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Quoted Micro 27 May 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Samarkand (SMK) says revenues will be slightly lower than expected – with a decrease of up to 4% – but the ecommerce services provider’s EBITDA will be halved in line with expectations. Owned brands generated 46% of revenues with the decline coming in third party brands. Samarkand has acquired Optimised Energies, which has brands Natures Greatest Secret and BeNatural, for £600,000 in cash and deferred consideration of £700,000. The acquired company made EBITDA of £300,000 last year. Executive directors have lent £400,000 to the company for fund the acquisition.
Aquis-quoted Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) is proposing a tender offer of up to £33.7m at a share price of 5.39p/share. That covers up to 57.9% of the current share capital. The tender price is equivalent to the current NAV since the recovery in Bitcoin and adjusted for potential tax. The tender offer is open until 13 June. The company has available cash of £40.6m. Phoenix Digital Assets also has 17.4 million shares in Flex Labs Inc (FLEX) after it acquired AI software company IO+ PTE, for 110 million shares in total. Supernova Digital Assets received 771,930 shares in Flex Labs.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) improved 2023 sales 3% to £66.3m, but the pre-tax loss increased from £2.3m to £4m. Net debt was £15.9m at the end of 2023 and there is still some headroom in the loan facility despite the review of how to finance the long-term future of the company. Off trade volumes were 14% higher. First quarter group sales were 11% ahead. Cost pressures are easing.
Flow battery technology developer Invinity Energy Systems (IES) raised £56m at 23p/share via a placing with £25m committed by the UK Infrastructure Bank and £3m from Korean Investment Partners. The open offer raised an additional £1.38m out of the £6.6m of shares that were on offer.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) says trading is in line with expectations, although loan growth has been minimal. Specialist lending has been growing faster.
Metals One (MET1) has terminated the farm-in agreement with Gunsynd (GUN).
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) reduced the outflow from operating activities from £306,000 to £144,000. The NAV of the fund of funds company improved from 97.31p/share to 113.33p/share. That was helped by an unrealised gain of £297,000.
Paul Ryan has sold his 3.9% stake in Mortgage Chat (MCAI). Non-exec CP Freeman bought 500 shares in Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) at 948p each.
AIM
Telecoms testing equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) reported 2023-24 revenues two-fifths lower at £16.3m and it fell into loss. The final dividend was maintained at 0.62p/share. The telecoms market remains subdued, and Calnex Solutions is moving into new markets, such as defence. The distribution agreement with Spirent ends in July, but management is advanced with its plans to replace this source of income. Net cash declined to £11.9m because of higher inventory levels and capitalised R&D. A return to profit is expected this year and the cash level should be maintained.
Automotive interior components supplier CT Automotive (CTA) returned to profit in 2023, while net debt was reduced to $3.8m. Liberum expects underlying pre-tax profit to improve from $8.3m to $10.2m in 2024, even though revenues are forecast to decline. Improved efficiency is helping to boost margins. The Mexico factory is operating at 50% of capacity so there should be further improvement as this figure increases.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) has sold its Nordic operations to management – including Bigblu Broadband chief executive Andrew Walwyn who is stepping down – at an enterprise value of £1.3m. There could be contingent consideration. Finance director Frank Waters becomes chief executive. The disposal leaves operations in Australia, which could be sold or floated on the ASX, and a stake in Quickline. Cavendish forecasts a 2023-24 pre-tax profit of £3m.
Coatings company Hardide (HDD) has appointed Matt Hamblin as the new chief executive, who has been a non-exec and previously ran a similar coatings business. The interim figures had been flagged. The pre-tax loss increased to £960,000. Lower depreciation means that the full year loss will not be as high as originally thought and it could be similar to the interim loss. Hardide has been EBITDA positive for the past two months. There is cash of £700,000 in the bank.
Another strong trading statement from Kinovo (KINO) with profit and cash ahead of expectations. The property services provider says 2023-24 revenues were £64.1m and net cash is £400,000The pre-tax profit estimate has been raised from £5.8m to £6.1m. Next year’s profit forecast has been raised from £6.3m to £6.6m. Most of the costs relating to the guarantee for DCB have been paid.
Energy and water efficiency services provider Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) reported 2023-24 results in line with the trading statement earlier in the year. The business moved from a pre-tax profit of £10.1m to a £6m loss because local government contracts were delayed. Cost savings have been put in place and additional work has been won so Eneraqua Technologies could move back into profit this year. A change of government could lead to additional incentives for energy saving projects.
Education software and services provider Tribal Group (TRB) has finally reached a settlement with Nanyang Technological University. This dispute has been hanging over the business for years. Tribal Group will pay £3.1m over 18 months. A further exceptional charge for the dispute will be taken in the first half of 2024.
MRI device developer Polarean Imaging (POLX) launched a heavily discounted placing, subscription and open offer. The placing and subscription raised £8m at 1p/share with £2m of that invested by NUKEM Isotopes and £1.6m by Bracco – both existing investors. Up to £2m could be raised from an open offer. The cash is being used to accelerate commercialisation of the XENOVIEW technology and further development.
Pennant International (PEN) has raised £1.51m at 25p/share. The training and software products supplier is trading in line with expectations, but order conversion has been slower than anticipated. The cash will fund the development and integrations of software products.
Watkin Jones (WJG) returned to profit in the first half to March 2024. The student accommodation and rental property developer generated an improvement in revenues from £153.9m to £175.1m. There is no dividend as cash is conserved. Borrowings have been reduced and net cash is £44m.
B90 Holdings (B90), which provides online marketing services to the gaming sector, says Oddsen.nu, an affiliate that is part of the group, has secured fixed listing fee marketing agreements that will generate income of €200,000 during 2024. There could be additional income on top of this based on marketing performance.
Scientific instruments manufacturer Judges Scientific (JDG) says that there is unlikely to be a material revenues contribution from coring contracts at the Geotek subsidiary. The potential contract is unlikely to commence until near to the end of 2024 and then make a significant contribution in 2025. Trading is subdued against tough comparators. WH Ireland still expects a full year pre-tax profit of £33.8m, although that assumes a stronger second half.
