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Quoted Micro 5 August 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Marula Mining (MARU) has entered into a manganese ore supply agreement with Kitman, a local processing company in Kenya. The deal lasts until the end of 2026. Kitman will supply a minimum of 10,000 tonnes/month of manganese ore at 20% grade minimum to the Kilifi manganese processing plant. There will be an advance payment for 5,000 tonnes. A mining permit has been issued for Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine.
In the year to March 2024, business assurance provider Adsure Services (ADS) increased revenues from £8.99m to £9.3m, while pre-tax profit was 72% higher at £471,000. There was cash of £1.07m at the end of March 2024.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals has signed an option agreement with Eldorado Gold so that it can earn 80% of the Golden Rose project in Newfoundland. The 36.2%-owned TRU Precious Metals has persuaded Eldorado Gold to invest in the early-stage project.
Valerium (VLRM) will collaborate with Tokeny as a technology provider for Valerium’s Real World Asset (RWA) marketplace. The technology will enable the primary issuance and bulletin board-based secondary trading of various digital assets.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 82.01p/share at the end of June 2024. Income earned during the month was £877,000. One-quarter of the value of the portfolio is in Celestia tokens.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has secured a technology and territory licensing agreement worth up to €2.25m. The wind-based hydrogen production technology company has signed the deal with a new company in the Republic of Ireland.
Emission reduction fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) says first quarter revenues were 134% ahead at £192,000. There were record product sales in the quarter. There was £1.6m in the bank at the end of June 2024.
RentGuarantor (RGG) increased interim revenues by 70% to £518,000, but the loss increased from £408,000 to £452,000 due to the hiring of staff. Net debt is £1.07m.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) has raised £320,000 at 7.85p/share. Chief executive Aiden Keegan has joined the board.
Supernova Digital Assets (SOL) had net assets of £5.49m at the end of April 2024, following an increase in the value of its cryptocurrency assets. There is £209,000 in cash.
AIM
Trinidad-based oil and gas producer Trinity Exploration and Production (TRIN) is recommending a cash bid from Trinidad incorporated Lease Operators and withdrawn the recommendation of the Touchstone Exploration (TXP) offer of 1.5 shares for each of the oil company’s shares. The bid is 68.05p/share and values Trinity Exploration and Production at £26.4m. There will be economies of scale between the two oil producers.
Touchstone Exploration (TXP) achieved net sales of 5,432 barrels of oil equivalent/day in the second quarter of 2024. Current average production was 5,711 boe/day with production improving at Cascadura.
Haleon has announced that it will launch the Futura Medical (FUM) erectile dysfunction topical gel treatment Eroxon in the US before the end of 2024. This will trigger the US launch milestone. The US is a bigger potential market than all the other sales regions combined. So far, Eroxon has been launched in Belgium and the UK with more to follow.
In the year to April 2024, SDI Group (SDI) revenues dipped from £67.6m to £65.8m, but there was underlying growth if the previous year’s Covid-related revenues are excluded. The scientific instruments manufacturer’s operating margins are just above 14%. Pre-tax profit dipped from £11.8m to £8m because of the higher margin business in the previous year. Management says there are potential acquisitions in progress, but the timing is always difficult to predict. Net debt was £13.2m at the end of April 2024 and that could halve in a year’s time without any acquisitions. Cavendish forecasts 2024-25 pre-tax profit of £8.4m and earnings of 6p/share are forecast.
North Sea-focused Jersey Oil and Gas (JOG) could be hampered by the rise in the energy profits level to 38% and the main investment allowance of 29% will be removed from November. A reduction in capital allowances will be announced in the October Budget. The levy will be extended until 2030. The Great Buchan Area joint venture will be impacted. Jersey Oil and Gas has a full carry on much of the development spending of the project and there are potential milestone payments. However, the final investment decision could be hampered by the tax changes.
RBG Holdings (RBGP) is expecting interim revenues of £18.4m, down from £19.8m. Net debt was £24.4m at the end of June 2024 and the debt facility is fully drawn. Costs are being reduced, but most will come through next year. A pre-tax profit of £1.2m is forecast for 2024 after the previous year’s loss.
UK Oil and Gas (UKOG) is the highest riser for the second week. its Dorset and Yorkshire underground hydrogen storage projects have received a letter of support from RWE, which is developing three hydrogen plants near to the storage projects. Other letters of support have come from Japanese trading house Sumitomo and pipeline provider SGN. The projects are at an early engineering design stage.
Oil and gas producer Arrow Exploration (AXL) says that the second horizontal well on the 50%-owned Carrizales Norte field in Colombia is producing ahead of expectations. The two wells are boosting group production. There is cash of $11m and should be at a similar level at the end of 2024 as cash generated from production helps to finance further drilling. Zeus has a total risked NAV estimate of 48.8p/share.
