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Quoted Micro 2 September 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
VSA Capital (VSA) revealed a strategic partnership with Drakewood Capital Management. This covers commodities trading, fund management and investment banking. This should provide a broader service for junior mining companies. Drakewood is subscribing £405,000 for VSA shares at 9p each and that was a 50% premium over the market price. Mark Thompson has been appointed to the VSA board as its representative. He is a former director of First Tin and Tungsten West. Drake wood and VSA directors have been granted warrants. VSA boss Andrew Monk intends to enter into a deal with Drakewood that would give it an option to acquire his shares, warrants and options in VSA. If he leaves then Drakewood will be able to acquire his stake at NAV plus 20% for six months after he leaves.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) increased interim revenues by 84% to £1.01m and the loss has been halved to £262,000. The probiotics-based healthcare company is expanding sales in North America and Europe. A North American contract manufacturing deal is being discussed. Operational separation from OptiBiotix should be completed by the end of the year. There was £865,000 in the bank at the end of June 2024.
Skincare treatments developer Incanthera (INC) reported figures for the year to March 2024 showing a steady loss of £1.47m. There was a cash outflow from operating activities of £838,000 and £61,000 in cash at the end of March 2024. There were no revenues during this period. The deal with Cosmetics chain Marionnaud should be generating sales in the near future.
Exchange services provider Aquis Exchange (AQX), which is also quoted on AIM, has been hit by one technology contract not being renewed, because of the client’s trading problems. That will knock £1m off revenues and pre-tax profit in 2024. The other parts of the group all grew revenues in the first half with Aquis Stick Exchange trading volumes 44% ahead. Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2024 pre-tax profit forecast from £6.3m to £4.9m with the rest of the shortfall due to increased investment. The interims will be published on 12 September.
Helium Ventures (HEV) investee company Blue Star Helium has agreed to sell 50% of the Galactica-Pegasus project and other licences in Colorado. There are confirmed helium discoveries of an average of 3% helium. Gross resource estimates are 675 million cubic feet. Blue Star Helium will continue to be operator. Helium One Global (HE1) will pay $1.5m of past costs, plus up to $2.7m on six wells.
Marula Mining (MARU) has received assay results from samples of manganese ore that will be provided to the recently acquired Kilifi manganese processing plant in Kenya. They recorded high grades with an average of 61.95% manganese. The samples were from the Ganze region. The Kilifi plant could generate cash of up to $400,000/month from late 2024. Two further manganese ore supply agreements have been signed. Both are for grades of at least 24% manganese with one supplying 30,000 tonnes over six months and the other 5,000 tonnes over one year.
Higher impairment and fair value adjustments and an inventory write down led to Inqo Investments (INQO) making a loss of R6.3m in the year to February 2024, compared with the previous year’s pre-tax profit of R2.63m.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has sold its stake in Impact Oil and Gas to Africa Oil Corp at 56.9p/share raising £142,250. In June, £235,000 was generated through a tender offer by Phoenix Digital Assets.
CBD-based treatments developer Ananda Developments (ANA) made a £383,000 loss in the quarter to July 2024. Net assets were £723,000.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 71.92p/share at the end of July 2024. The income from digital assets during the month was £805,000.
Equipmake (EQIP) has received an initial order for five zero emission drivetrains from South American bus manufacturer Agrale. This follows the recent trial.
James and Alexandra Pace has a 4.1% stake in Shepherd Neame (SHEP).
AIM
Audio equipment supplier Focusrite (TUNE) says full year revenues will be around £157m, but EBITDA will be lower than expected at around £25m (£27.1m was previously expected) because of higher shipping and logistics costs. Shipping costs are continuing to rise, and promotional spending remains at high levels. New products have been launched, but a major distributor has been cutting stock levels. Net debt has fallen to £15m. The final results will be published in late November.
Antenna technology developer Filtronic (FTC) is trading ahead of expectations and has secured a follow-up order from SpaceX for E-band solid-state power amplifier modules for Starlink satellites. The new order is worth £6.4m and SpaceX has been issued 10.9 million warrants. Cavendish has raised its 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast from £6.4m to £7.7m.
Helium One Global (HE1) is acquiring 50% of Blue Star Helium’s Galactica-Pegasus project and other licences in Colorado. There are confirmed helium discoveries of an average of 3% helium. Gross resource estimates are 675 million cubic feet. Blue Star Helium will continue to be operator. An initial six development wells are planned for later this year. They could generate an annual income of $2m. Cynosure Capital is subscribing £6.43m at 1.09p/share. That cash will fund $1.5m of past costs, plus up to $2.7m on the six wells. There will also be $2.55m required for capital investment. The extended well test at Itumbula West-1 in Tanzania has flowed at up to 7.6% helium. The well flowed an average of 786 barrels per day.
Audio equipment supplier Focusrite (TUNE) says full year revenues will be around £157m, but EBITDA will be lower than expected at around £25m (£27.1m was previously expected) because of higher shipping and logistics costs. Shipping costs are continuing to rise, and promotional spending remains at high levels. New products have been launched, but a major distributor has been cutting stock levels. Net debt has fallen to £15m. The final results will be published in late November.
Retailer Quiz (QUIZ) reported a 11% decline in revenues to £82m in the year to March 2024. There was a swing from a pre-tax profit of £2.3m to a loss of £6.7m after exceptional costs of £1.5m. Sheraz Ramzan was appointed chief executive at the end of the period. He is targeting the core customer based and updating the brand. He is also improving service. Talks are ongoing with founder Tarak Ramzan for the provision of a £1m loan. Revenues in the first four months of the current year are 11% lower at £27.3m. Trading remains difficult.
Oxygen enrichment technology developer Belluscura (BELL) is increasing sales, but it has reduced its 2024 guidance to $8m-$10m, depending on the timing of the launch of DISCOV-R in the second half. Dowgate had expected revenues of $16m and it has cut the estimate to $9m. It is sticking with $30m for 2025 revenues, which would be enough to be profitable, but this appears optimistic. More cash will be required in the second half, so that sales can ramp-up faster.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) iron deficiency treatment ACCRUFeR has been approved by the authorities in Canada. It is the only oral iron therapy approved as a prescription drug for adults with anaemia. This sparks a £250,000 milestone payment from Canadian partner Kye Pharmaceuticals.