Secure payments company PCI-Pal (PCIP) has been successful in the Court of Appeal for the unfounded case brought by Sycurio against its patents. This means that £1.1m of cash should be released from escrow. The finding upheld the original court judgment. PCI-Pal will seeking further costs. The full ruling will become available in a few days.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) expects 2023-24 revenues to be £140m, which is a like-for-like reduction of 12%. Last November, Rock & Alluvium was acquired, and its volumes are 30% higher than pre-acquisition. Housing and infrastructure sectors are expected to recover and a move into energy transmission will help the overall improvement for the business. The order book was worth £36.8m at the end of March 2024. Net cash is £5.5m.
Healthcare communications technology developer Feedback (FDBK) says delays in the NHS procurement process means that 2023-24 revenues will be lower than expected at £1.2m. Management hopes that the contracts will be secured in 2024-25. There was still £4.3m in the bank at the end of April 2024.
Chamberlin (CMH) has been placed in administration. Coal miner Bens Creek (BEN) has also gone into administration.
Victorian Plumbing (VIC) has acquired rival Victoria Plum for £22.5m. The business had been in administration and costs are already being reduced, so it should break even in the second half.
MAIN MARKET
James Gundy, chief executive of shipbroker Braemar (BMS), bought 6,600 shares at 290.5p/share following the full year results. Pre-tax profit fell from £18m to £14.6m on maintained revenues. The total dividend was raised from 12p/share to 13p/share. The new financial year started with an order book of $82.6m.
Power products supplier XP Power (XPP) received an indicative bid approach at £19.50/share. XP Power has rejected the proposal by Nasdaq-listed Advanced Energy Industries.
Admiral Acquisition (ADMR) has agreed to buy critical asset integrity and testing services provider Acuren for $1.85bn from American Securities. The business generates EBITDA of $190m.
Associated British Engineering (ASBE) had net assets of £391,000 at the end of March 2024, including cash of £419,000.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 15 April 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Voyager Life (VOY) has terminated its merger with Northern Leaf following a decline in its share price making it difficult to fund the transaction. The cannabis products supplier says that there are other potential partners. Additional finance is required to automate production.
Supernova Digital (SOL) says NAV was 0.36p/share on 3 April 2024. A tender offer is planned when there are additional liquid funds. Director Nicholas Lyth bought two million shares at 0.19p each.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has sold shares in Computer Application Services for £257,000 and it retains a 28.9% stake.
Marula Mining (MARU) issued 2.8 million shares to pay for its stakes in the Nyoriinyori and NyoriGreen graphite projects The total consideration is £350,000. This follows assay results that confirm high-grade and broad graphite mineralisation on each of the projects. Marula Mining is also about to start supplying columbite-tantalite and feldspar from the Blesberg mine in South Africa to Fujax UK.
Substrate AI (SAI) is forecasting 2024 revenues of $20.6m and pre-tax profit of $1m. This is due to organic growth.
Business assurance provider Adsure Services (ADS) has announced a maiden dividend of 0.49p/share and the shares go ex-dividend on 18 April. Trading has been strong in the second half.
KR1 (KR1) has announced a general meeting on 29 April to seek authority to acquire up to 14.9% of its share capital.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has raised £60,000 at 5p/share. This is on top of the £552,000 raised earlier in the year. Inqo Investments (INQO) raised £1.3m at 70p/share. Dermatological technology developer Incanthera (INC) raised £174,000 from the exercise of warrants at 10p. Crushmetric (CUSH) placed shares raising £54,000 at 12.5p each.
Valereum (VLRM) has appointed Stanford Capital Partners as broker. Spirits company Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has appointed New York-based MD Global Partners as joint broker.
Rikki Devlin has increased his stake in Oscillate (MUSH) from 3.04% to 4.21%. Michael Prior sold 645 shares in brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) at 695p each.
AIM
Self-storage operator Lok’nStore (LOK) has agreed a 1,100p/share cash bid from Belgium-based Shurgard Self Storage. That values the company at £370m. The share price has risen above the level of the bid.
Churchill China (CHH) still managed to increase its profit in 2023 even though the third quarter trading was weak, and revenues fell. Europe was the bright spot, with growth in ceramics sales to hospitality customers in the main markets. The UK was flat, and the rest of the world sales were lower. The dividend has been raised from 31.5p/share to 36p/share. Capital investment will improve efficiency and margins. Investec forecasts flat 2024 pre-tax profit of £10.8m and that assumes an upturn in the UK.
There were no additional negatives in the Bango (BGO) 2023 figures following its disappointing trading statement earlier in the year. In fact, the previously announced foreign exchange loss was not taken through the income statement. Revenues grew from $28.5m to $46.1m with a full contribution from DOCOMO. The reported loss jumped from $4.8m to $10.2m. The NewDeep joint venture is being wound down so that stop the losses from it, while the technology can be used in the core business. Net debt is $3.9m. Capex continues at a high level and there is an unused overdraft facility of £3m that can be used. First quarter revenues are up by one-fifth and cost savings will help Bango achieve the anticipated move into profit this year. Annualised recurring revenues are $11m.
CleanTech Lithium (CTL) chief executive Aldo Boitano has resigned, although he will be a consultant, and Steve Kesler has taken over on an interim basis. This follows the revelation he entered into a loan agreement with his shareholding in the company as security in August 2023, but this was not revealed at the time. He transferred his 9.4 million shares to a custodian account nominated by the lender. It is unclear if any of the shares have been sold.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) says trading continues to outperform expectations. First quarter sales are 28% higher at £23.5m. This has been achieved by adding stores and broadening the range and there has been no price rise since early 2022. Margins have also improved. Shore believes that its current pre-tax profit forecast of £19.1m for 2024 is likely to be 10% too low. The broker will not upgrade its forecast until the 2023 results are published on 24 April.