Online gaming company Gaming Realms (GMR) expects interim revenues to be m18% ahead at £13.5m and EBITDA should be 21% higher at £5.8m. Adding new partners has boosted income. Gaming Realms is on course to increase full year pre-tax profit from £5.4m to £8.8m. Net cash could double to £14m.
IQE (IQE) plans to float its Taiwan subsidiary on its local stock exchange.
Vector Capital (VCAP) plans to leave AIM and is offering shareholders the chance to tender shares at 33p each. The tender offer covers up to 11.2 million shares and will cost £3.7m. Interim pre-tax profit dipped 45% to £707,000. Vector Holdings owns 75.2% of the property finance provider
MAIN MARKET
Cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) has admitted it requires additional funding to take advantage of its IP that has been developed as part of consultancy contracts. In the 15 months to March 2024, revenues were $7.6m, which was treble the level for the previous twelve months. These revenues come from consulting work. The reported loss was $1.44m, although that includes a share-based payment cost of £1.02m. There was a cash inflow from operating activities of $173,000. The chief executive has increased the facility made available to the company from $2m to $2.5m and this lasts until July 2025. At the end of March 2024, there was $1.55m drawn down.
Guild Esports (GILD) is exploring options that will enable it to meet short-term liabilities. That could be new credit terms, a fundraising or further cost savings. Management is also assessing the strategic direction of the company and that could lead to assets being sold. A partnership deal has been secured with AIM-quoted Inspecs (SPEC) for the marketing of the eyewear company’s REGEN glasses.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 18 September 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
An update on the Amapa iron ore project in Brazil from Cadence Minerals (LON: KDNC) says permitting times for the mine and related logistics should be reduced to 12-16 months. An environmental control plan is required to obtain the permits. This will enable a funding decision for the project. Investee company Hastings Technology Metals has expanded its offtake agreement with thyssenkrupp Materials Trading, which will take two-thirds of production from the Yangibana rare earths project.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has converted an existing order from Taiwan to its next generation Mistral flow battery. This is a higher margin product targeted at large wind and solar applications. Management is securing additional production capacity with Taiwan partner Everdura.
EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) had net assets of 308p/share at the end of July 2023. Investee company Rayware’s sales have been hit by weak consumer demand. Pharmacy2U continues to grow. Two investments have been sold. Ther was cash of £16.3m at the end of July 2023.
Financial services company Eight Capital Partners (ECP) says its 2021 figures have been restated because of a change in the accounting treatment of the bonds. Non-cash transactions have been removed from the cash flow statement. The book value of the bonds has been changed to fair value and a modified loss recognised on loan liabilities. Net liabilities were £11.4m. The 2022 results show net assets of £25.3m after a debt conversion to equity. A partial reversal of previous fair value adjustments also helped.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) is providing a convertible loan of $50,000 and has a 12-month option to subscribe for $500,000 for shares in Silta at a pre-money valuation of $7.5m. This means that it could end up with 6.7% of Silta. Last year, Coinsilium entered into an early contribution agreement to buy $75,000 of SILTA tokens. Silta is developing an advanced AI platform for sustainable infrastructure financing.
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) is paying an interim dividend of 12p/share.
Rod Weinberg has reduced his stake in SulNOx Group (SNOX) from 6.35% to 2.49%. Macaulay Capital (MCAP) managing director David Horner has bought 200,000 shares at 22.5p each. Nigel Pope has taken a 3% stake in NFT Investments (NFT). Gathoni Muchai Investments has trimmed its stake in Marula Mining (MARU) from 12.2% to 11.26%. A warrants subscription at 4p each raised £30,500.
Black Sea Property (BSP) has raised €4.44m from a loan note issue, which is being used to pay for the recent acquisition of a majority stake in Grand Hotel Varna, which owns three hotels and a beach marina resort, plus a mutual fund portfolio. There is still €15.5m to pay.
AIM
Parcel delivery and logistics company DX (DX.) has received a bid approach from private equity firm HIG European Capital Partners. Gatemore Capital Management, which owns 16.8%, says it is willing to support the proposal of 48.5p/share. Management had rejected lower bids, but it would be minded to recommend this one. Due diligence will be required.
Online gaming firm Gaming Realms (GMR) reported interim revenues 35% higher at £11.5m and a 74% increase in pre-tax profit to £2.4m. The licensing business drove the growth. North American revenues increased by 47% and there are more states likely to ease restrictions on online gaming. Growth is coming from moving into new markets and adding new games. There are upfront costs to the expansion, holding back short-term profit. Net cash is expected to be £8m at the year end
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) increased interim revenues by 27% to $24.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from $2.6m to $4.7m. First half iodine production was 242Mt. Iofina commenced production at its IO#9 plant in Oklahoma at the end of the half year. This is the sixth plant in operation and will help boost second half production to 325-350Mt.