Wine supplier Naked Wines (WINE) reported a 13% annualised dip in revenues to £290m, while underlying operating profit fell by two-thirds to £5m. That was before a £13m inventory provision. The company is still surplus stocks. Net cash was better than guidance and doubled to £19.6m. First quarter trading is in line with expectations. Guidance for 2024-25 indicates revenues of £240m-£270m and operating profit before inventory losses of £3m-£8m. Dominic Neary has been appointed finance director.
Primorus Investment (PRIM) is subscribing 18.1 million shares in Pri0r1ty AI for £300,460 to help fund a software roll out. Standard list shell Alteration Earth (ALTE) has non-binding heads of terms to acquire Pri0r1ty AI and move to AIM. Primorus Investment directors Rupert Labrum and Matthew Beardmore own 45.8% of Alteration Earth.
MAIN MARKET
Cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) has gained a $1.3m contract for the implementation of social engineering threat intelligence for the US Air Force Platform One Iron Bank project. This is a repository of pre-approved software. A cash injection is required.
Cadmium-free quantum dots developer Nanoco (NANO) has suspended the joint development agreement with ST Microelectronics. There are also unlikely to be revenues from another sensing programme. The joint development agreement with STMicroelectronics involved a two-year programme to optimise a second-generation sensing material. Nanoco says that it met all the development milestones. The decision is apparently due to a strategy change and end of project terms with the customer. Nanoco will also try to remove any obstacles to use the expertise developed in other opportunities.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 8 July 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Sheffield-based AI software company IntelliAM AI (INT) joined Aquis on 3 July. It raised £5.08m at 94p/share. The acquisition of 53 Degrees North was completed after admission. This adds a range of asset care consulting and management strategies for manufacturers to the group. Customers include food manufacturers, consumer and industrial businesses.
Voyager Life (VOY) says M3 Helium’ is drilling a vertical well at the Hugoton North Play project in Kansas. Voyager Life has an option to take a stake in M3 Helium.
Coinsilium (COIN) has been signed a collaboration agreement with Web3b developer Lifeflow Inc, which will have access to $1m of dedicated seed funding. Investee company Greengage is collaborating with global crypto currency exchange Coinbase. Coinsilium is purchasing $75,000 of future tokens in the early backers round of the Otomato Web3 automation protocol. There is an option for $150,150 future tokens.
Inqo Investments (INQO) has invested in Pabidi Lodge Budongo Ltd in Uganda. This lodge and ten luxury tents are expected to be open by the end of 2024.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has secured a commercial agreement with Tap N Go for the launch of the XTP cashback programme. XTP is a token for trading via Tap Global exchange services.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) was hit by a £14.6m unrealised loss on its investments in 2023. That is predominantly down to a reduction in the value of a bond issue by 1AF2, which is due for repayment on 22 July. NAV has declined from £25.3m to £12.8m. Net debt is £862,000. Even so, the share price improved.
Valereum (VLRM) has completed the £2m raising from chairman James Formolli, while a warrant exercise has generated £9,458. Shares were issued at 0.36p each and on top of that he received 15 million GATE tokens. The cash will finance the growth of the business and development of the GATE token.
Shares in Watchstone Group (WTG) went ex-dividend on 4 July. It is returning 8p/share in cash.
Chris Potts reduced his stake in Shortwave Life Sciences (LON: PSY) from 15.2% to 11.65%. Jonathan Bellis has a 3.4% stake in Hot Rock Investments (HRIP).
Trading in Marula Mining (MARU) shares was suspended because the 2023 accounts have not been published.
AIM
Workflow efficiency software supplier ActiveOps (AOM) increased annualised recurring revenues by 14% to £25.1m by the end of March 2024 as existing clients continued to spend more on top of the new contract gains. There was cash of £17.6m at the year end. There was a jump in pre-tax profit to £1.9m, but further investment in the business means it could fall to £1.4m this year. The growth in recurring revenues is the most important thing, though.
Semiconductors designer CML Microsystems (CML) had a tough year to March 2024 and this year will also be difficult, but design wins mean that the longer-term outlook is more positive. Revenues grew from £20.6m to £22.9m, although that was due to a near-six month contribution from last year’s acquisition MwT. Underlying pre-tax profit dipped from £3.6m to £3.1m. Destocking by customers and a change in product mix hit profit. A further dip in profit is expected this year, but new contracts and a broader product range, including new digital radio technology DRM, will improve revenues in two to three years. The balance sheet remains strong with net cash of £18.2m.
Professional services network operator DSW Capital (DSW) reported full year revenues fell by one-fifth to £2.4m and pre-tax profit declined from £1.4m to £500,000. The total dividend was cut from 3.8p/share to 2p/share. That is not covered by earnings, but management eventually intends to return to paying up to 70% of distributable earnings in dividends. Net cash is £2.3m.
Bluejay Mining (JAY) says there are indications of potential helium and hydrogen accumulations at the Outokumpu licences in Finland. There is up to 5.6% helium and 46% hydrogen, plus other gases. Seismic data has been acquired to identify high potential areas. Helium and hydrogen is the new focus of the company. Non-exec Roderick McIllree bought six million shares at 0.35p each.
Helium One Global (HE1) is making progress at the Rukwa project. An extended well test will start later this month. The required equipment is being delivered. A feasibility study is underway.
Pipehawk (PIP) shares slumped 75.3% to 2.1p because of financial difficulties at QM Systems, which had moved to larger premises. Two large orders have not been obtained. QM Systems is likely to be put into administration. QM Systems accounted for 65% of group revenues last year and lost £970,000. The rest of the group should be able to continue as a going concern, although continuing activities made a loss in the year to June 2023.
Martin Andersson has stepped down as executive chairman Chaarat Gold Holdings (CGH) as the company is in restructuring discussions with Labro Investors, which he is associated with. He remains a non-exec. David Mackenzie is acting chief executive. The company has enough cash for the next few weeks but cannot fund the $1.2m repayment due on the Labro convertible loan in September. The restructuring discussions relate to this.