Coal miner Bens Creek (BEN) is laying off workers at its mine in West Verginia, which will be operated on a care and maintenance basis. There are 44 employees being laid off and that is described as “a substantial number” of the employees at the mine. Management is in discussions with largest shareholder and offtake partner Avani Resources to provide further finance. Earlier in the week, the company said it had secured a one-off sale of 20,000 tons of coal to Avani Resources for $1.2m, of which $1m has been received in advance of delivery. This is lower quality coal, and the deal is separate to the offtake agreement. This did not prove enough to alleviate the poor financial position of the US-based metallurgical coal miner.
European Green Transition (EGT) is seeking to build up a portfolio of mining and processing projects that can help to progress the move to cleaner energy in Europe. There is potential for grant income from the EU for European critical minerals assets, as well as looking at non-dilutive ways of raising money for individual projects. A placing and offer raised £6.46m at 10p/share. Trading commenced on 8 April. The share price ended the week at 12p. Pro forma net assets are £7.29m, which includes cash of £5.95m. The Olserum rare earth element project in Sweden is the core asset.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has acquired the Sylvanite gold tailings project in Ontario. This is a former producing mine, and it is near to the previous tailings investment the Teck-Hughes gold tailings project. There are plans to create a tailings hub. The historic tailings resource estimate at Sylvanite is 67,051 ounces.
First quarter revenues at carbon brake technology developer Surface Transforms (SCE) were £3m, which was lower than target. However, production yields improved in March when revenues were £1.5m. Revised delivery schedules have been agreed. Cavendish has raised its 2024 forecast loss to £3m because of higher scrappage costs and there are likely to be higher working capital requirements. There should still be net cash at the end of 2024.
Drug developer e-therapeutics (ETX) is raising £28.9m at 15p/share from M and G and Richard Griffiths. It is also the latest company to decide to leave AIM. In the future, a Nasdaq listing may be possible.
Active Energy Group (AEG) has been reviewing its operations and how to secure funding. It believes it cannot raise the cash it requires to construct a CoalSwitch biomass fuel plant and commence production. A buyer is being sought for the CoalSwitch assets. If that happens, then the company would become a shell.
Oracle Power (ORCP) has secured an option to acquire 100% of the Blue Rock Valley copper and silver project in Western Australia. The option cost £30,000 in shares. If the option is exercised there will be 913.2 million shares issued – valued at £200,000.
Weak third quarter demand at castings company Chamberlin (CMH) hit profitability. Some new programmes were delayed, and other demand was lower than forecast. The renewable offshore energy sector remained strong. There has been some recovery in the fourth quarter and costs are being reduced. Prices increases have been made.
Harvest Minerals (HMI) has made a rare earth elements discovery at its Arapua fertiliser project in Brazil. Rock samples analysis shows rare earth elements and further work will be done to firm up the opportunity by assessing previous drilling. There has been a better start to the year for sales of fertiliser.
Contract research and infectious disease study services provider hVIVO (HVO) reported 2023 results broadly in line with the trading statement. The order book covers 90% of the forecast revenues of £62m, with a strong first half expected.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) reported fourth quarter trading showing 4.8% year-on-year growth in revenues to £13.2m with the decline in ecommerce revenues slowing. Like-for-like growth was 1.5% ahead. Full year revenues were flat at £62.6m, although retail revenues were 9% higher. Net debt is £700,000.
Critical Metals (CRTM) has issued £1.6m of convertible loan notes. This will help to finance the road to the Molulu copper cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of Congo and fund initial drilling to establish a JORC resource. Management is also near to securing an $11m loan guaranteed by the US government. This will fund construction of the mine and leave additional cash for investment in other projects. Production at Molulu could start before the end of this year. The plan is to produce 10,000 tonnes of copper each month.
Standard list shell Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) had £661,000 in the bank at the end of 2023. It raised £1m in April 2022. The company is still seeking an acquisition in the renewable energy sector.
Narf Industries (NARF) has won a $500,000 cybersecurity contract with the US Department of Energy. This is part of a project to strengthen the resilience of energy infrastructure.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 26 February 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Music manager and promoter All Things Considered (ATC) has raised £2.3m at 105p/share. The company raised £4.15m at 153p/share when it joined Aquis in December 2021. The latest proceeds will be used to develop the artist representation and direct to consumer divisions, plus fund acquisitions. A potential artist management company acquisition has been identified. A new festival is being developed.
Trading was in line with expectations at Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB). Shore Capital believes the recovery in profitability due to higher interest charges has broadly already happened. Even so, the broker believes that the current valuation is undemanding.
Visum Technologies (VIS) is planning to acquire Socrates Imaging for Euro2m in cash and shares. Visum has exclusivity until the end of March 2024. Socrates Imaging has developed photo and video capture souvenirs. A final agreement needs to be made and shareholders have to agree to the purchase.
US focused lender Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) generated revenues of £441,000 and pre-tax profit of £268,000 in the six months to November 2023. Cash was £659,000. Consumer lending operations could start in the UK in 2025.
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) reported flat annual revenues of £4.4m, while pre-tax profit fell from £445,000 to £310,000 due to higher cost of sales. Cash is £1.63m. a lower dividend of 12p/share has been announced. Management is trying to secure more direct bookings.
Inteliqo (IQO) has launched the full Langaroo app on Google Play and the App store. Langaroo enables users to understand, speak, message and share information in 130 languages.
Coinsilium (COIN) will be providing global trade exchange platform LC Lite, which has been acquired by Incomlend. Coinsilium will advise on project token economics ahead of a launch later this year. Fees are paid in cryptocurrencies.
Valereum (VLRM) is getting near to completing a blockchain-based digital financial markets infrastructure and this should happen this year. After phase 1 is launched there will be further phases developing on-chain Centralised Securities Depositary. Investment company VLRM Capital will invest in principal trading of equities and cryptocurrencies, as well as staking digital assets. The first fund should be launched by the summer. Valereum chairman James Formoli will provide seed capital of £500,000 to the investment vehicle. Valereum itself wants to raise up to £4m and firm commitments have been received for £2.5m at 6p/share.
