading in the shares remains suspended.
PCF Group (PCF) has suspended new lending by PCF Bank while it is trying to raise additional finance. Castle Trust Capital decided not to bid for PCF. Sales of assets and other options to raise money are being considered. There will be further cost cutting.
Battery cells developer AMTE Power (AMTE) has signed a framework deal with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre to produce up to 60,000 Ultra High Power cells annually. The cells are fast charging and have high power delivery. Production commences in three months and the cells will be used for in-vehicle trials by potential customers – the initial focus is high performance electric vehicles – ahead of the opening of AMTE’s own factory in Dundee in a few years.
Horizonte Mining (HZM) announced a fundraising on Tuesday evening and the size of the placing was increased from £61.7m to £70.5m at 90.5p a share. This larger fundraising has also reduced the contribution from major shareholder La Mancha from £23.8m to £22m. The cash will help to complete the construction of the Araguaia nickel project in Brazil. Total capital cost has increased from $477m to $537m. First production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.
Gold miner Chaarat Group Holdings (CGH) has extended the convertible loan notes from 31 October 2022 to 31 July 2023. Interest will be capitalised until the end of October and then the principal of $28.7m plus accrued interest will incur an annual interest rate of 12%. There is also a fee of 1%. If converted there will be 77 million shares issued.
MAIN MARKET
Shell company Milton Capital (MII) floated on the standard list on 4 October. There was £1m raised at 1p a share. The share price ended the week at 1.1p. The initial focus is acquisition targets in the technology sector. Total flotation costs were capped at £50,000 and Peterhouse paid additional costs of £5,955. The first year’s operating costs will also be £50,000.
Data integrity software supplier Gresham Technologies (GHT) has won a £1m plus contract for Clareti Control from a major European financial and banking group. There is also A$19m of work for ANZ in the year to September 2023, which is 15% higher than last year on a constant currency basis. Full year revenues and profit will be ahead of expectations.
Golden Nice International has subscribed £650,000 worth of shares in Anglo African Agriculture (AAAP) at 5p a share. That is a 28.2% stake. There are also 13 million warrants exercisable at 5p each. Golden Nice International has also acquired 65% of convertible loan notes in issue at a 15% discount to face value. They convert into 13.7 million shares at 5p each. The other loan notes will be converted into 7.37 million shares with associated warrants. Andrew Monk and Matt Bonner have resigned and replaced by Andy Sui and Simon Grant-Rennick. The company is changing its name to Everest Global.
Shell company Insight Business Support (IBSU) had net assets of £530,000 at the end of June 2022, including cash of £440,000.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 29 August 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Thixotropic gels manufacturer Unigel Group (UNX) joined the Access segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange. The gels are used in the fibre optic industry. There was £800,000 raised at 64p a share. The share price ended the day at 65p.
Aquis Stock Exchange has issued a disciplinary notice to Love Hemp Group (LIFE) after omitting information in a fundraising announcement in February. It was not stated that not all the cash had been received and one investor did not pay the £1.2m it was supposed to for the shares. There was no update until May, thereby creating a false impression of the cash position. The £100,000 fine has been cut to £70,000 for early settlement. Trading in the shares remains suspended following the resignation of Peterhouse as corporate adviser. The board has been strengthened. A new corporate adviser is required for trading to recommence.
Hydrogen Utopia International (LON: HUI) is planning to enter a 50/50 joint venture with AIM-quoted Powerhouse Energy (LON: PHE) to develop a plant using non-recyclable waste plastic to produce hydrogen in Poland. Hydrogen Utopia International will be allowed to recover its costs of €250,000 with a €250,000 premium. This agreement is similar to the one between the companies for the proposed Tipperary plant, which will be built on a site leased by Trifol Resources. DXSP
British Honey Corporation (BHC) hopes to report its 2021 results before the end of September. This year’s trading has been tougher and the 2022 figures will be worse than expected with revenues of £6m.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has secured an option to acquire the Anketell gold copper project, which is north of the company’s Red Setter project in Western Australia. The option payment is £25,000. The consideration would be £50,000 in cash and 2.17 million shares at 14.75p each.
BWA Group (BWAP) has been granted a three-year licence for Nkoteng 2 at the Nkoteng heavy mineral sands project in Cameroon. This covers an additional 60km of strike length.
Evrima (EVA) has increased its holding in Eastport Ventures to 6.85%. Eastport also owns shares in another investee company, Premium Nickel, which has confirmed that saleable nickel and copper concentrates can be produced at the Selkirk mine in Botswana.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has received an initial payment of £92,629 for the disposal of the stake in The Homebuilding Centre. This is higher than the £50,000 minimum payment because of strong trading.
Watchstone Group (WTG) had cash of £10.2m and £1.8m in escrow on 19 August.