Linear generator technology developer Libertine Holdings (LIB) has entered into a conditional subscription agreement with equity investors based in India and Dubai. This could raise £2m at 1.5p/share. This would involve the issue of shares equivalent to 49% of the enlarged share capital. This would provide funds for working capital until June 2025, but Libertine is not likely to breakeven in that time frame.
Mercia Asset Management (MERC) assets under management have reached £1.8bn, helped by a new mandate from the British Business Bank. EBITDA was £5.6m in 2023-24 and the strategy is to double that figure in three years. NAV improved to 43p/share, including £47m in cash, despite the 2p/share write down of the investment in engineering firm Impression Technologies.
Retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) has been hit by higher freight costs and weaker spring trading, which has led to a reduction in pre-tax profit estimates for the year to October 2024 from £13.8m to £10m. Last year’s pre-tax profit was £16.5m and revenues are likely to be 1% lower. A total dividend of 6.5p/share is forecast.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has exercised its option to acquire the Chariot-Neely Lake, South Pendleton and Snowbird uranium projects in Canada. Fulcrum Metals intends to sell these and the Fontaine Lake project to Vancouver-based Terra Balcanica for C$300,000 in cash and C$3.1m of shares when it has completed agreed exploration spending over the next four years. Fulcrum Metals will also retain a 1% net smelter return royalty.
MAIN MARKET
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has signed a strategic partnership with a global technology group to market its cyber encryption technology to the civil commercial markets around the world. The partner will pay at least $2.1m over two years to develop a combined hardware and software product off.
Filtration technology supplier Porvair (PRV) had a tough first half with destocking holding back progress. In the six months to May 2024, revenues grew from £90.6m to £94.6m, but higher interest charges meant that underlying pre-tax profit fell from £11.8m to £11.5m. This includes an initial contribution from mist elimination filters producer European Filter Corporation (EFC) of £1m to operating profit and it accounted for the growth in revenues of the aerospace and industrial division. The interim dividend was raised by 5% to 2.1p/share and the full year forecast is 6.3p/share. Net cash was £4.1m after the payment for EFC.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 17 June 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Samarkand (SMK) has sold its probiotic brand of Probio7 for £1.3m with an initial cash payment of £1.1m. This will provide working capital for the company’s other healthcare brands. Unsecured loans made by the directors to finance the acquisition of Optimised Energetics will be repaid.
Skin treatments developer Incanthera (INC) has moved up to the Apex segment following its recent rise in valuation. The appointment of John Howes as an additional independent non-executive director has also enabled the switch.
OTAQ (OTAQ) has won a contract with Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency for two Live Plankton Analysis System (LPAS) units to be installed and generate rental income until the end of 2024. One will be deployed with a seafood producer that has encountered Harmful Algae Bloom events. The system can identify the algae.
Oberon Investment (OBE) improved revenues by more than 50% in the year to March 2024 with strong financial planning income. The capital markets division had a tougher time, but activity levels are improving. Additional teams were added to the business, and they will generate additional revenues in 2024-25. Like-for-like growth could be more than 30% this year. There could be potential to spin-off fintech software business Logic.
Metals recycling company Majestic Corporation (MCJ) increased 2023 revenues by one-quarter to $29.4m. Pre-tax profit is 149% higher at $1m. There was cash of $653,000 at the end of 2023. The company is expanding into solar and battery materials.
Global Connectivity (GCON) 15%-owned associate Rural Broadband Solutions increased its stake in Voneus from 38% to 41% following the latest capital injection of £18m. The book value of the original 25% stake had been valued at 1.8p/share, so it is much higher now.
Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) has invested $100,000 into Rule 110 Inc for its seed and strategic funding round for the launch of the RealityNet protocol. This protocol enables users to rent out unused computing resources on their devices to the rest of the network.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) says 662.5 million shares were tendered by the close of the offer, but 625 million shares were accepted at a cost of £33.7m (5.39p each).
Tunch Kashif has reduced his stake in ChallengerX (CXS) from 17.9% to 6.9%. Flash Corp Technologies sold nearly all its 6.82% shareholding. Kenneth Jolly has taken a 4.73% stake. Geoffrey Miller has reduced his stake in TruSpine Technologies (TSP) from 9.03% to 8.24%. AIM-quoted Vela Technologies (VELA) has reduced its stake from 4.3% to 3.92%. Kevin Hastings has a 3.08% stake in Marula Mining (MARU). James and Alexandra Pace have a 3.01% stake in brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP).
AIM
Linear generator technology developer Libertine Holdings (LIB) has terminated the formal sales process because it does not believe that there will be an offer by mid-June. There is still the prospect of a £2m cash injection at 2.1p/share from two Middle East investors. One of the investments would last the company until September and the full amount of money should last until June next year. There are still conditions that need to be satisfied and if it does not happen in the next couple of weeks then the quotation may be cancelled, and the business wound down.
R&Q Insurance Holdings (RQIH) is still trying to complete the sale of its Accredited business. Costs are mounting up as talks continue with regulator and other parties and it is hampering the overall business. This has hit the financial stability of the business. There could be an alternative to the original Accredited deal, but that involves the liquidation of the holding company. Slater Investments has reduced its stake from 11.7% to 10.3%.
NWF (NWF) says that 2023-24 trading is in line with expectations. Fuels volumes improved even though there was a mild winter. Margins did fall back. Food distribution was the strongest performer even though opening costs for the new facility held back the profit contribution. Feed volumes fell. Net cash was £10m at the end of May 2024.
Insurance businesses investor BP Marsh (BPM) has launched a new share buyback programme of up to £1m following annual results. In the year to January 2024, pre-tax profit improved from £27.6m to £43.6m. This was predominantly due to disposals of stakes in Kentro Capital and Paladin Holdings. There was £40.4m in cash, plus £49.5m of assets that were sold after the year-end, at the end of January 2024. NAV increased by 102.8p/share to 629p/share.