Phoenix Digital (PNIX) director Nicholas Lyth bought 1.26 million shares at 3.1p each.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has submitted additional documentation to the FDA for the 510(k) application for its Cervi-LOK medical device product. A shareholder requisition notice has been deemed to be invalid.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has raised £552,000 at 5p/share. The cash will further develop technology and fund a feasibility study for use in the mining sector. Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has issued 7.2 million shares to a service provider for services over a 12-month period.
PanGenomic Health (NARA) intends to withdraw from the Aquis Stock Exchange.
AIM
Safety and compliance services provider Marlowe (MRL) is selling part of its governance, risk and compliance software and service business to Inflexion for an enterprise value of £430m. That will pay off debt and enable £150m plus to be paid to shareholders. That could leave £60m of cash in the business. This could fund acquisitions in the remaining business areas of testing, inspection and certification, and occupational health. Marlowe chief executive Alex Dacre is leaving with the disposal.
Horizonte Minerals (HZM) estimates that it will cost $454m to complete construction and deliver first metal at the Araguaia nickel project. This means that the estimate of overall cost is currently 87% higher than before at $1bn. The company is in talks with shareholders and lenders to secure full funding in the second quarter of 2024. The increased investment requirement means that existing debt facilities will have to be restructured. Short-term funding will be required will the discussions continue. Heikon Investments slashed its shareholding from 7.99% to 0.33%.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) is making progress with Accrufer iron deficiency treatment sales, but a third party overstated the number of prescriptions in 2023. There would have been 90,500 on the previous methodology, which was lower than expected, but the revised figure is 77,000. Year-end cash was $13.9m. Costs are being controlled, but there is no guarantee that there is enough cash to reach breakeven. Shield Therapeutics expects to be cash flow positive in the second half of 2025 instead of later this year.
Electric drivetrain developer Saietta Group (SED) it needs more cash by the end of March, or it will have to find a bidder and that made it the top faller on AIM for the second week in a row. Cash payments have been delayed.
Retail and promotional business Spaceandpeople (SAL) did slightly better than expected in 2023 with revenue of £5.8m, up from £4.7m. The company has changed its revenue recognition policy in the UK and revenues will be recognised on a net rather than gross basis. Without the change the 2023 revenues would have been more than £6.5m. The German business is recovering, and its revenues will still be recognised on a gross basis. There is no change to pre-tax profit – £90,000 is forecast.
Fertiliser producer Harvest Minerals (LON: HMI) says 2023 orders totalled 34,880 tonnes and 28,707 tonnes were invoiced and cash received for 27,024 tonnes. The 2024 orders have reached 7,067 tonnes. Management believe that orders could reach 70,000 tonnes this year, even though the market remains difficult. There was $630,000 in the bank at the end of 2023.
Frasers Group has acquired a 8.9% stake in models and collectibles supplier Hornby (HRN).
Empire Metals (EEE) is focusing on the Pitfield titanium project and is not extending the Gindalbie tribute agreement.
Chamberlin (CMH) has sold its profitable Petrel business for £3m and an exceptional gain of £2m. The cash will be invested in its foundry and machining business. There is £250,00 deferred until repairs are undertaken for the facility that is being sub-let to the purchaser by Chamberlin.
RBG Holdings (RBGP) has raised £2.8m at 9p/share, compared with a market price of 9.25p. This will provide a more solid base from which to grow the remaining legal services and M&A business. New legal partners have been recruited to grow the core operations. There is a £24m HSBC facility, but there will be increased headroom after the cash call. There is enough cash for at least 12 months. It is possible that M&A adviser Convex Capital will be sold to its management.
MAIN MARKET
Aquila Services Group (AQSG) intends to leave the standard list. The housing consultancy business reversed into shell company General Industries in August 2015. The share price is well below the level it was at the time of that deal. Management says that it has missed out on chances to acquire businesses because of a lack of liquidity in the shares. Leaving will save £100,000/year.
Newtyn Management has reduced its stake in Pinewood Technologies (PINE) from 10% to 8.56%. Chief executive William Berman sold 1.46 million shares at 34.85p each.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 22 February 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
British Honey Company (BHC) is acquiring Union Distillers for an initial £8m in cash and shares. Leicestershire-based Union Distillers has been trading for more than eight years and has its own still and bonded warehouse. There is a range of gins, vodkas, a spiced rum, an absinthe and an espresso vodka liqueur under the Two Birds brand. There could be up to £2m of earn-out consideration payable in cash and shares depending on the target revenues from the Union products. A share issue raised £4.59m at 110p a share, while a convertible loan note issue added a further £1.63m. Union has £250,000 in cash. The deal should be earnings enhancing and cash generative. In the year to September 2020, Union generated revenues of £4.94m and pre-tax profit £1.13m. NAV was £1.52m.
National Milk Records (NMRP) reported flat interim revenues of £10.8m, but pre-tax profit increased by one-quarter to £500,000. Net debt was reduced to £1.1m despite investment in a genomics lab. An unchanged dividend of 1.25p a share will be paid. The outlook is positive for the dairy sector with UK milk prices expected to be maintained at current levels. Finance director Mark Frankcom has bought 9,974 shares at 101.75p each.
Imperial X (IMPP) is making four acquisitions and continues to move towards a standard listing. The purchases involve the issue of 245.6 million shares. Cloudbreak Discovery Corp, Howson Ventures Inc and Cabox Gold Corp are all being acquired, and certain assets of Anglo African Minerals are being bought. Imperial X has a £10m drawdown agreement with Crescita Capital. This lasts for three years.
Upper Thames Holdings (UPPT) is not going ahead with the proposed acquisition of Sweden-based mobile camera systems technology company Ridercam. Instead, the focus will be on blockchain and the linking of conventional currencies with cryptocurrencies. A placing has raised £516,000 at 1p a share. Peterhouse has been appointed as corporate adviser.