Contract research and infectious disease study services provider hVIVO (HVO) is moving into larger London premises in Canary Wharf. The latest interims have led to an upgrade of guidance for the full year and hVIVO intends to pay a nominal dividend for 2023. Interim revenues were £27.3m, up from £18m, and the full year outcome is expected to be £55.1m with most of the rest of the revenues already contracted.
Construction and property software supplier Eleco (ELCO) increased like-for-like interim revenues by 5% to £13.5m. More importantly, recurring revenues were 18% ahead at £9.7m. This indicates the success of the move to SaaS-based revenues which has held back progress in the short-term. Net cash could reach £10.8m by the end of 2023.
Mkango Resources (MKA) subsidiary HyProMag, which is a short loop rare earth magnet recycler, is participating in a grant funded project called RE-RE Wind, which is designed to provide a circular supply chain for rare earth magnets for wind turbines. The first generation of wind turbines are coming up to the end of their life and a decommissioning programme is required.
Payments services provider Cornerstone FS (CSFS) made a small maiden interim profit. The move into profit was earlier than expected. Interim revenues were 90% ahead at £3.6m and most of this is direct business rather than through third parties. The overheads were held down enabling more of the additional revenues to flow through to profit. Cash is being generated from operations.
Online gaming company B90 Holdings (B90) has raised £2m at 5.44491p/share. The cash will go towards funding acquisitions and further investment in existing assets. The company is also converting £4.73m of loan notes and interest into 86.8 million shares. Enwys, which acquires customers for online gaming companies, has been bought. There are more than 20 other acquisition targets.
Keystone Law (KEYS) is paying a special dividend of 12.5p/share on top of the interim of 5.8p/share. Underlying pre-tax profit was one-quarter ahead at £5.7m, while net cash was £11.3m at the end of July 2023. Interest from new principal lawyers is increasing and 25 offers were accepted in the first half. There is plenty of back office capacity for additional lawyers.
Communications technology developer Feedback (FDBK) is taking time to secure new deals, but they should be on the horizon. The community diagnostic centres contract with the Queen Victoria Hospital has been delayed, but hopefully it should be secured by the end of the year. Feedback is still loss making, even though full year revenues were 74% ahead at £1.02m. The cash outflow, including capitalised development costs, was £3m and the £7.3m in the bank should last more than two years.
North Sea oil and gas producer IOG (IOG) has been told by the authorities that the Nailsworth P2342 and P130 licences are not going to be extended and this could have a negative commercial impact on the potential for the Elland licence. Bondholder discussions continue and the waiver lasts until 29 September. There was £14.5m in cash at the end of August, including £7.3m of restricted cash. There was stable production from Blythe H2, but the realised gas price was lower.
The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) has offset lower revenues from property sales by increasing lettings revenues. Overall interim revenues were 1% ahead at £13.2m. The higher tax rate meant that earnings slipped 2% to 13.8p/share despite an increased profit. The interim dividend was increased by 10% to 4.6p/share.
US-focused betting company Sportech (SPO) plans to leave AIM. It says the burden of time and money is too great. A circular will be sent out to gain shareholder approval at a general meeting.
Bushveld Minerals (BMN) has signed a binding term sheet for a potential $69.5m-$77.5m investment by Southern Point Resources. This includes the acquisition of 50% of Vanchem and 64% of the Mokopane project, plus a $12.5m investment in Bushveld Minerals. There will also be a working capital facility provided. Southern Point Resources will take over marketing and sales of vanadium and other products. The stake disposals will lead to a book loss of $59.6m.
Animal feed ingredients supplier Ocean Harvest Technologies (OHT) raised interim revenues by 43% to €1.8m and gross margins jumped to 36%. Investment in marketing and other aspects of the business meant that the loss was flat at €1.3m. These additional costs should help to generate further sales growth of its seaweed-based feed. Field trials could add up to €13m to annual revenues. However, delays in these trials mean that full year revenues have been downgraded from €4.3m to €3.4m. There should be net cash of €2.9m at the end of 2023.
MAIN MARKET
The FCA has approved the takeover of Lookers (LOOK) by Alpha Auto Group. The bid is 130p/share.