Landore Resources (LND) has raised £3.68m at 2.4p/share with strategic investor Luso Global Mining, a subsidiary of Mota-Engil, subscribing £1m. Alexander Shaw, who is the boss of the new investor will become chief executive of Landore Resources. The cash will fund drilling at the BAM gold project at Junior Lake in northwestern Ontario.
Helium One Global (HE1) has raised £8m at 0.5p/share. This will finance the deepening of Itumbula West-1well and the extended well test, as well as the development of the helium project in Tanzania. The extended well test should start in the third quarter.
Deltic Energy (DELT) has been unable to find a partner for the Pensacola project in the North Sea. This means that Deltic Energy cannot finance its share of the development costs and it is withdrawing from the licence and transferring its 30% share to Shell and ONE-Dyas. Canaccord Genuity has reduced its NPV10 target price to 100p.
The latest drilling results for the Basin lithium project means that Bradda Head Lithium (BHL) is nearer to receiving a significant royalty payment from the LRC. The latest mineral resource estimate is being calculated and it should be much higher than the current figure of 1.08MT of LCE. The figure could be tripled in the next few weeks.
Kibo Energy (KIBO) is not going ahead with last week’s planned restructuring and new strategy after consultation with shareholders. Not all the board changes will be made, and Kibo Energy is likely to focus more on oil and gas.
MAIN MARKET
The current board of Tirupati Graphite (TGR) managed to see off the requisitioners at the general meeting. It won all the resolutions by gaining around 48 million votes compared with around 38 million for its opponents. Michael Lynch-Bell has been appointed as chairman. This does not change the company’s financial predicament, which will have to be addressed before the company focuses on its “long-term ambition of providing 8% of the world’s global flake graphite demand by 2030”.
Castings (CGS) will not be able to maintain the strong performance of last year. In the year to March 2024, underlying pre-tax profit improved from £16.7m to £21.3m. Demand for heavy trucks has passed its peak and that will hit volumes. There can be a cyclicality to the demand and Castings will continue to be a strong cash generator. There will be a 7p/share special dividend and the shares go ex-dividend on 20 June. The normal final dividend of 14.19p/share will be paid one month later.
Palace Capital (PCA) is launching a tender offer for shares at 250p each. It will spend up to £21.7m.
Andrew Hore
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SMALL CAP AWARDS 2024
Company of the year
IQGeo (IQG)
Aquis company of the year
Equipmake
IPO of the year
Onward Opportunities (ONWD)
ESG of the year
Eden Research (EDEN)
Transaction of the year
Journeo (JNEO) – MultiQ acquisition
Technology company of the year
Kooth (KOO)
Dividend hero/ Investor relations success
Cohort (CHRT)
Diversity, inclusivity and engagement
TPXimpact (TPX)
Executive director of the year
Chris Smith – McBride
Analyst of the year
Charles Hall – Peel Hunt
Broker of the year
Cavendish Capital Markets
Lifetime achievement
David Stirling
Quoted Micro 12 February 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
RentGuarantor (RCG) 2023 revenues were 3% ahead of Zeus forecasts and expects to upgrade its 2024 forecast in April after the accounts are released. The 2023 revenues were 73% higher at £742,000. There was a 57% increase in tenant contracts to 1,124. A new insurance partner has increased insurance cover for rent arrears at a lower cost. Zeus has an estimated discounted cash flow valuation of 303p/share. The current 2024 forecast is revenues of £3.6m and breakeven.
All Things Considered (ATC) has acquired a 50% stake in Mckeown Asset, which has concert and festival management interests, as well as 40% of Something Records and 10% of Brighton venue Concorde 2 (it has an option to increase the stake to up to 70%). The initial payment is £475,000 in cash and James Mckeown intends to spend £25,000 in All Things Considered shares. There is potential deferred consideration of £200,000. Mckeown Assets NAV was £243,000 at the end of April 2023, including investments valued at £125,000.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had an NAV of 324p/share. Holdings in Atlantic Credit Opportunities Fund and Prelude Structured Alternatives Master Fund have been sold and EPIC Acquisition Corp is being wound up because it failed to find a suitable acquisition. There was cash of £15.3m at the end of January 2024. The £4m of unsecured loan notes has been extended to 23 July 2024. There are 12.5 million ZDP shares in issue that mature at the end of 2026.
VSA Capital (VSA) and Andrew Gerrie and Alison Hawksley have settled their legal dispute with Silverwood Brands (SLWD) that relates to 2.28 million shares that were transferred from the two individuals to VSA Capital. The agreement should enable the transaction to sell Lush shares to Silverwood Brands to be unwound.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) says that it should take between ten and twelve months to gain FCA authorisation to provide consumer loans. It previously thought that it would take up to 18 months. The loans will be offered at annual percentage rates of between 19.9% and 59.9%. This is expected to improve revenues and profit. Investment Evolution Credit has launched an offering of up to £100m of 15% fixed rate unsecured bonds that last five years. This will fund the US loan portfolio and then UK loans when approvals are granted.
The NAV of Gledhow Investments (GDH) fell from £1.7m to £1.41m at the end of September 2023, including £174,000 in cash. The cash figure has increased to £280,000. There is 51% of the investment portfolio invested in AIM, one-third in Aquis and the rest in pre-IPO investments.
Diagnostic products developer EDX Medical Group (EDX) is raising £4.01m via a subscription at 12p/share, which is a premium to the market price. Founder Professor Chris Evans subscribed for 6.25 million shares. The other investors were high net worth individuals.
Oscillate (MUSH) has a 12.75% stake in Psych Capital (PSY). The investment company is pleased about the news that Psych Capital has been awarded a grant for a phase 1 POC study in Israel of psilocybin-assisted therapy for anorexia nervosa patients.
Marula Mining (MARU) has amended the terms of the Q Global Commodities subscription of up to £3.75m at 3.75p/share so that the money can be subscribed by another affiliate. This cash will be invested in battery metals mining projects in Africa. There is an option to subscribe up to a further £4.78m at 10p/share.
