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Quoted Micro 9 December 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has launched its next generation flow battery ENDURIUM. This has higher efficiency and is designed to be manufactured in Scotland in high volumes. This new product is likely to be the main source of orders from now on. There are already orders for ENDURIUM. Invinity Energy Systems is expected to move into profit in 2026.
Equipmake (EQIP) has launched a strategic review that could lead to the sale of the company. The company is still waiting for the final agreement for a $6m licence with a commercial vehicles manufacturer. It is running short of cash with £1.9m currently in the bank. That should last until March. A further share issue or a strategic partner will be required if Equipmake is to remain independent. VSA has been appointed as corporate adviser.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) intends to move to the Main Market. This depends on the FCA approving the prospectus. Shares will be issued to all option and warrant holders.
Cooks Coffee (COOK) has entered an agreement with Dairygold Agri Business in Ireland to operate four Esquires cafes within Co-Op Superstores owned by Dairygold. The initial period is for 10 years and there are 24 other stores owned by Dairygold.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals has announced positive results of exploration in the Golden Rose project. Some of the samples showed high grades.
CRUSHMETRIC Group (CUSH) has raised £100,000 at 12.5p/share. China-based subsidiary Star Collaboration has reached a settlement with a distributor and it will pay £166,000.
Marula Mining (MARU) says contract mining should begin at the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine in South Africa during February 2025. There is a planned leasing agreement for support vehicles.
Coinsilium (COIN) has appointed Oberon Capital as its joint broker. The company has entered a strategic advisory services agreement with TAND3M.io.
Cannabis-based medicines developer Ananda Developments (ANA) says its MRX1 drug candidate has passed through drug stability timepoints ahead of a phase 1 and two phase 2 studies.
Kondor AI (KNDR) had a cash outflow of just over £1m during the 12 months to September 2024. There is £611,000 in cash left in the balance sheet.
Fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) has raised £1.875m via subscription at 46.6p/share and an exercise of warrants at 29p/share. A subsidiary of McQuilling has invested in the subscription and it is the preferred partner in the US market. Ora Technology (ORA) raised £255,000 at 8p each. Marallo Holdings has acquired a 27.6% stake.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) is commencing a share buy back programme.
Silverwood Brands (SLWD) executive director Andrew Gerrie bought 26,572 shares at 22.556p each.
AIM
Warpaint London (W7L) is bidding 48p/share in cash for Brand Architekts (BAR), valuing the company at £13.9m. There is a share alternative. Warpaint London believes that its relationships with retailers will help to boost sales of the health and beauty brands, such as Skinny Tan and Super Facialist, owned by Brand Architekts, which has high overheads compared with its revenues. The acquisition should be earnings enhancing in 2025. Warpaint London is raising £14m at 510p/share with up to £1m more to come from a retail offer.
K3 Business Technology (KBT) is selling its UK SYSPRO business NexSys to SYSPRO owner Advent for £36m. This business generated 109% of group EBITDA and 28% of group revenues. K3 Business Technology intends to return cash to shareholders. The company’s remaining operations are K3 Fashion and Pebblestone, the IKEA software business and other retail software.
SDX Energy (SDX) plans to leave AIM because of the costs of the quotation and the greater flexibility as a private company. Potential investors would prefer to invest in an unquoted company. It is the intention to put in place a matched bargains facility. The strategy continues to be to become a vertically integrated gas and renewable energy producer in Morocco. If shareholders agree, then the quotation will be cancelled on 9 January. SDX Energy joined AIM in May 2016 at 18p/share.
Photonics company Gooch & Housego (GHH) had a better second half, but full year profit was still lower. In the year to September 2024, revenues were 1% ahead at £136m. A decline in industrial revenues, due to weak product sales for semiconductor manufacturing and other industrial uses, was offset by higher aerospace and defence and life sciences revenues. Underlying pre-tax profit slipped 22% to £8.1m. The total dividend was raised 1.5% to 13.2p, which is 1.9 times covered by earnings.
Technology company adviser and investor EMV Capital (EMVC) raised £1.5m at 50p/share, which was a 15% premium to the previous day’s closing price. The cash will fund investment in reporting infrastructure and hiring of additional staff. It will also provide money for additional investments. Management is targeting recurring annual fund management fees of more than £1m so that it can reach breakeven. In the ten months to October 2024, core income was £2m, up from £1.2m, including £500,000 of recurring fund management fees. This excludes subsidiary portfolio companies.