Quetzal Capital (QTZ) says investee company Tap Global Ltd has launched a Crypto-as-a-Service product. This will enable regulated banks and financial service companies to offer cryptocurrency trading services to clients.
Diesel emission reduction additives supplier SulNOx Group (SNOX) increased revenues from £18,000 to £34,000 in the year to March 2022. There was £1.07m in cash in the balance sheet, although this fell to £604,000 by the end of June 2022.
Goodbody Health Inc has become Goodbody Health Ltd (GDBY) following the redomicile to Guernsey. Trading commenced in the new entity on Wednesday.
AIM
Rail and events software and services provider Tracsis (LON: TRCS) beat forecasts in the year to July 2022. finnCap has upgraded its earnings forecast from 33.2p a share to 34.5p a share. There was a sharp recovery in the events and traffic data business, while the other businesses continue to grow. Implementations of Tracsis software continue despite the rail strikes. The full year results will be published on 9 November.
Alumasc (ALU) is selling the poorly performing solar shading manufacturer and installer Levolux to Talrus Ltd, which is owned by Rcapital, for £1. Levolux has around £1.4m in cash and that is part of the disposal. There is deferred consideration of £1m which will be paid out of the proceeds of a disposal of the Levolux business. The impairment charge for Levolux will be £14.9m, while the £2m operating loss will be reported as a discontinued activity.
Corporate finance adviser Marechale Capital (MAC) increased pre-tax profit from £246,000 to £2.56m in the year to April 2022. That was mainly down to an increase in the value of investments and warrants. Fundraisings by Future Biogas, which postponed an AIM flotation, Chestnut Group and the Burgh Island Hotel were all at a premium to Marechale’s existing holdings. There was a cash outflow from operating activities of £131,000. NAV increased from £686,000 to £3.63m, or 3.8p a share.
First Property (FPO) has sold a property in Tureni, Romania for £3.05m, which is a book profit of £981,000. That leaves one fully owned property in Romania.
Rockwood Strategic (RKW) is planning to move to the Main Market in order to improve the tax efficiency by converting into an investment trust. The prospectus should be published by 6 September and the AIM cancellation could happen before the end of September.
Aquaculture products supplier Benchmark (BMK) increased third quarter revenues by 28% to £36.3m with a particularly strong performance by the genetics division. Sales of salmon eggs were 39% higher and shrimp sales were 164% ahead from a lower base. Investment in additional capacity in Iceland and the US is beginning to pay off. In the nine months to September 2022, underlying operating profit fell from £7.3m to £5.6m.
Australia-focused explorer Artemis Resources Ltd (ARV) says no significant nickel or copper mineralisation was shown from drilling samples at the Osborne nickel prospect. The approach to exploration will be reassessed. Two drill holes at its Greater Carlow project have not shown any sign of mineralisation, but that was not a surprise. A mineral resource estimate for Greater Carlow is expected in September and new targets have been identified. Two drill holes have been completed at the Apollo target at Paterson Central and it has re-entered a previous hole to drill deeper. This is near to the Greatland Gold (GGP) Havieron project.
Greatland Gold is raising £29.7m at 8.2p a share following Newcrest Mining’s decision not to take up the option to buy a further 5% stake in the Havieron gold project in Western Australia. Greatland Gold retains a 30% stake in Havieron. The price for the 5% stake had been set at $60m and much of that cash was earmarked to pay off loans from Newcrest Mining. The money raised will help to fund Greatland Gold’s share of further drilling and development expenses at Havieron, plus providing cash for other exploration activities in the Paterson region.
Alba Mineral Resources (LON: ALBA) has agreed to acquire the 10% minority interest in the company that owns the Clogau gold mine and plans to dewater the Llechfraith mine shaft. It is also buying back a 3% net smelter return royalty leaving a 1% net smelter royalty and £72,000 of loans held by the vendor. The total cost is £400,000 in the form of 200 million Alba shares at 0.2p each, which was a 25% premium to the closing price. There are also 81.9 million warrants exercisable at 0.4p each.
Haydale Graphene Industries (HAYD) is raising £5m at 2p a share and there is going to be an open offer at the same price that could raise up to £510,000.
Education provider Malvern International (MLVN) is benefiting from a recovery in student numbers following the easing of Covid restrictions. Interim revenues were 60% higher at £2.3m. Pre-booked and delivered revenues mean that full year revenues should be at least £5.3m.
Great Western Mining Corporation (GWMO) assay results for drilling at four prospects in Nevada. Results from the 2022 drill programme will start arriving in September. The drilling was completed under budget.