Substrate Artificial Intelligence (SAI) has an investment agreement with Indico Investments and Management, which can provide up to Euro2m with shares issued at a discount of 10% to the relevant share price. There is 2% commission on the total amount, plus 15% commission for each capital increase.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) non-executive director Dominic J Burke bought 3,000 shares at 700p each, taking his stake to 6.51%. Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) chairman and chief executive Sir Henry Angest acquired 100,000 shares at 990p each, taking his stake to 57.3% of the voting shares.
Clean Invest Africa (CIA) has raised £200,000 at 0.35p each.
Alex Albertini has been appointed as a non-executive director of SulNOx Group (SNOX). He has experience in the shipping industry.
AIM
Adam Wilson is stepping down as chief executive of coal supplier Bens Creek (BEN) once a replacement has been found. Lower metallurgical coal prices led to a shortage of cash last year and $13 of convertible loan notes were issued to 29.9% shareholder Avani Resources. That cash should have lasted until the end of 2024. The company blames poor weather in West Virginia for interrupting production and delaying trains transporting coal. Avani Resources has offered another $5m as a working capital facility. While details are worked out Avani has advanced $1.25m. A 12-month offtake agreement for 40,000 short tons of coal is being negotiated with Avani Resources.
Futura Medical (FUM) says 2023 product revenues were around £3.1m following the launch of erectile dysfunction treatment Eroxon in the UK and Belgium. It has already built up a 20% market share. A $4m upfront payment from Haleon for US rights will be recognised in 2024. There was cash of £7.7m at the end of 2023.
Redx Pharma (REDX) is selling global rights to the preclinical-stage KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma virus) inhibitor programme to Jazz Pharmaceuticals for an upfront payment of $10m and potential milestone payments of up to $870m. Redx Pharmaceuticals should have enough cash to get into 2025.
In-game advertising technology provider Bidstack (BIDS) has issued additional convertible loan notes to Irdeto because it has not been able to provide information to Bidstack to publish a shareholder circular. Shareholder approval is required for the convertible issue. Bidstack had drawn down £600,000 from the convertible loan note facility but does not expect to make any more draw downs. The €3m payment from commercial partner Azerion is running out with cash of £1.4m at the end of January and this will run out by the end of March. A strategic review has been initiated.
Building products supplier Alumasc (ALU) has traded strongly, even though the underlying markets, particularly housebuilding, have been weak. Interim revenues increased 6% to £47.8m and pre-tax profit was 14% higher at £6.3m. Water Management increased its profit contribution with recent acquisition ARP only becoming part of the group late in the period. New products helped the housebuilding division. Additional costs on sales meant that the building envelope division profit was lower. A major export order has been delayed, but full year pre-tax profit could still improve from £11.2m to £12.1m.
Cleaning services provider React (REAT) increased its pre-tax profit from £700,000 to £1.8m in the year to September 2023. Revenues grew by 43% and there was a full contribution from the LaddersFree acquisition. Net cash is £1.3m. Current trading is at record levels. Pre-tax profit is expected to grow to £2.1m this year. This has been trimmed because of additional investment in systems to cope with further growth. Tax losses are running out, so the reported earnings will be lower despite the underlying progress.
Semiconductors developer Sondrel (SND) revealed that it had received £1.5m form the customer where payments had been delayed. This has enabled deferred payments to be made by Sondrel. New business opportunities are being negotiated. Even so, Sondrel needs to raise more cash before the end of March to put it on a sound financial footing.
Bushveld Minerals (BMN) has suspended full year guidance until it receives funds from Southern Point Resources relating to last year’s fundraising. Full year production fell 3% to 3,714mt, but sales rose 13% to 4,051mt. However, production has been affected by the lack of cash and it fell to 267mt in January. Southern Point Resources owes more than $10m and claims processing delays and the default of a funding partner have delayed the payment. The payment should be made by the end of February.
Cloud computing services provider Beeks Financial Cloud (BKS) has secured a significant multi-year contract with one of the world’s largest global exchange groups. The contract requires regulatory approval so it may not make a contribution in the year to June 2024. The value of the deal was not disclosed but it could be worth £3m or more each year. Another contract has been increased in size. Canaccord Genuity is maintaining its 2023-24 pre-tax profit forecast at £4.1m and increasing the 2024-25 figure from £5.3m to £6m.
Verditek (VDTK) has agreed terms to sell its solar business and become a shell. The buyers are the holders of secured convertible loan notes in return for the surrender of £528,340 loan notes and £50,000 in cash. The company will transfer the shareholder loan to the new company for nominal consideration. The bondholders are providing Verditek with a loan facility of up to €100,000 to fund the operating costs of the solar business. If the deal does not go ahead by the end of February Verditek will be running out of cash. A new management team is interested in joining Verditek and there are plans to raise £300,000.
RF components and systems developer Filtronic (FTC) has won a £7.8m contract for ground station antenna amplifiers for a leading global supplier of LEO satellite communications equipment. It also released interims with revenues 1% ahead at £8.5m. The cost base has been increased to cope with future growth, so there was a swing from profit to loss. Cavendish has raised its full year revenues expectations from £20.5m to £23.5m and pre-tax profit estimate has more than trebled from £800,000 to £2.5m.
Helium One Global (HE1) says Itumbula West-1 has flowed a high concentration of helium to surface. A measured helium concentration of up to 4.7% equates to nearly 9,000 times normal background levels. The well results will be evaluated. The company raised £4.7m at 1.5p, which is still a 650% premium to the share price prior to positive drilling news.
Artemis Resources (ARV) has discovered spodumene bearing pegmatites with Li2O grades of up to 1.82% at the Mount Marie prospect in the Greater Carlow project. This is the first tangible proof of spodumene bearing pegmatites and it could be part of a lithium corridor according to WH Ireland. Assay information is being assessed and should be published on 13 February.
MAIN MARKET
S and U (SUS) says tough trading conditions are hampering trading. Advances by motor finance provider Advantage were 7% lower than last year. In the second half of 2023-24 90% of due payments were made, down from 94% in the previous period. This means that pre-tax profit will be 10%-15% below expectations of £38m. Net receivables for Aspen Bridging have increased from £114m to £130m. The second interim dividend will be raised from 35p/share to 38p/share.