On The Beach (OTB) says its full year results will show record revenues and the holiday company says pre-tax profit will be at the top end of expectations. In the year to September 2022, revenues were £144.1m, which was slightly higher than the pre-Covid level of £140.4m, and underlying pre-tax profit was £14.1m. Consensus forecasts for 2022-23 were revenues of £179.5m and pre-tax profit of £22.6m. The guidance suggests that profit should be slightly higher than that. Even so, underlying pre-tax profit in 2017-18 was higher at £27.6m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 30 January 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) says 2022 trading was in line with expectations. The 2022 results will be published on 30 March.
Electric vehicle drivetrain technology developer Equipmake Holdings (EQIP) has raised £6.235m at 5p a share. That was slightly more than initially indicated. A lease is being secured on additional premises. The contracted order book is worth £8.6m. Interim revenues were £1.05m and the full results will be announced on 15 February.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) says existing contracts underpin growth in in 2023. There are £22m of vanadium flow battery systems due for delivery in 2023 and a further £7.4m order book for 2024. There was £5.1m of cash in the bank at the end of 2022. Pilot projects with Siemens Gamesa should begin in the summer and a next generation product should be available in the first half of 2024.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) has completed the sale of its joint venture interest in Yangibana rare earths project for A$9m of shares in ASX-listed Hastings, which is equivalent to 1.9%. Evergreen Lithium is expected to list on the ASX on 10 March – Cadence Minerals owns 15.8 million shares, which are expected to be valued at A$3.96m.
A full year update from Chapel Down Group (CDGP) shows string growth in sparkling wine sales. Group revenues were 10% ahead at £15.6m with momentum increasing in the second half. Margins should have improved.
Ace Liberty & Stone (ALSP) reported a small dip in interim pre-tax profit to £731,000, partly due to additional charges relating to a property in Sunderland. There is available cash of £9.5m for further property investments and contracts have been exchanged on a Dorchester property.
Helium Ventures (HEV) had £157,000 in cash at the end of October 2022. The proposed acquisition of Vestigo Technologies, which supplies tracking software, continues to be progressed.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) is partnering with Datar Cancer Genetics to offer the Trucheck circulating tumour cell screening service.
Tap Global (TAP) has signed up its first client for its crypto app. Global cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex will use the service to offer clients a prepaid Mastercard and convert cryptocurrency to Euros.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) says the SuperSeed II LP has invested in eight SaaS companies and a further investment should be made in the first quarter of 2023.
RentGuarantor Holdings (LON: RGG) is licencing its software to Clever Student Lets to use on its student letting platform.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd (GSVR) has published fourth quarter production figures. Silver output was 401,000 ounces in the period, while gold output was 4,000 ounces. Full year production was one million ounces of silver and 11,000 ounces of gold.
AQRU (AQRU) has launched its lending pool via subsidiary Accru Finance. This allows investors to generate yield from tax credit receivables originating from the IRS in the US. Annual returns of up to 10% are indicated.
Good Energy (GOOD) was one of three energy suppliers criticised for not providing enough help to their prepayment customers to claim the £400 of support vouchers from the government.
Marula Mining (MARU) says that initial deliveries of 1,000 tonnes of high-grade lithium ore from the Blesberg mine will commence shortly and take four weeks. Processing of existing stockpiles is ongoing, while site infrastructure is upgraded.
Chris Akers continues to build up his stake in Asimilar Group (ASLR) and it has reached 8.01%.
AIM
Spectacles supplier Inspecs (SPEC) is expected to report slightly better than expected full year figures. The figures are still much worse than expected prior to the previous warning, where destocking and poorly performing businesses led to a significant downgrade. Sales were flat at $246m, although there was growth before currency movements. Pre-tax profit is set to more than halve from $17.9m to $7.7m.
Battery technology developer Ilika (IKA) has been awarded a UK government grant of £2.8m for taking a leading role on a 24-month Faraday Battery Challenge in collaboration with BMW and Williams. This will further the development of Ilika’s Goliath battery, which is designed to be cost-effective and recyclable. There were no surprises in the interims earlier in the week. In the six months to October 2022, revenues improved from £179,000 to £204,000, which all came from UK grants. Net cash outflow from operating activities increased from £2.19m to £3.84m. Net cash is £17.8m. The Stereax M300 miniature battery should be launched by the summer.
Results from aerospace composites kits supplier Velocity Composites (LON: VEL) were as expected following the trading statement at the end of 2022. In the year to October 2022, revenues were 22% higher at £12m, while the loss was flat at £1.5m. A further loss is forecast for this year, while the US deal with GKN Aerospace builds up later in the year. A full year contribution from the US GKN business should push the company into profit.
Fire Angel Technology (FA.) reduced its loss last year, even after higher procurement costs, and it expects significantly enhanced margins this year. The home safety products supplier increased 2022 revenues by nearly one-third to £57.5m. A further reduction in loss is expected this year with helpful currency movements providing potential for further upside.