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) fell into loss last year as revenues slumped by two-fifths. The hotel has been closed or under restrictions for the period since the year end in October 2020. There is £1.03m in the bank and the NAV is £3.3m.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has bought a 75.1% stake in Ohso Chocolate for £295,000 in shares at 9p each. The remaining 24.9% stake in Ohso could be sold for nearly 1.1 million shares. Ohso is a probiotic chocolate supplier and it generated revenues of £311,000 during 2020. The S-Ventures chief executive and finance director owned 50.6% in Ohso.
World High Life (LIFE) is changing its name to Love Hemp. A general meeting will be held on 11 March. In the first half, revenues were £2.36m and second quarter revenues were nearly double those in the first quarter, although the gross margin fell. A debt of £2.15m has been settled by the issue of 86.1 million shares.
Sativa Wellness Inc (SWEL) has submitted a novel food application for validation by the Food Standards Agency. This covers a range of CBD products.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has identified new gold targets at the Red Setter project in Western Australia. The magnetic survey has discovered targets that are shallower than previously.
Ananda Investments (ANA) has raised £300,000 from two investors. This will finance the first phase of the medicinal cannabis growing facility in Lincolnshire. Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised a further £330,000 at 4p a share.
AIM
Avacta (AVCT) is starting its first clinical study. This is a phase I study for AVA6000, developed from the pre|CISION platform. This is a treatment for solid tumours, including those for bladder, pancreatic, colorectal and breast cancer. The trial will assess safety and dosage levels. Early data could be published before the end of the year.
Transense Technologies (TRT) should move into profit next year as it receives a full year of royalties following the sale of the iTrack business to Bridgestone. In the year to June 2020, there was a £1.3m loss and this year there could be a much-reduced loss this year. Once Bridgestone has built up iTrack sales the royalties will cover group overheads. This will enable Transense to invest in its surface acoustic wave technology and Translogik tyre probes. A 2021-22 pre-tax profit of £357,000 is forecast.
Strong underlying growth in the mobile division helped Blannco Technology (BLTG) to maintain interim revenues at £17.4m. The previous year included £1.4m of one-off contract income. The fastest growth is in Asia Pacific. The prospects for data erasure operations are good and new partners have been signed up. Data erasure is particularly important while remote working is a major factor in companies.
Chamberlin (CMH) is getting a cash injection from Trevor Brown. The £200,000 loan will, subject to shareholder approval, be converted into shares at 6p each and Brown will have a 29.5% stake. The Scunthorpe foundry is busy and profitable, but management is still trying to win work for the Walsall foundry.
Duke Royalty (DUKE) has secured a new client involved in steel fabrication. There is a £6.2m royalty financing agreement with Meteor HoldCo, which makes steel street lighting and guardrail products.
Telecoms testing systems supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) says some revenues appear to have been brought forward into 2020-21 and therefore the full year revenues and profit will be ahead of expectations.
Trans-Siberian Gold (TSG) has published details of the Rodnikova project scoping study, which suggests a potential 14-year life for the project. The JORC resource is 6.3Mt at an average grade of 5g/t gold. Post tax NPV10 is $177.6m – based on $1,600/ounce gold price.
MAIN MARKET
Israel-based cannabis-based products supplier Kanabo Research has completed its reversal into standard list shell Spinnaker Opportunities to form Kanabo Group (KNB) two years after the deal was announced. The value of the deal was £15m in shares and the company also raised £6m at a share price of 6.5p. Kanabo was valued at £23.4m when it was admitted to trading. The share price has risen to 31p – having at one point reached 50.75p – and that values Kanabo at £111.7m. One of the investors in Kanabo is AIM-quoted Vela Technologies (VELA) and it invested £150,000 at 6.5p a share.
MGC Pharmaceuticals (MXC) has expanded its research programme into the use of cannabinoids to treat aggressive glioblastoma brain cancer. The expanded study includes the use of a nanoparticle delivery system. MGC has also secured a three-year distribution agreement with Swiss PharmaCan for its product ArtemiC Rescue as a food supplement. The minimum order quantity is 40,000 units per quarter, which has a retail value of $3.4m.
Path Investments (PATH) is not going ahead with the purchase of DT Ultravert from two vendors including Zoetic International (ZOE) following concerns during the preparation of the potential prospectus. Path has raised £3.5m at 0.25p a share.
Rare earths explorer Pensana (PRE) is dropping its listing on the ASX.
Papillon Holdings (PPHP) has submitted a prospectus to the FCA for the proposed reverse takeover of the Kilimapesa gold project.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 31 December 2018
NEX EXCHANGE
China-based Gamfook Jewellery (GAMF) joined NEX on 24 December. The online retailer of customised jewellery was introduced at 15p a share, and the shares ended the first week at 15.5p (14p/17p). That values Gamfook at £15.5m. Executive chairman Jindian Lin and his wife own 72.8% of Gamfook. A dividend based on 28% of profit attributable to shareholders is promised.
Part of the £407,000 Sanderson Capital Partners loan to Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has been converted into shares. The conversion of £258,500 was done at 0.1247p a share.
Milamber Ventures (MLVP) reported an increased interim loss of £343,000, up from £263,000. There were net liabilities at the end of September 2018, but the balance sheet has been improved by the issue of shares for cash and to pay off creditors. Problems at apprenticeship training company Eseential Learning are being sorted out.
PCG Entertainment (PCGE) had $913,000 in the bank and shareholders’ funds of £1.02m at the end of September 2018. There was a cash outflow from operations of £817,000 in the six month period to September 2018.
A subsidiary of Lombard Capital (LCAP) is issuing two bonds. The first is a 4% bond, raising up to £50m and expiring at the end of January 2022, and the other is a 4.5% bond, raising up to £90m and expiring at the end of January 2024. It is intended that both bonds should be lised on a recognised exchange.