A new African investor has invested $500,000 in Blencowe Resources (BRES) at 5p/share and a further $2.5m has been conditionally raised at the same price.
First Tin (1SN) says sampling at the Taronga tin project confirms extensions to known mineralisation to the northeast and southwest and identified other potential targets.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 December 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Life Plus (GDLF) completed its reversal into Semper Fortis Esports. There was £1.4m raised at 2p/share. The share price improved 11.1% to 2.5p. The business has been trading for just over two years and it offers members daily prize draws. There are more than 21,000 active members and monthly recurring revenues are £210,000. The company is currently loss-making, partly due to investment in marketing, although the increasing scale means gross profit is improving. The cash will fund further investment in marketing. Sportingbet founder Mark Blandford is one of the new investors.
Kondor AI (KNDR) joined the Access segment of Aquis on 21 September having raised £1.5m at 3p/share and by the end of the week the share price was 8.25p. There was £400,500 raised in November. Kondor AI intends to develop artificial intelligence products in areas such as health diagnostics, search and text recognition. A beta demonstration product is being tested.
Secured Property Developments (SPD) has appointed Paul Ryan as executive director and Noel Lyons as non-exec and they have acquired £150,000 worth of shares at 26.11p each. The existing directors resigned. It appears likely that the focus may change to technology and cleantech. Peterhouse has become corporate adviser. The changes sparked a 60% rise in the share price to 20p.
Incanthera (INC) has secured a commercial deal with a subsidiary of health and beauty company AS Watson for the launch of the Skin + CELL skincare range. This should generate significant revenues in 2024. The plan is to roll out the brand to 1,000 stores in Europe, followed by Asia. Manufacturing has been subcontracted. To fund this, £800,000 was raised at 7p/share and £200,000 of debt owed to the University of Bradford was converted into shares. There was net debt of £199,0090 at the end of September 2023.
Vanadium flow batteries developer Invintiy Energy Systems (IES) says full year revenues will be at least £21.6m, which is below forecast, and the EBIDA loss will be higher than expected at £22m. That means net cash will be around £1m. Forecast revenues for 2024 have been downgraded and the loss raised. This is based on exiting projects. Canaccord Genuity believes that there will be a cash injection from a strategic partner, which will offset the cash outflow in 2024.
Valereum (VLRM) has renegotiated the acquisition of the GSX Group, which is dependent on the approval of shareholders. It is paying five million shares and 10 million warrants exercisable at 1p each. The deal includes GATENet DFMI intellectual property, which puts the group in a strong position in tokenisation. The GATE token will the sole token used. As part of the deal former AIM boss Simon Brickles will become a non-executive director. GSX chief executive Nick Cowan will take up that role in the group.
Coinsilium Group (COIN) says a recovery in cryptocurrency markets is having a positive effect on the company. The expected approval of the first spot Bitcoin ETF should create more opportunities.
Aquaculture technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) had a strong second half and full year revenues will be £4.4m, which is higher than expected. Oil and gas demand has improved. There was positive EBITDA in the second half. There are opportunities in Geotracking for next year.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is exercising the option over the Crescent East lithium and gold project in Western Australia. In return, 18.6 million shares worth around £400,000. Gold mineralisation has been confirmed and there is potential for lithium in the southern area.
Personalised medicine company EDX Medical (EDX) had £1.1m in the bank at the end of September 2023. There was £1.5m outflow from operating activities in the six months to September 2023.
Mydecine Innovations Group Inc (MYIG) is the largest faller on the week with a 70.6% decline to 2.5p, even though it has received notice of allowance from the US patent office for the MYCO-005 compound. It mimics psilocin but without some of the side effects.
ChallengerX (CXS) has moved from net assets of £282,000 to net liabilities of £33,000 at the end of June 2023.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has raised £50,000 at 0.35p/share. The spirits company is still performing due diligence on the acquisition of a vodka brand.
Marula Mining (MARU) says dual listings on the Nairobi Stock Exchange and JSE should happen in the first quarter of 2024. Indicative terms have been received indicative terms for an offtake agreement with a European commodity trader for the lithium output of Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine. Transportation of the modular processing plant for the Kinusi copper mine will not happen until early 2024.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) investee company European Metals Holdings (EMH) says that the definitive feasibility study for the Cinovec lithium project in the Czech Republic has been delayed until the first quarter of 2024. This will allow time to complete capital and operating cost estimation and project implementation scheduling.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) says that its Ghana-based distributor has purchased 3,700 litres of SulNOxEco fuel additive and committed to a minimum of 15,000 litres each year, which is valued at £250,000. SulNOx has raised £1.8m at 23p/share. The share price is down 1.92% to 25.5p.
Walls and Futures REIT (WAFR) had an NAV of 87p/share at the end of September 2023. Property values increased by £60,000.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) is involved in a £1.5m fundraising for Rapid Retail, which supplies portable shops and kiosks, and it is investing £100,000 in existing shares and providing a 9% secured convertible loan of £400,000. The rest of the cash is coming from Harrock Investments, which is controlled by Capital for Colleagues non-executive Bill Ainscough.
Trading in Pharma C Investments (PCIL) will resume on 27 December This follows the recent publication of annual results and interim figures. There has been £281,000 raised at 0.01p/share. These shares are 91% of the enlarged share capital. Peter Wall will be executive chairman. The investment strategy has been changed to technology.
Gunsynd (GUN) NAV fell from £3.85m to £2.15m in the year to July 2023, including cash of £164,000.
Oberon Investments (OBE) has received FCA approval for the acquisition of Nexus Investment Management and the Nexus Investments Evergreen EIS Scale-Up Fund. Harry Hyman has increased his stake from 3.82% to 4.98%.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) is making a £125,000 loan to a subsidiary of investee company Vale Foods. This loan earns 10%/year and provides cash to finance an increase in capacity. Macaulay Capital director David Horner is personally lending £100,000.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) is buying back shareholdings of less than 1,125 shares.
Adnams (ADB) director Sacha Berendji acquired 300 A shares at £19 each.