Healthcare data analysis provider Diaceutics (DXRX) beat expectations with revenues 44% higher at £20m, helped by currency movements, and margins are being maintained despite inflationary pressures. Diaceutics has secured two agreements with top ten global pharma companies. The order book is worth £15.6m. Investment in data and technology is being increased.
Following the departure of the recently appointed chief executive Inland Homes (INL) has sold its greenfield strategic land portfolio. There was a £3.5m profit on the sale that raised £9.5m in cash. There will also be fees generated for assisting the purchaser. Despite the disposal, net debt has risen to £100m and trading conditions have deteriorated. The 2021-22 loss is expected to be £91m and NAV has fallen to 40p a share.
Fiinu (BANK), which offers the Plugin overdraft to individuals with accounts with other banks, has completed the core banking platform configuration and its testing. General testing of the service is continuing. There is £35m-£40m required to fund the bank and a staged fundraising will commence before Easter.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) had already flagged the interims, but the pre-tax profit was still slightly higher than expected at £3.3m. The interim dividend is 0.4p a share. Full year pre-tax profit forecasts have been maintained at £5.2m, although next year’s figures has been trimmed to £6m.
Gaming Realms (GMR) has signed a brand licensing deal with Tetris Inc, the holder of the rights to the eponymous falling blocks game. Tetris Slngo mobile will be launched globally before the end of 2023.
MAIN MARKET
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) is due to commence a phase 1 clinical trial for its lead programme OCT461201 for the treatment of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy with the interim results due in the second quarter. Management says it has enough cash to get it into the first quarter of 2024. GHS Capital has reduced its stake to below 3%.
Motor dealer Pendragon (PDG) says fourth quarter trading is slightly ahead of expectations and this has offset inflationary pressures. Underlying full year pre-tax profit should be more than £57m, down from £83m for the previous year. Net debt is around £23m. There continue to be constraints in the supply of new vehicles.
One Heritage Group (OHG) expects a further impairment charge of between £750,000 and £1.25m. Martin Crews is being replaced as development director by Paul Westhead on an interim basis. The major shareholder loan facility has been raised from £9.5m to £11m.
Mode Global Holdings (MODE) is winding down its operations because it was unable to raise the cash it required to grow the business.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 17 May 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
United Win Asia has invested £3.15m in Samarkand (SMK) at 115p a share, which is the same as the original placing price but well below the market price. United Win Asia is part of a logistics group and this fits well with Samarkand’s ecommerce platform.
Clarify Pharma plans to raise £5m at 3p a share, which would value the life sciences company at £10.5m. The focus is psychedelic-based substances that can be used to treat PTSD, Alzheimer’s and depression. Investments will be identified in the UK and Canada. The board is dominated by the same team, including Michael Edwards, that floated decentralised finance (DeFi) focused investment company Dispersion Holdings (DEFI) and NFT Investments (NFT), which is investing in a portfolio of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Michael Edwards is also chairman of Pioneer Media Inc. This is a company that has floated on the Canadian Stock Exchange and plans to gain a quote on Aquis. Pioneer is seeking investments in eSports and mobile gaming. The expected admission date is 25 May.
Pharma C Investments is an early-stage investor in the medical cannabis sector. The focus will be on markets that already have legislation and regulations. The plan is to raise £1m and the expected admission date is 26 May.
Greencare Capital (GRE) has appointed Richard Tonthat as chief executive. The cannabis-focused investment company recently made its first two investments after its original acquisition fell through. Richard Tonthat has worked at Grant Thornton and British American Tobacco, when it made a large cannabis acquisition in Canada.
ASX-listed Pacific Nickel has completed the acquisition of 80% of Kolosori Nickel and Gunsynd (GUN) has received 682,790 Pacific Nickel shares at 8 cents each for its stake. The current Pacific Nickel shareholding is 1.95 million shares. There will be deferred consideration if a mining lease is granted, and the mineral resource is confirmed. Gunsynd could receive a further 1.14 million shares if this is achieved.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) is acquiring corporate finance adviser Innovative Finance Srl for an initial €2.45m with a further €2.45m payable depending on performance over three years. Eight Capital Partners previously had an option to acquire a 60% stake. Concreta Srl will own 9.9% of Eight Capital Partners and chairman Dominic White will own 29.9% – he is also loaning the company €1.1m.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that a second batch of iron ore has been shipped from stockpiles at the Amapa project in Brazil. The cash will be used to pay creditors, including ex-employees. The remaining creditors need to be paid before Cadence acquires a 20% stake in Amapa. A further investment of $3.5m would take the stake to 27%.