AIM
For a change the last major announcement of the year is a positive one. Gordon Dadds (GOR) has completed the acquisition of international law firm Ince UK and it will trade as Ince Gordon Dadds. Trading in the shares recommences on 2 January. The deal will cost £27.3m over four years, plus options over three million shares, and the combined group generated fees of £30.5m in the year to April 2018. The deal should be earnings enhancing in the current financial year.
Earthport (EPO) is recommending a 30p a share bid from Visa Inc. This values the payments technology company at £198m. The bid is 50% higher than the 20p a share placing price in October 2017, but lower than the 40.85p a share placing price in September 2014.
Chamberlin (CMH) improved its trading in the first half and the cash from the sale of the Exidor business has improved its balance sheet. The foundries business moved back into profit in the first half as demand continues to increase for turbo charger housings, which are used for hybrid cars as wells as conventinal ones. The company’s debt has been reduced from £10.5m at the end of September 2018 to £3.7m. The pension deficit has been cut from £4m in the last balance sheet to £1.5m.
Facilities management and security services provider Mortice Ltd (MORT) increased its interim revenues by 10% to $116.7m. Underlying pre-tax profit was 5% ahead at $2.3m. Net debt was $20.1m at the end of September 2018.
TUS International has published a circular for a general meeting in January in order to gain shareholder approval for the acquisition of the Telit Communications (TCM) automotive business, whose reorganisation is near completion.
In the six months to September 2018, Stanley Gibbons (SGI) continues to lose money although costs have been reduced. Revenues fell from £7.14m to £5.03m. Coins and medals are the part of the business still making a profit. The overall loss has been reduced from £2.93m to £2.37m.
The People’s Operator (TPOP) does not expect to appoint a new nominated adviser and the share placing with the owner of LycaMobile has been pulled. The investment of £1.3m in shares (29.9%) and convertible loan notes will not go ahead but the potential investor is considering its options. The AIM quotation will be cancelled on 3 January.
TSX-V quoted PetroTal Corp (PTAL) has gained an AIM quotation. The Peru-focused oil producer is developing its interests at Bretana and growing near-term production.
IT compliance and security services provider GRC International (GRC) increased its interim revenues by 54% to £8.91m, thanks to a boost from GDPR, but it moved from a pre-tax profit of £614,000 to a loss of £2.18m. There was additional investment following the flotation of the company in March. Cash is running out and an overdraft and a loan facility have been secured.
Gaming technology developer Nektan (NKTN) is raising £1.5m at 15p a share, although not all the shares will be issued until the company gets shareholder approval at the AGM on 7 February, and it will generate £2m from the sale of 57.5 of US subsidiary Respin. There are also plans to restructure the conversion terms of loan notes and a shareholder loan. These proposals are dependent on each other going ahead and on the successful negotiation with the HMRC over the payment terms for £2.9m of UK point of consumption tax. There was £1.4m in cash at the end of June 2018, which is similar to the cash outflow from operations in the preceeding 12 months.
Functional food ingredients developer Provexis (PXS) improved interim revenues from £124,000 to £194,000. The company’s Fruitiflow products are being more widely sold and the prospects for the deal with BY-HEALTH in China are positive. Pro forma cash was £556,000.
Veltyco Group (VLTY) is going to launch its own regulated financial trading brand in the first quarter of 2019, although this depnds on regulatory approval.
Oil and gas explorer and producer Cabot Energy (CAB) says that it is still trying to raise cash via a share issue and it would be at a large discount to the current share price. The cash needs to bre raised by the end of January in order to pay overdue creditors and provide working capital.
Building materials sector consolidator SigmaRoc (SRC) has announced its plans to redeem its £10m of 6% convertible loan notes. SigmaRoc is offering 105p for each 100p loan note, plus 0.378p a note in interest payments. The last acceptance date for the tender is 16 January.
Mobile commerce services provider Bango (BGO) will be loss-making in 2018, although there was an EBITDA in the fourth quarter. End user spend more than doubled to £550m. There should be £3.5m in the bank at the end of 2018.
WANdisco (WAND) has secured a three-year agreement with an American healthcare company worth £700,000. The deal involves WANdisco Fusion and comes via the sales partnership with IBM.
Paracale Gold is providing a loan of up to $1.224m to Goldstone Resources (GRL) to finance the development of the Akrokeri-Homase project in Ghana. This mine could be in production in 2020. Paracale will receive 40.35 million warrants exercisable at 1.2p a share, which replace existing warrants.
Mobile payments technology provider MobilityOne Ltd (MBO) has secured an agency and reseller agreement with MBP Solutions for the company’s products in Malaysia.
In the six months to September 2018, Vast Resources (VAST) reported a 8% increase in gold production to 13,352 ounes at the Pickstone-Peerless gold mine in Zimbabwe. There was a 61% increase in copper concentrate produced to 1,526 tonnes at the Manaila polymetallic mine and zinc concentrate produced has nearly doubled to 199 tonnes. Revenues increased from $14.9m to $21.9m. There was still a cash outflow from operations of $1.79m.
Michael Principe and Greg Genske have resigned from the board of TLA Worldwide (TLA) following the sale of its core US business. The agreement with SunTrust Bank to defer capital and interest payments has been extended to 31 January.
Phoenix Global Mining (PGM) has raised £358,000 at 28p a share. There is a warrant exercisable at 28p, lasting until the end of 2021, with every four new shares. The cash will be invested in the Empire copper, gold, silver, zinc and tungsten mine in Idaho, where news of the most recent drilling is expected. A new resource statement will be prepared and additional acreage acquired.
Urban Exposure (UEX) had committed new lending of £522m during 2018. It has secured a £165m loan facility for its joint venture with KKR, as well as a £32.8m loan from Aviva for a single transaction by the joint venture.
MAIN MARKET
Nanoco (NANO) has achieved the third milestone in its cadmium-free quantum dots technology development and supply agreement with a US customer and triggered a £1.6m. This is the final milestone of three and they have generated £4.2m.