Jared Gurfein has been appointed as chief executive of Looking Glass Labs (NFTX), replacing Dorian Banks.
AIM
Trading has not gone to plan at Hargreaves Services (LON: HSP) but it is able to offer an enhanced dividend pay out. Reduced commodity prices and a slowdown in the German economy have hit the performance of German associate company HRMS, which is expected to make a first half loss. The flipside of the HRMS underperformance is that working capital is unwinding and cash generation has strengthened. Hargreaves Servies has received £8m from HRMS and the two sides have agreed that an annual distribution of £7m can be sustained. This enables Hargreaves Services to pay an annual dividend of 36p/share, compared with previous expectations of 21.9p/share. This will be paid in two equal instalments. The 2024-25 dividend is expected to be maintained.
Filtronic (FTC) has gained two new contracts. There is a £4.8m contract for LEO satellite communications equipment. This is a follow-on contract for second generation Cerus32 solid state power amplifier modules for ground stations. This shows the increasing importance of the satellite market. Filtronic also won a £4.5m defence contract starting in January. Revenues will be recognised in 2024-25 and 2025-26. Interim results will be published on 6 February.
Video games publisher tinyBuild (TBLD) has secured the cash it requires for working capital. The fundraising includes a one-for-six open offer and should raise $14.2m at 5p/share, which is above the current share price. Interactive entertainment company Atari is investing $2m. Chief executive Alex Nichiporchik will underwrite up to $10m of the fundraising. The video games market continues to deteriorate. Full year revenues are likely to be between $40m and $50m with a greater than expected proportion of lower margin games. Cost cutting should reduce cash outflow by up to $10m/year.
Microsaic Systems (MSYS) is negotiating the acquisition of some of the assets of Modern Warter from DeepVerge (DVRG), which is running out of cash, for £100,000. The assets include water testing equipment plus IP and rights to related equipment. It does not include the Australian business. Intercompany debt will be discharged as part of the deal. The exclusivity period lasts until 16 January. Trading in DeepVerge shares will be cancelled on 27 December.
Bidstack (BIDS) has sorted out its problem with Azerion. The in-game advertising technology provider has reached a settlement that means that Azerion will pay €3m to Bidstack. The two parties will form a new non-exclusive commercial partnership in 2024.
Helium One (HE1) announced a placing raising £6.1m at 0.25p/share. This will fund the drilling of the Itumbula West-A well starting in early January. There will also be 25.1 million shares issued in lieu of fees.
SRT Marine Systems (SRT) is raising £10m at 35p/share with up to £500,000 more to come from a retail offer. This includes a £7m investment by Ocean Infinity. There were no revenues from systems in the first half, but they should make a significant contribution as work on contracts reaches points where it can be invoiced. Earlier this year, SRT raised £5.36m from a placing and Primary Bid offer at 50p/share.
Graphene technology developer Versarien (VRS) has found it difficult to complete the disposal of non-core assets. In the year to September 2023, revenues were £5.45m and cash fell to £600,000. There was £450,000 raised since then, but cash has fallen to £420,000. A general meeting will be held to gain shareholder approval for a reduction in share capital and nominal value to make it easier to raise money from share issues.
Bluejay Mining (JAY) has appointed Roderick McIllree, Harry Ansell and Troy Whitaker to the board with the latter becoming chief operating officer. Robert Edwards, Bo Stensgaard and Peter Waugh have stepped down from the board. Roderick McIllree was previously chief executive between 2015 and 2022. The strategy is to focus on the Disko magmatic massive sulphide project in Greenland.
Thor Energy (THR) investee company EnviroCopper has reached agreement with Andromeda Metals to acquire the Alford West property and combine it with Alford East in return for a 5% stake in EnviroCopper and A$50,000 in cash with deferred consideration of a 10% share of any successful mining operations. There will also be a A$150,000 cash payment when a mining lease is granted. Alligator Energy is making a A$900,000 strategic investment in EnviroCopper to help fund its copper projects. That will give it a 7.8% interest and further investments could take the stake to 50.1%. Thor Energy’s stake has been diluted to 26.5%.
MAIN MARKET
A dual listing on the New York Stock Exchange was supposed to give Diversified Energy Company (DEC) a boost, but the share price slumped after Democrats in the US opened an inquiry into the company and questioned its business model. They are concerned about The US oil and gas producer’s methane emissions and abandonment risk.
Bowen Fintech (BWN) plans to acquire 93.49% of the share capital of MINNADEOOYASAN-HANBAI Co (MOH) and the enlarged business is expected to be valued at £42.7m. Japan-based MOH is a crowdfunding platform focused on property. It has been operating since 2007 and raised Y62bn (£378m) during the year to March 2023. Bowen Financial is issuing shares at 15p each and that will value MOH at £34.5m. The share price was suspended at 12p until a prospectus is issued. In October 2022, £2m was raised at 4p/share. At the end of April 2023, there was £1.7m in the bank.
IT services provider Triad (TRD) reported a dip in interim revenues and a more than doubled loss of £990,000. This was worse than expected. Cash has fallen to £2.62m. The interim dividend is maintained at 2p/share. Four new contracts have been won. This should improve the second half figures and next year’s results. Deputy executive chairman Charlotte Rigg has bought 4,444 shares at 135p each.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 9 January 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
The pre-feasibility study for the Amapa iron ore project in Brazil, where Cadence Minerals (KDNC) has a 30% stake in a joint venture that can be increased to 49%, indicates a capital cost of $399m to bring the mine back into production. Based on the cost estimates in the study, WH Ireland believes that at full production the mine could generate a profit contribution of $292m a year – based on iron ore prices of $100/t and $120/t depending on the grade. It believes the project could breakeven at an iron price of $85/t. The price is currently around $115/t. Chief executive Kiran Morzaria bought 45,454 shares at 11p each.
Steen Andersen became chief executive of probiotics products developer ProBiotix Health (PBX) at the beginning of 2023. Revenues are improving and a trading statement will be published in the next few months. Product ranges are expanding and being launched in new countries. ProBiotix e-commerce revenues could be between £250,000 and £500,000 in 2023.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) confirmed that the FCA has approved its admission to the standard list, and this is set to happen on 9 January.