R Oldfield has been buying shares in Shepherd Neame (SHEP). He bought 6,356 shares at 1032p each, a further 2,500 shares at 1038p each and 16,144 shares at 1035p each.
Incanthera (INC) is presenting at the Shares and AJ Bell investor evening webinar on 19 May.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised £70,000 at 1.5p a share. Vulcan subsidiary Orca Doors is gaining orders, which cover six months of capacity. Ananda Investments (ANA) has raised £15,000 from the exercising of warrants at 0.45p a share.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (ESO) had a NAV of 495.69p a share at the end of April 2021.
AIM
Motor dealer Vertu Motors (VTU) performed In the year to February 2021, revenues fell from £3.1bn to £2.5bn, while underlying pre-tax profit improved from £23m to £24.6m. Net cash, excluding leases and vehicle stocking loans, was £1.4m at the end of February 2021. The net tangible asset value is 50.2p a share. At the beginning of May, CIP Merchant Capital (CIP) bought 1.55 million Vertu Motors shares at just over 40.3p each.
Business restructuring company Begbies Traynor (LSE: BEG) has acquired Midlands-based MAF Property, which is a finance broker. The deal could cost up to £11.75m, with £3m in cash and shares upfront and the rest depending on profit growth. The pre-tax profit forecast for the year to April 2022 has been raised from £16.5m to £17m.
Nightcap (NGHT) has raised £10m at 23p a share and strong demand meant that existing shareholders Raymond Blanc and David Moore sold part of their stakes. The original plan was to raise £4m.
e-Therapeutics (ETX) has raised £22.5m, including £920,000 via Primary Bid, at 24p a share. The cash will be used to expand the company’s drug discovery and development operations. There are plans to complete a first in human clinical study for one RNAi asset and advance two or three other RNAi therapeutic programmes through preclinical development.
Great Western Mining (GWMO) has completed an initial six-hole drilling programme at the Trafalgar Hill project in Nevada. All six holes intercepted intercepted the main shallow structure. In the next few weeks there will be further drilling and more analysis and news about these drilling results.
Gaming Realms (GMR) has extended its SLINGO agreement with Scientific Games. The four-year licensing deal includes the opportunity to launch SLINGO digital lottery games.
Trellus Health has the rights to technology that can be used to manage irritable bowel syndrome. It can reduce unplanned hospital visits by 85%. The US-based company expects to join AIM on 28 May.
STM (STM) has sold its Jersey trust and company services business for net cash of at least £1.4m. That reduces the 2021 profit forecast by £100,000 to £2.5m.
Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) says April crude palm oil production was lower against strong comparatives, but that was offset by higher prices. Arden still expects a move into profit this year – €600,000 is forecast.
MAIN MARKET
Medica Group (MGP) reported a one-fifth reduction in full year revenues to £36.8m. The lack of elective surgery meant that demand for teleradiology services was reduced. However, demand for emergency services slightly increased. There was an initial contribution from the Irish business bought last year. The 2020 underlying pre-tax profit fell from £11m to £4.74m. The US business was acquired this year and an Australian joint venture has been launched.
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) expects interim operating profit to double to £18m. Operating margins are being maintained even though costs of some components are increasing. Net debt should remain at around £18.3m.
Haysmacintyre and a partner have been reprimanded and fined for its audit of the Associated British Engineering (ASBE) accounts for 2017-18. This was not undertaken in the appropriate manner.
Cizzle Biotechnology (CIZ) has reversed into standard list shell Bould Opportunities. Cizzle is is developing a test that could make diagnosing lung cancer more accurate by preventing false positives. A placing raised £2.2m at 10p a share. Pro forma cash is £1.89m, which is slightly higher than the NAV. The cash will be used to make progress towards gaining CE marking for the biomarker test.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 26 March 2018
NEX EXCHANGE
Continuing revenues from renewable energy supplier Good Energy (GOOD) increased from £89.7m to £104.5m but underlying pre-tax profit was nearly two-thirds lower at £734,000 due to higher admin and interest costs. There was also a decline in gross margin. An increase in working capital meant that there was a £4.92m cash outflow from operating activities. There was a decline in NAV due to the loss on discontinued generation development activities. Net debt was £53.1m at the end of 2017.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) reported a 9% increase in beer volumes in 2017, even though cash sales fell by 5%. Overall sales were 6% ahead at £74.8m despite losing £1m in revenues from the closure of the Swan Hotel for refurbishment. Even if the exceptional expenses of £721,000 for removing asbestos from the Swan Hotel, are added back, the pre-tax profit, excluding disposal gains, fell from £3.59m to £1.6m. Capital investment continues with the IT system being upgraded. The full year dividend was edged up from 226p a share to 228p a share. There plans to produce an alcohol-free version of Ghost Ship.