Condor Gold (CNR), which is developing the La India gold project in Nicaragua, says that Metals Exploration (MTL) and Calibre Mining Corp have made bid approaches and negotiations are at an advanced stage with Metals Exploration. Calibre Mining Corp says it will not make an offer. Metals Exploration has entered into a £5.5m bridging loan facility with Drachs Investments No. 3, which has a 18.4% shareholding. This is repayable at the end of January or when talks end. Galloway is lending £475,000 to Condor Gold. Metals Exploration owns the Runruno gold project in the northern Philippines.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) is selling Australian broadband business to SKM Telecommunications for up to £25.7m, which values the business at more than double the total cost of investment. The initial cash payment is £15.4m and £6.8m in shares in SKM, with a further £3.5m in cash due in one year. This requires shareholder approval at a general meeting on 20 December. The company will still have operations in New Zealand and a subsidiary involved in the distribution of Starlink, plus a 2.8% stake in Quickline. Revenues are forecast to be £1m in 2024-25.
Bars and leisure operator XP Factory (XPF) continues to grow both of its brands. Escape Hunt interim revenues were 7% ahead at £6.5m and management believes that this part of the business could be bigger than originally anticipated. Boom Battle Bars revenues were 56% higher and more of the franchise outlets are being acquired. Group like-for-like revenues were 4% higher. There was a small underlying pre-tax profit before contract termination and other exceptional costs. Net debt was £1.3m at the end of September 2024. Medium-term targets have been set. The plan is to increase sales by 50% and double underlying EBITDA by March 2028. That means a revenue target of £90m with a March 2028 run-rate of £100m and EBITDA margins of 15%.
Construction disputes and property services provider Diales (DIAL), formerly Driver Group, has completed its rebranding and the benefits of cost cutting will show through in the current year. Interim revenues edged up from £42.6m to £43m. A decline in European and North American revenues was offset by growth in the other markets. The Middle East returned to profit and the Asia Pacific loss was lower. Overall pre-tax profit improved from £1.1m to £1.2m. The total dividend is maintained at 1.5p/share, although it is still not covered by earnings. The net cash of £4.3m (7.9p/share) enables Diales to add more fee earners, which might come from small acquisitions that may add to the range of services and sectors that can be addressed.
SRT Marine (SRT) reported revenues of £14.8m in the 15 months to June 2024. The loss was £13.8m. Transceivers generated most of the revenues with the major systems contracts with international coastguards potentially starting in the next few months, hopefully at last one of them by the end of 2024. New finance has been obtained since the end of the period.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) in contrast with some companies had a strong October and November when sales were 11% ahead. Year-to-date growth is 7.5%, which represents an increase in market share. Margins are also improving. Zeus has maintained its 2024 pre-tax profit forecast at £2m, although sales are ahead of expectations.
Investment company Seed Innovations (SEED) says MAV was £10.6m at the end of September 2024, including £3.52m in cash. That is 5.5p/share. This NAV is after the £2m cash distribution to shareholders. The main quoted investment was Alaska-focused oil and gas company Pantheon Resources (PANR) and the share price subsequently rose from 16p to 22.91p. The company sold the shares, adding £101,000 to NAV.
Semiconductor designer EnSilica (ENSI) has won another long-term design and supply contract. The total contract value for the deal with an industrial test equipment provider will be more than $30m over ten years. This comes with an upfront payment to help the cash position.
Interim figures from telematics supplier Trakm8 (TRAK) show reduced revenues from £8.54m to £8.31m, following a reduction in recurring revenues from £5.23m to £4.51m. The pre-tax profit slumped from £119,000 to £15,000. Net debt was £6.66m at the end of September 2024. Full year expectations have been reduced. The insurance market remains tough. There could be some improvement next year, but the outlook is uncertain.
Fashion retailer Quiz (QUIZ) has been hit by falls in online and stores revenues, although there was an improvement in international revenues, in the four months to the end of November. There was a sharp decline in November. Overall revenues fell 6% to £24.9m. Annual costs will be increased by £1.7m as a consequence of the Budget. Net debt is £2.8m and the £4m of bank facilities could be fully utilised by early 2025 and additional funds will be required. The company’s founder has offered a £1m loan.
Rockwood Strategic has increased its stake in film vehicles and services provider Facilities by ADF (ADF) to 4.4% stake and related investment entities still have a further 7.6%, Chief executive Marsden Proctor has bought 79,947 shares at 31.6p each.
Cannabis-based medicines developer Celadon Pharmaceuticals (CEL) has finally received the balance of £150,000 from the May 2024 subscription at 105p/share.
MAIN MARKET
Compliance technology developer RegTech Open Project (RTOP) plans to leave the transition category of the Main Market. Trading should end on 31 December. A new chief executive is being sought and there are plans to raise cash. The company has also promised to find an exit opportunity for existing shareholders.