MAIN MARKET
Motor dealer Lookers (LOOK) generated a 4% increase in interim revenues to £2.23bn with lower used vehicle volumes offset by higher selling prices. Underlying pre-tax profit dipped from £50m to £47.2m, although that was higher than expected. Also, there was £12.7m of government support in the previous period. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to fall from £90.7m to £67m.
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) is delaying the phase I trial of OCT130401 and concentrating on its first programme, OCT461201, where a phase I trial will start in January. This means that cash will last until the fourth quarter of 2023. There should be initial results from the phase I trial before then. Karen Lowe is stepping down as finance director.
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) reported a decline in profit in the first half of 2022 after a sharp fall in diagnostics revenues because of Covid-boosted comparisons. Networking division revenues increased. Ongoing group revenues fell from £64.2m to £57.5m.
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) increased interim revenues by 14% to £139.2m, while pre-tax profit edged up from £8.59m to £8.86m. The growth in profit came from the manufacturing division. The interim dividend is 3% higher at 0.9p a share. Net debt is £9.7m.
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 13 June 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Psych Capital (PSY) floated on Aquis so that it can take advantage of the opportunities in the fast-growing psychedelic medicines sector. Management is seeking to invest in early-stage companies, where it can obtain a significant minority stake. Psych Capital raised £810,000 at 5p a share. Pro forma net assets are £2m. Psych Capital has cash of £872,000 following the flotation. There is an investment in Awakn Life Sciences Corp that was valued at £584,563 at the end of June 2021. The share price is declining, and it has reached C$0.96, valuing the stake at around £260,000 at the current exchange rate. The share price fell to 4p on 9 June before recovering to 4.75p (3.5p/6p). There is limited liquidity in the shares with a free float of around 11%. Fellow Aquis company Oscillate (MUSH) holds a 16.15% shareholding in Psych Capital. Chris Akers has increased his stake in Oscillate from 9.02% to 11.4%. He also has a 4.96% stake in Psych Capital.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) improved interim revenues from £198,000 to £216,000, while recognised fair value gains declined from £1.04m to £297,000. There were 14 investments at the end of the period and net assets were 68.38p a share at the end of February 2022.
Rural Broadband Solutions (RBBS) had 2,851 monthly fee-paying clients by mid-May. There was net cash of £1.2m at the end of 2021 and infrastructure funding is being negotiated.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) reopened its hotel in January and more than 105,000 racegoers have visited the racecourse so far this year. There have benefits from the catering deal with Compass and new media rights arrangement start at the beginning of 2024, which will benefit that financial year. More will be spent on prize money. Newbury is debt free, and a special dividend has been paid out of proceeds from the sale of land for housebuilding. Annual dividends may recommence next year.
Quantum technology investment company Quantum Exponential (QBIT) has made three investments at a total cost of £1.16m since it floated. There are discussions with more potential investments. There has been further progress towards setting up a fund. Anthony Lyall has been appointed as investment manager and Anna Spandl as investment analyst.
Altona Rare Earths (ANR) says that it is on track for a maiden JORC resource statement for the Monte Muambe rare earths project in Mozambique. Four new drilling targets have been identified.
Ananda Developments (ANA) had net liabilities of £288,000 at the end of January 2022. There should be further news concerning the purchase of the other 50% of DJT Plants.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) expects to deploy drill rigs in Queensland in the next few weeks following the rainy season.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) has raised £1m from a 6% unsecured loan note issue, with chief executive Paul Foy subscribing for 50% of the issue. The cash will be spent on hiring staff and marketing.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has commenced drilling at the Wishbone II gold copper project in Northern Queensland.
Chapel Down Group (CDGP) non-exec Jamie Brooke has bought 327,000 shares at 30.48p each. Jonathan Neame has sold 2,000 shares in Shepherd Neame (SHEP) at 806p each.
Oberon Investments has increased its stake in TruSpine Technologies (TSP) from 7.93% to 10.9%.
EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) had a NAV of 307.13p a share at the end of May 2022.
Former Aquis-quoted proton beam therapy provider Rutherford Health is being placed in liquidation. There are Rutherford Cancer Centres in Newport, Reading, Liverpool and Northumberland, plus a community diagnostics centre in Somerset. It is unclear whether there will be any buyers interested in these assets. Schroder UK Public Private Trust (SUPP) bought the remaining Woodford stake at the end of 2019. It was valued in the books at £22.8m, which will be written off. That will reduce NAV by 2p a share.
AIM
Like-for-like sales growth at City Pub Group (CPC) was 5% in May and 20% ahead over the Jubilee Bank Holiday. Management took a decision to minimise price rises so that food and drink is still relatively affordable. Two new sites have been opened with two more opening over the next few weeks.