MetalNRG (MNRG) is selling its 15.4% stake in US Cobalt to ASX-listed Tyranna Resources, which is acquiring the whole of the company. MetalNRG will receive 21.7 million shares in Tyranna at a valuation of A$0.017 a share. The shares are trading at A$0.025, which would value the deal at £300,000. First Sentinel has raised £45,000 at 13p a share and issued a further £25,000 worth of shares at the same price to market maker Winterflood.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) has exercised its option to take its stake in Indorse to 10%. The additional 3.5% of the company is being bought for £97,000, taking the total investment to £246,000. Singapore-based Indorse has tested its blockchain-based social network for professionals and moved to the Mainnet. A new feature will enable token issuers to verify their advisory board. Coinsilium is advising Bundle Network on its token generating event. Bundle enables people to trade across unconnected cryptocurrency without needing to open individual accounts.
Imperial Minerals (IMPP) has raised £20,000 at 2p a share. There was just over £37,000 in the bank at the end of 2017, following a £35,000 cash outflow in the previous six months. Imperial is still seeking an opportunity in metals, such as gold, lithium, cobalt and zinc.
First Sentinel (FSBN) has appointed Colin Maltby to the board and invested £43,500 in the Union Jack Oil (UJO) placing raising £1.25m at 0.085p a share.
Baron Bloom has stepped down from the board of Etaireia Investments (ETIP) after the publishing of criticism by a judge, who said that he had been dishonest during divorce proceedings with his ex-wife.
Block Commodities (BLOC) has entered into a strategic partnership with blockchain-based financial services platform Wala and token issuer Dala. The businesses will be working together to establish the blockchain-based agricultural commodity trading initiative that Block has been developing. Dala would be used as the token for the food commodities trading ecosystem. Block’s existing joint venture will supply $10m of Dala token loans to 50,000 small farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.
Dana Group International Investments Ltd (DANA) increased its net assets from $0.31 a share to $0.36 a share in 2017. There was a $4.15m increase in the valuation of the investment in Bonyan International Investment.
AIM
New management at social video content developer and owner Brave Bison (BBSN) will be judged on this year’s figures rather than the 2017 results. In 2017, revenues fell 48% to £9.1m and cost cutting helped to reduce the underlying operating loss before the restructuring costs and write-offs of acquired intangibles. The cash outflow from operations fell by two-thirds to £1.53m. There is £4.82m in the bank so that provides time for further improvement in performance. Collecting ad revenues for third party content on social platforms remains a significant revenue generator but commissioned sponsored content is becoming an increasingly important fee earner.
Cambridge Cognition (COG) reported a small decline in revenues because of lumpy contract wins in the previous year and the delays to two clinical trials. A small loss was reported but the neuroscience health company is expected to bounce back this year to a profit of £500,000.
Utilitywise (UTW) has finally published its figures for the year to July 2017. More conservative accounting policies mean that an under consumption of energy increased the loss to £8.5m. The utility cost management adviser had a £6.18m cash outflow from operating activities. Net debt rose from £5.5m to £19m and banking covenant breaches have been waived by the bank. The debt increase was partly down to dividend payments but there is no final dividend. The interim results will be published on 23 April.
Energy procurement business Inspired Energy (INSE) increased its underlying pre-tax profit from £7m to £9.7m, while earnings per share were one-quarter higher at 1.57p. Inspired has bought SystemsLink 2000, whose software Inspired uses, for £3.875m and Energy Cost Management, which specialises in water management services, for up to £2m.
Rose Petroleum (ROSE) is confident that the 3D seismic data that has been acquired over the Gunnison Valley Unit on the Paradox oil and gas acreage in Utah provides the information required to decide a drill site for the fourth quarter and attract a farm-in partner to help finance the drilling. There are ongoing discussions with prospective partners and this should ensure that the current cash in the bank will last longer. Last September, £3m was raised at 4p a share.
Immupharma (IMM) says that it expects results from its phase III trial for Lupuzor by mid-April. The Lupus treatment has generated the required data and this will be analysed.
Wynnstay Group (WYN) continues to benefit from improved sentiment in the farming sector. Feed demand is above last year’s levels and grain volumes are improving, although margins are squeezed. Like-for-like retail sales are higher and an outlet has been acquired in mid-Wales.
Trading in Green and Smart Holdings (GSH) shares has been suspended because it will not publish its 2016-17 accounts by the end of March. The audit should be completed by the end of April.
CloudCall Group (CALL) grew revenues by two-fifths last year. The underlying loss was £2.6m and further investment in sales and marketing means that even though revenue growth could be near to last year’s level the loss will be similar. The recurring cloud-based software and telecoms services revenues that will be generated from the investment will reduce the loss and move the business into profit in the following two or three years.