Tissue engineering company BSF Enterprise (BSFA) has raised £500,000 via an oversubscribed placing at 2.5p/share and each new share comes with a warrant exercisable at 5p. There should be enough cash for more than 12 months.
Publisher National World (NWOR) says it would be minded to recommend the enhanced 23p/share bid from Media Concierge. The offer is subject to due diligence.
R8 Capital Investments (MODE) is not going ahead with the acquisition of Redwood Partners. A fundraising is planned.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 4 November 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Rebel shareholders failed to win any of their three resolutions, including the removal of the chief executive, at the requisitioned general meeting of ProBiotix Health (PBX). Broker Peterhouse said that major shareholder OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) was not allowed to vote its shares at the meeting because of the relationship agreement from the flotation of the probiotics developer. OptiBiotix Health owns 53.5 million shares, and the votes were lost by less than 36 million shares.
Surgical treatments provider One Health Group (OHGR) interim revenues were more than one-fifth higher at £13.4m. New patients increased by 29%. The second half is likely to better than expected. That means that full year EBITDA should be higher than £1.9bn. There was cash of £4.9m at the end of September 2024. A move to AIM is being considered.
Aquis Exchange (AQX) and Cboe Europe are assessing a joint bid to provide an EU consolidated tape of stock trades. The European Commission has decided to create a single entity to operate a real-time, trade consolidated tape. The European Securities and Market Authority will select the business to take on the role. The plan is for the two companies to set up a joint venture called SimpliCT, which will be based in the Netherlands, to bid for the role of equity consolidated tape provider.
Luxury prize draw organiser Good Life Plus (GDLF) has achieved £330,000 in monthly recurring revenues. There are more than 40,000 subscribers and churn has been reduced. In the six months to July 2024, revenues were £1.69m. There was a £2.21m cash outflow from operating activities. There was a fundraising after the balance sheet date. Richard Johnston has been appointed as finance director.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) investee company Vale Foods has repaid a £125,000 loan and this has been reinvested in shares in the latest fundraising of £430,000. A £100,000 loan has been made to another investee company.
Health IT provider DXS International (DXSP) has won its first NHS commercial contract for its AI ExpertCare Clinical Decision Support product. In the year to April 2024, revenues were 2% ahead at £3.31m, There was an impairment charge of £4.38m. Even without that write-down the company fell into loss. Chairman Bob Sutcliffe bought 50,000 shares at 1p each and 133,333 shares at 1.5p each. He owns 1.74% of the company.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 62.15p/share at the end of September 2024. The income from digital assets was £592,000 during September.
Social commerce platform investor WeCap (WCAP) says WeShop is considering a listing. If its convertible loans are converted into shares WeCap would own 16% of WeShop. The investment in Bio2pure of £100,000 has been written down to nil. At the end of April cash was £49,000 and net assets were £7.39m.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) says Sinju Japanese Whisky will be available in the US in the third week of November. The latest shipment of 800 cases has been presold.
Marula Mining (MARU) is stockpiling ore at the Kinusi copper mine. Samples have been sent to South Africa for test work and the results will help to design the first phase of the processing facilities. Three trial shipments are about to be sold.
Fenikso (FNK) is launching a share buyback of up to 49.3 million shares. A further $404,000 has been received in loan repayments. The remaining loan is worth nearly $39m.
Chris Akers’ stake in Oscillate (MUSH) has been reduced from 5.94% to less than 3%. Peterhouse Capital has also reduced its stake below 3%. Jonathan Neame has bought 7,000 Shepherd Neame (SHEP) shares at 569.5p each.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) raised £475,000 at 1p each and there is a broker option to issue up to three million more shares.
Unigel Group (UNX) is paying an interim dividend of 1.5p/share on 22 November.
First Sentinel has resigned as corporate adviser of Vulcan Industries (VULC).
AIM
Energy supplier and energy efficiency services provider Good Energy (GOOD) received an unsolicited bid from Dubai-based Esyasoft Holding Ltd. Esyasoft offers a range of products. They include the Smart Grid Suite, which is a cloud-based integration platform that manages workflow and communications between utilities and meters and an energy mobility business.
Payments technology developer Eckoh (ECK) is recommending a 54p/share bid from funds managed by Bridgepoint Advisers II. The bid values Eckoh at £169.3m. The share price has not been at that level since the end of 2022, but it is the price indicated back in August. The bid values Eckoh at 20 times prospective 2025-26 earnings.
Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS) is spending some of its cash pile on Coleman Construction & Utilities, which is involved in civil engineering for water and marine sectors. This diversifies the business away from housebuilding infrastructure. The purchase will cost up to £4.4m and be immediately earnings enhancing – EBITDA was £700,000 last year. Trading is in line with expectations and the loss should be halved to £2.4m in the year to September 2024. A small loss is still expected this year.