Robin Boyle has requisitioned a general meeting at Athelney Trust (ATY) in order to get himself reappointed. He also wants David Lawman and Paul Coffin to be appointed and the three existing directors, Dr Emmanuel Pohl, Simon Moore and Jemma Jackson, to be removed. The other two resolutions are to terminate Jason Pohl as alternate director and any other director appointed by the time of the general meeting on 22 January.
Standard list shell Stranger Holdings (STHP) is still awaiting UKLA approval for its proposed reverse takeover of waste energy technology developer Alchemy, which was announced in August 2017. Management is hopeful that the deal could go ahead by the end of the first quarter of 2019. Stranger had net liabilities of £435,000 at the end of September 2018.
Dukemount Capital (DKE) has forward-funded and pre-sold its first development at West Derby to a fund managed by Alpha Real Capital. Dukemunt will receive £570,000 for the site and the total funding package for the development will be £3m. The development involves demolishing the existing building and constructing 17 supported living appartments and retail space. Dukemount continues to manage and develop the project on behalf of the supported living housing association that has taken a 50-year lease.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 29 May 2017
NEX EXCHANGE
Crossword Cybersecurity (CCS) has taken advantage of the high profile of cyber security to raise cash at a premium to the market price. Crossword raised £145,000 at 230p a share. The current mid-price is 195p a share and the most recent trade was at 197p a share last September. Brenlen Jinkens took up 50% of the new shares and he has 5.13% of the company.
Wheelsure Holdings (WHLP) reported a dip in interim revenues due to the lack of funding so the planned £500,000 fundraising should enhance progress. In the six months to February 2017, the loss increased from £126,000 to £159,000 as revenues fell from £133,000 to £94,000.
Mechan Controls (MECP) improved its underlying 2016 operating profit from £518,000 to £594,000 on revenues that were 5% ahead at £4m but there have been significant changes since last year. Nirvana is the only subsidiary left. At the end of 2016, there was £829,000 in the bank and the NAV was £2.41m. Mechan is paying a final dividend of 2.27p a share and the shares go ex-dividend on 1 June. Once all the operations are sold money will be returned to shareholders.
Secured Property Developments (SPD) had cash in the bank of £341,000 and an NAV of £689,000 at the end of 2016. The company is valued at a 47% discount to NAV.
Social housing finance provider Queros Capital Partners (QCP) has raised an additional £875,000 by issuing 8% unsecured bonds 2025. That takes the bonds in issue to £3.5m – from 19 separate placings. So far, short-term bridging loans have generated income to fund the interest payments on the bonds. Longer-term, there are plans to acquire social housing properties.
Blockchain technology company investor Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) says that investee company RSK Labs has raised $3.5m. Coinsilium retains the right to 1% of RSK via a convertible. RSK has developed a sidechain to the Bitcoin that enables smart contracts. There could eventually be scope to handle more than 20,000 transactions per second but that requires the additional investment.
NQ Minerals (NQMI) has raised £751,000 at 0.3p a share. Colin Sutherland has been appointed as finance director.
AIM
Enterprise software provider Sanderson (SND) is growing strongly but the cost of investment in the business will hold back short-term profit. The digital retail division is growing fastest but its operating profit was flat as management investors in order to maintain the strong growth rate. In the six months to March 2017, revenues were 10% higher at £10.9m and operating profit was 5% ahead at £1.55m. There was net cash of £4.51m and the dividend was increased by 10% to 1.1p a share.
Software supplier Cerillion (CER) continues to grow its revenues as it starts to build its customer base outside the mobile sector. In the six months to January 2017, revenues were 10% ahead at £7.5m and underlying profit was nearly one-third higher at £900,000. Orders worth £9.4m were won during the period. The interim dividend was 8% higher at 1.4p a share. Directors’ sold 4.2 million shares at 120p each, which could help to improve the liquidity in the shares.
Redx Pharma (REDX) has failed in its attempt to juggle its cash requirements and its debt and administrators have been appointed. Liverpool City Council has previously extended the maturity date of its £2m loan but Redx did not repay the debt when it became due at the end of March. There is also interest due and that could total more than £1m. Redx nominally raised £12m in February – an equity swap agreement meant that not all of this was raised immediately – but does not appear to have raised enough to pay the loan. That is blatant bad management which has ended up destroying the investments of shareholders. Iain Ross recently took up the role of chairman so it would be unfair to blame him but the other directors, including those that have recently departed, were responsible for running the business properly and they knew when this money had to be repaid. The directors are Dr Neil Murray, Norman Molyneux, Dr Bernhard Kirschbaum and David Lawrence, while Dr Frank Armstrong, Peter McPartland, Dr Peter Jackson, Philip Tottey and Dr Derek Lindsay have resigned since Redx joined AIM. Investors’ should be aware of these people if they are or become involved in any other companies.
Lombard Risk Management (LRM) increased its revenues from £23.7m to £34.3m in the year to March 2017. The pre-tax loss was reduced from £2.2m to £1.6m. The year-end order book was worth £10.1m. Management expects the company to be cash profitable this year. Legislation continues to drive demand for reporting and risk software.
Flowgroup (FLOW) could not find a buyer for its energy supply business at an appropriate valuation so it is raising up to £29m in shares (at 1p each) and bonds, including more than £600,000 raised at 1p a share via PrimaryBid, to finance its development. This is highly dilutive even before any conversion of the bonds at the conversion price of 0.95p a share. Flowgroup also requires £1m to market its Flow boiler in Europe and £4m to end the manufacturing contract with Jabil. In 2016, there was a loss of £23.7m on revenues of £99m. Net cash was £3.7m at the end of 2016. An increasing number of smaller competitors are entering the energy supply market and this led to a reduction in customers. The funding will help Flowgroup to compete and build up its customer numbers.
Big data software supplier Fusionex International (FXI) plans to leave AIM and it already has the backing of shareholders owning 41.9% of the company for the general meeting vote on 15 June. Management blames the lack of liquidity in the shares and paucity of independent research. The also blame political uncertainty in Europe. Fusionex had a gravity defying rating in the first year or so of trading on AIM but the share price is currently less than one-fifth of the peak at the beginning of 2014. The company’s growth strategy will remain unchanged. There are plans to arrange a trading facility in the shares.