James Latham (LTHM) says that its figures for the year to March 2018 will be in line with expectations. This reflects an improvement in the second half. The Wigston timber depot has been moved to a new site.
Parity Group (PTY) has signed a managed services deal with Primark Stores and, along with other extensions, this takes annual revenues from this area to £5m plus. Primark is important because most of the clients on this side of the business are in the public sector. Parity can generate £2m of cash a year.
Gama Aviation (GMAA) reported a 28% rise in underlying operating profit to $18.7m. The main growth has come from the aircraft management business, which was boosted by acquisition in the US. There were also improvements in Europe and Middle East. Gama is investing in two new ground maintenance sites in the US and this continued investment is holding back short-term profit for this division.
KCR Residential REIT (KCR) has raised £1.56m at 70p a share and capitalised loans of £1.59m. The cash will be invested in the private rental portfolio. Debt has been reduced to 45% of investment property value. Energiser Investments (ENGI) has taken a 24.7% in KCR by subscribing for shares and capitalising its £494,000 loan.
There was a cash outflow of £738,000 at Botswana Diamonds (BOD) in the six months to December 2017. That was before the £865,000 raised in a share issue. There is £230,000 left in the bank. A scoping study is being undertaken at the Thorny River project in South Africa. Drilling continues at the Ontevreden project.
Golden Saint Resources (GSR) is asking for shareholder backing for leaving AIM on 24 April. It still plans to acquire EMS Wiring Systems but it wants to join the standard list after the deal goes through.
OKYO Pharma Corporation left AIM on 23 March and the company has migrated to Guernsey. A special dividend payment is planned.
NWF has received bid acceptances for the equivalent of 42.6% of the share capital of Stellar Diamonds (STEL).
Directa Plus (DCTA) has entered into an agreement with Sartec to develop a system to treat contaminated water in the oil and gas sector by using the Grafysorber technology. Directa Plus provides the technology and support while the partner will finance the development of the first plant, starting in the second quarter of 2018.
Noel Collett is stepping down as chief executive of retail butcher Crawshaw Group (CRAW) but he will remain while a replacement is found. Finance director Alan Richardson plans to move to a new job in May. Crawshaw is estimated to have lost £2m in the year to January 2018, Trading has been poor in the first six weeks of the new financial year. There was £5m in the bank at the end of January 2018, which is similar to the company’s market capitalisation.
Grafenia (GRA) says trading has been mixed. Volumes and margins in the printing business have been below budget in recent months. Grafenia is trying to replace these revenues with licence fees, signage and website sales. Full year revenues will be two-fifths higher at nearly £15m and the loss will be similar. Net debt will be around £2.85m.
Gaming Realms (GMR) has sold two affiliate businesses for up to £2.4m. Their revenues have been declining. In 2017, group revenues were flat at £31.6m but continuing operations made a positive underlying EBITDA. Real money gaming revenues were 5% higher but social revenues were lower. New licensing deals have been signed with the likes of 888 and Golden Nugget Casino this year.
Vipera (VIP) says that 12.5% shareholder Sella Open Fintech Platform is contemplating making a bid for the mobile financial software developer.
Gatemore has taken its stake in TLA Worldwide (TLA) to 7%. Gatemore took its initial stake just after trading in TLA, which is most famous for publishing a profit warning after trading had finished prior to Christmas 2016, recommenced after it published its 2016 figures last November.
Harwood Wealth Management (HW.) is paying £4.6m, plus £1.54m for cash balances, for Southampton-based AE Financial Services. The business generated a profit of £500,000 last year.
Altona Energy (ANR) has reviewed the data for the Westfield tenement and put together a three phase drilling programme. This will cost A$1.5m in total, with the first phase costing A$230,000. The second phase will help to define a JORC resource. The final phase will be part of the preparation of a bankable feasibility study. The drilling is targeting shallow coal seams.
More bad news from toilet tissue manufacturer Accrol Group Holdings (ACRL) and the share price has fallen by three-quarters. The loss is going to be higher than expected. Net debt will be £34m by the end of April.
MAIN MARKET
London and Associated Properties (LAS) says that the tenant of Brixton Markets has exercised its pre-emption rights to acquire the markets. Market Village will pay £37.25m for assets that have a book value of £24.5m.
Bluebird Merchant Ventures Ltd (BMV) says it has made swift progress at the Kochang mine and sampling of the underground workings is ongoing. This has cost $65,000 so far. Feasibility studies at Kochang and Gubong should be completed in the third quarter of 2018. Bluebird has to spend $500,000 on each project to earn 50% in a joint venture for each project with Southern Gold.
Andrew Hore