Emmerson (LON: EML) says it filed an appeal against the unfavourable recommendation for its ESIA application for the Moroccan potash project, but the regional authorities say that they cannot examine the ESIA submission again. Emmerson subsequently notified the Moroccan government of an investment dispute and argues that the government is violating an agreement between the UK and Morocco. The dispute can be submitted to the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. Prior to this, the company is seeking cash compensation from the government. Emmerson is trying to reduce its cash burn, but that will mean that there will be no progress with the development of the project. Two non-executive directors are stepping down and the two remaining non-executives will take fees in shares, while the chief executives pay will be reduced by two-fifths.
Construction dispute and expert witness services provider Diales (DIAL) says that there will be a small improvement in revenues and profit in the year to September 2024. Pre-tax profit will be at least £1.1m, up from £1m. The cost base has been reduced. Net cash is £4.3m. Diales is pulling out of the US. It will still have a Canadian operation, and South America is handled from Spain.
MicroSalt (SALT) has received an initial purchase order for 50,000lbs of low-sodium salt from a major food and drink manufacturer for one of its product lines. Annualised volumes should be 200,000lbs and there could be orders for two other products. There is also a follow-on order from a B2B customer and the 63,860lbs will be delivered in January. Two other B2B orders have been won.
Tlou Energy (TLOU) is seeking shareholder approval at its AGM to leave AIM. The shares will still be traded on the ASX and the Botswana Stock Exchange. Interest in the company has dwindled and the departure will save money. UK shareholders are offered the chance to transfer their holding to the ASX depositary in exchange for ASX-listed shares at no cost. Tlou Energy released a first quarter update indicating progress with the Lesedi CBM gas-to-power project in Botswana. First electricity sales are expected in the middle of next year. There was an operating cash outflow of A$800,000, plus A$1.7m of capital investment in the period.
Cleaning services provider React (REAT) has made the earnings enhancing acquisition of 24hr Aquaflow Services for £5m plus contingent payments of up to £2.4m. It will still be enhancing after a £1.1m placing at 81p/share. 24hr Aquaflow Services is a drainage and plumbing services provider. This adds to group services.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) generated $7.2m from 43,500 ACCRUFeR prescriptions in the third quarter, which was slightly lower than forecast. The average net selling price is $167, and this could rise to $192 in the fourth quarter. Total nine-month revenues are $20m and the 2024 figure should hit $31.5m. Management admits that more cash will be required, and costs are being reduced. Sallyport is providing a $15m facility, up from $10m previously, and AOP Health has agreed to subscribe $10m for shares at 4p each.
Prospex Energy (PXEN) says third quarter gas production of its Italian interests, where it has a 37% stake, was 76,910scm/day. Prospex Energy’s net revenues for the quarter were €1m, which is a record. There should be a further increase in gas production in the fourth quarter.
Deltic Energy (DELT) says wireline logging and fluid sampling confirm the gas discovery at Selene in the North Sea, where it has a 25% working interest. The reservoir quality is better than expected, but it is deeper than anticipated which means that recoverable gas volumes of 131bcf are lower than previous estimates of 320bcf. This should still be economically viable. Further work is required, though.
Transport technology services provider Microlise Group (SAAS) has been hit by a cyber security incident. This has disrupted services, and they are currently inactive. Cyber security specialists have been appointed.
MAIN MARKET
Tin projects developer First Tin (1SN) has raised £8m at 6p/share. The cash will go towards the Taronga project in Australia and funding the enhancements highlighted in the definitive feasibility study. This could increase the project NPV to A$400m. The environmental impact statement will be completed so that initial project work can commence. There will also be cash to progress permitting at the Tellerhauser project in Germany.
Mears (MER) says trading is strong and margins are improving. The 2024 figures will be better than expected with revenues of £1.13bn and pre-tax profit of at least £60m.
A general meeting has been requisitioned at nanomaterials developer Nanoco (NANO) by Milwood Fund, which wants two of its employees to be given board seats. It appears Milkwood may want to sell assets and turn Nanoco into a shell.
Motor dealer Caffyns (CFYN) is selling its freehold premises in Lewis to Lidl for £4.65m, which is equal to book value. The pension fund will receive £2.4m and the rest will reduce debt. The Lotus dealership will be relocated.
Critical Minerals (CRTM) is making progress with the Molulu copper cobalt project in the DRC and is on course to start delivering ore. Two additional mineralised zones have been identified. Terms of a new offtake agreement have been secured with OM Metals following good copper grades from ore testing. Since the balance sheet there has been a £455,000 investment by NIU Invest.
Andrew Hore