Learning and development products and services provider Mind Gym (MIND) fell into loss in the year to March 2022. Revenues were 24% ahead at £48.7m with US revenues growing even faster. Repeat revenues from customers that have bought products and services in the past three years were 86% of the total. Overheads are higher as management anticipates future growth in demand. There were also £500,000 of non-recuring costs. The investment in digital products and services will pay off in future years when profit is expected to grow sharply.
Greater demand for foreign exchange helped Ramsdens (RFX) to move back into profit in the first half. Jewellery retail and precious metals buying also grew revenues significantly. There was modest growth in pawnbroking revenues although the growth in the loan book means that there will be a higher rate of increase in the second half. Overall revenues were £29.3m, up from £19.3m, and there was a pre-tax profit of £2.2m.
Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS) improved interim revenues from £63.7m to £80.3m and the order book is 7% higher at £306.7m. Civil engineer Tamdown’s revenues were more than one-quarter higher while utilities connections business TriConnect reported a small increase in revenues. The biggest increase came from the eSmart Networks business, but that is still less than 11% of group revenues. Nexus is on course to improve full year pre-tax profit from £2.5m to £5.7m.
Open Orphan (ORPH) has an order book worth £64.25m at the end of May 2022. Open Orphan secured a £14.7m contract for an influenza characterisation study and a follow-on human challenge study. The second half is expected to be stronger than the first and the clinical trials services provider should move into profit this year.
Electrical goods retailer Marks Electrical (MRK) reported its first full year results since flotation last November. In the year to March 2022, revenues increased 44% to £80.5m. Underlying earnings were 5.01p a share and the maiden final dividend is 0.67p a share. The company is gaining market share in the domestic appliance and televisions markets and revenues have grown by one-fifth in the first couple of months of this financial year. Brand recognition is improving, but the overall market is likely to be tough. Expanding the product range is helping growth.
Interims from Hercules Site Services (HERC) reflect a period of consolidation for the staffing business. In the six months to March 2022, revenues improved from £14m to £20m, while pre-tax profit slumped from £954,000 to £31,000. Overheads were £2m higher in anticipation of growth in the coming years. The large staff supply contract for HS2 started later in the reporting period and demand will continue to grow. More suction excavators are being delivered and utilisation rates are high.
Greenland-focused AEX Gold Inc (AEXG) has signed non-binding terms for the creation of a joint venture with ACAM that will hold the group’s strategic mineral assets. ACAM will invest £18m for a 49% stake and AEX Gold will inject the non-gold assets and cover site support, logistics and overhead costs. There is an agreement to inject a further £10m on a pro rata basis as long as certain milestones are achieved. AEX Gold’s core asset is the 100% interest in the Nalunaq project, which includes a former producing gold mine.
Plant-based polymers developer Itaconix (LSE: ITX) had already warned that due to destocking 2021 revenues would fall from $3.29m to $2.6m, which is still double the 2019 figure. Itaconix remains lossmaking, but revenues should be much higher in 2022 due to the increased number of products using its ingredients. Revenues are expected to jump back to $4.7m and the loss could halve to $1m.
Rockwood Strategic (RKW) has acquired a 8.75% stake in window ventilators and parts manufacturer Titon Holdings (TON).
Northbridge Industrial Services (NBI), which is set to change its name to Crestchic, says that trading at the core power reliability business is better than the recently upgraded expectations. Previously full year earnings of 12.1p a share were forecast and this was raised to 13.4p a share.
STM (STM) pre-tax profit halved to £1.2m in 2021 and it is expected to recover to £2.9m this year. This will be helped by the completion of investment in IT that brings the personal pension businesses onto one platform. A flow of new SIPP business is anticipated.
Coral Products (CRU) has announced a final dividend of 0.2p a share, taking the total for the year to 1.1p a share. At 17.5p, the yield is 6.3%.
Eve Sleep (EVE) is outperforming a market that has fallen by 29% in the UK in the first four months of 2022 and by 37% in France. More funding is required even though Eve Sleep and a US-based investor was interested in bidding for the mattress supplier. Talks have ended but management is considering its options.
MAIN MARKET
Citius Resources (CRES) has an initial agreement for the potential acquisition of AUC Mining, which has the Kamalenge gold project in Uganda. The proposed £2m cost would be paid in shares at 4.625p each. More cash would have to be raised at the same time. Trading in the shares was suspended at 3p.
Standard list shell GS Chain (GSC) shares have reached a new high of 6.55p, having risen steadily since flotation on 13 May via an introduction at 1p a share. Net assets were less than 0.18p a share, so the share price is at a substantial premium.
Premium listed Ross Group (RGP) shares jumped from 1.45p to 1.7p following a placing raising £163,000 at 1.79p a share, which is still a premium to the higher market price. The previous placing in October was at 2.8p a share. Ross Group is effectively a shell that has an investment in an aquaculture business and is trying to develop its supply chain management business.
Andrew Hore