Safestay (SSTY) has paid €3m in cash for U Hostels, which operates a 226 bed hostel in Madrid. U Hostels also owns an apartment block near the hostel, where managed apartments are expected to be completed during 2018, and a building in Paris that is being converted into a 260 bed hostel, which has a 12 year lease that can be extended by a further 12 years. Safestay will have to invest up to €2.3m in the Paris development, which should be completed in early 2019. In total, including development spending, the acquisition cost will be up to €6.5m. The original Madrid hostel made a small loss on revenues of €1.3m. Earlier this year, Safestay raised £12.6m from the sale and leaseback of the Edinburgh and Elephant & Castle hostels – the leases are for 150 years.
Strategic Minerals (SML) made a maiden pre-tax profit in 2016. The $351,000 profit was after $691,000 of other income – predominantly the settlement of a rail dispute. The Cobre tailings business continues to generate profit and cash.
Thor Mining (THR) says that the Pilot Mountain tungsten resource inventory has risen to 11.73 million tonnes at 0.28% WO3. This does not include the GunMetal and Good Hope deposits.
Greatland Gold (GGP) has granted access to Newmont to the Ernest Giles tenements for a period of six months and it will have first right of refusal for a disposal or joint venture. An airborne survey has identified new structural targets suitable for gold mineralisation. Metal Tiger (MTR) has exercised 15 million warrants at 0.2p a share.
LED lighting systems developer PhotonStar LED (PSL) cut its full year loss from £3.03m to £1.43m on lower revenues. The first quarter of 2017 was tough but there have been orders for its Halcyon devices. R&D has been reduced.
Fairpoint (FRP) has delayed its full year figures yet again. They are promised at some point in June. If they do not come out then then trading in the shares will be suspended.
Arian Silver Corporation (AGQ) has raised £600,000 has raised at 0.5p a share. The cash will be used for exploration of silver and lithium projects.
Mortice (MORT) has won UK contracts worth £2.25m via its Elite subsidiary that take it into new sectors. Elite has won a three year cleaning and waste contract with Surrey and Sussex police and after securing a place on BMW’s approved supplier list a two year contract with the car maker.
Orogen (ORE) intends to acquire Thread 35, which owns e-commerce womenswear brand Sosandar. Orogen is lending up to £250,000 to Thread 35. Sosandar is targeted at 35-55 year old women. Trading in the shares has been suspended.
Active Energy Group (AEG) has entered into an agreement in principle with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador which will provide a timber licence and a forest management agreement covering 1.2 million hectares. The licence would enable the harvesting of up to 140,000 cubic metres of wood annually.
MAIN MARKET
Thomas Charlton has further increased his stake in North Midland Construction (NMD) taking it to 7.24%. Finance director Daniel Taylor recently acquired 23,321 shares at 305p each. North Midland says that its first quarter profit has increased from £237,000 to £580,000 on a 5% rise in revenues to £62.2m. The main reason behind the improvement was a swing from loss to profit by the telecoms infrastructure division but the construction and water divisions generated a lower profit. Management still believes that margins can be improved. The order book is worth £254m helped by the AMP6 water investment cycle getting going. There is the promise of growing dividends.
Shareholders have agreed to the proposed bonus issue by Sealand Capital Galaxy Ltd (SCGL). On 1 June, existing shareholders will receive nine bonus shares for each one they own, leaving them with ten times the number of shares and the share price would be adjusted from 28.5p to 2.85p. The November 2015 flotation price was 10p (1p adjusted) and earlier this year a further £1.4m was raised at 20p (2p adjusted) a share.
Dukemount Capital (DKE) has signed a binding letter of intent for its first deal with a housing association to develop supported living accommodation. The plan is identify properties worth up to £5m which will be leased to Larch Housing Association on a 50 year lease at 6.5% a year plus inflation. Dukemount floated on 29 March.
Health food products supplier World Trade Systems (WTS) has entered into memoranda of understanding with Germany-based Naturemed and Germany-based Biestmilch, which will help it to widen its product range. Naturemed is a new company but Biestmilch was formed in 1999. Trading in the shares has been suspended for years and it is approaching ten years since there was a trade in WTS shares.
CIC Gold Group Ltd (CICG) left the standard list on 25 May. Management believes it will get a better valuation on another designated exchange.
Andrew Hore
Has Morrisons Seen The Future And Stolen It
And not only seen the future but stolen a march on its competitors by seizing it. Two announcements today could change the future of retailing and give Morrisons a big step up over the competition.
Firstly it will provide a whole supply service to Amazon with hundreds of Morrisons (MRW) products becoming available online on Amazon including both fresh and fozen products. Could this give it a big leap in sales without it having to open a single new store or spend massively on increasing its on line presence.
At the same time MRW has reached agreement in principal with Ocado which, if implemented, will give it space in Ocado’s grandly named Customer Fulfillment Centre at Erith thereby enabling morrison.com to sell to customers all over Great Britain without having to build its own massive distribution and delivery network, by joining together Ocado’s delivery capability with Morrisons store assets.
Over the past 3 months months, shares in Morrisons have leapt from 145p to 195p compared to their 2013 high of 300p.
Chamberlin (CMH) the specialist castings & engineering group, is making good progress in difficult conditions and announces that underlying profit before tax should be above current market expectations for the current year, showing that it has the ability to deliver a world class product at a competitive price. All this, despite a slowdown in its core markets including steel, oil and gas, giving the lie to those who claim that the UK has no industry left.
In addition it has signed a major new automotive contract worth 3.3 million per year, with the benefits starting to flow as from the second half of 2017 and a new milling facility which will commence operation early in 2017 will make the group the only fully integrated supplier in Europe of grey iron bearing housings.
Results will be announced towards the end of May, together with a further update. The shares have fallen from 92p a year ago to their current 64p.