Spinal stabilisation devices developer TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has secured a bridge loan of £200,000 at an 8% interest rate and has a letter of intent from a UK investment group to invest £2.4m. The first tranche of £800,000 will be issued at 4p a share with two other tranches issued at 6p a share and 8p a share respectively. One of the conditions is that Dr Timothy Evans takes on an executive role. Due diligence is being carried out. There was a £786,000 cash outflow from operations and investment in the six months to September 2022.
Inqo Investments (INQO) is collaborating with Belmont University, Nashville on its project to use enterprise to tackle environmental and social issues around the Budongo Forest in Uganda via $4m grant.
Fenikso Ltd (FNK), which was previously called Lekoil, has completed the settlement agreements with Lekoil Nigeria Ltd and its former chief executive, as well as terminating arrangements with Savannah Energy (SAVE). However, Lekoil Nigeria has been given additional time to surrender the 107.7 million shares it holds in Fenikso, which has no operating assets.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd (GSVR) has increased its proposed fundraising from C$7.5m to C$8.5m via an issue of units at C$0.425 each. The unit comprises one share and 0.5 of a warrant exercisable at C$0.60. A first tranche of C$6.8m has been issued and the rest should be issued by 10 January.
Mark Horrocks has acquired 5% of IamFire (FIRE). Saagar Ruaparell has taken a 3.21% stake in Quetzal Capital (QTZ).
AIM
One Media IP (OMIP) expects revenues to be £5.1m and EBITDA of £1.8m in the year to October 2022. Revenues are better than forecast, but EBITDA is in line. The music and video IP rights owner has net cash of around £1.4m. Anti-piracy subsidiary TCAT is winning new contracts and One Media IP is no longer considering outside funding for the subsidiary. The annual results will be published in March and the company says that it will pay a final dividend.
Embedded computer products developer Concurrent Technologies (CNC) says 2022 revenues will be 10% ahead of expectations, although pre-tax profit is maintained at around £100,000. Order intake was more than one-quarter ahead at £31m. Double shifts have commenced at the company’s factory. Pre-tax profit is expected to recover to £2.7m in 2023.
Helium One Global (HE1) will not be able to procure the Exalo drilling rig as it had expected because the current user has taken up a 12-month option on its operation. This will delay exploration drilling, which was due to start in the first quarter of 2023.
Cancer diagnostic test developer Angle (AGL) warned that revenues are lower than expected. Revenues will be just above £1m in 2022 after contract delays, while 2023 revenues have been downgraded from £5m to £3.9m. Market conditions have hampered the cancer diagnostics company in securing partnerships and building the commercial use of the Parsortix cancer cells capture technology.
hVIVO (HVO) has secured a £5.2m contract with an Asia Pacific-based biotech company to test a vaccine in a Phase IIa study. This uses the company’s respiratory syncytial virus human challenge study expertise, and the study will be conducted in Whitechapel from the third quarter of 2023.
Cleaning services provider React Group (REAT) has won a two-year contract with a high street fast food chain and it should generate revenues of £800,000 in the year to September 2023. It was an existing client of window cleaning business LaddersFree, which was bought last May.
DeepMatter (DMTR) left AIM on 5 January.
MAIN MARKET
Conversational gaming company Streaks Gaming (STK) has joined the standard list and raised £3m at 3p a share to develop its platform. The initial games will be knowledge-based and be played between AI-generated digital personalities. Initial income will be generated from introducing people to sports betting firms. Aquis-quoted AQRU (AQRU) invested £2.3m of that cash, which should last for two years even with limited revenues. Much of that cash will go on social media platform fees and directors pay. The share price ended the week at 3.5p (3p/4p). There were no shares traded on 5 January with four trades of 122,000 shares the following day.
Cadmium-free quantum dots developer Nanoco (NANO) has come to a settlement agreement in its litigation with Samsung relating to the infringement of Nanoco’s patents. The two companies have 30 days to secure a binding agreement. The US court proceedings were due to start on 6 January.
Funeral director Dignity (DTY) believes the latest offer from a consortium involving major shareholder Phoenix Asset Management could be acceptable. The initial offer was 475p a share, while the latest revised proposal is 525p a share in cash. Phoenix Asset Management owns 29.7% of Dignity. The bid vehicle is Yellow (SPC) Bidco Ltd, which is a joint venture between Phoenix Asset Management backed investment company Castelnau, which is managed by former Dignity chief executive Gary Channon, and a company established by Sir Peter Wood.
Antimicrobial and textile odour control materials developer HeiQ (HEIQ) says trading conditions have worsened because of weak consumer spending. There are also high levels of inventory in the market, which has hit reorder levels and customers are hesitant to invest in product innovation. HeiQ is acquiring Tarn-Pure for £850,000 in cash and shares. Tarn-Pure has IP relating to regulatory registrations to sell elemental copper and elemental silver for use in disinfecting hygiene applications.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 19 April 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
NFT Investments (NFT) is a shell that intends to invest a portfolio of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). An NFT is a digital file with a unique and verified identity held on a digital ledger or blockchain. The tokens can be bought with cryptocurrency and resold. Ownership of NFTs can be tracked and they can be set up so that the original owner gets a cut of any subsequent sale. NFT Investments will apply to be a small registered UK AIFM. NFT Investments raised £35m at 5p a share and it has net assets of 3.7p a share. The shares ended the first day of trading at 4.95p (4.8p/5.1p) after a significant number of trades.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has completed its reversal into AfriAg Global via an all share offer. The business holds medicinal cannabis licences in Jamaica. Interim regulations allow the export of medicinal cannabis. Medicinal cannabis oils are being sold and medically supervised treatments provided. Management intends to use £1.1m of the funds raised to finance research and development. The rest of the cash raised will go on developing product sales, operating costs and market research.
Good Energy (GOOD) increased revenues by 5% to £130.6m in 2020. Gross margins declined and higher bad debts and increased depreciation meant that underlying pre-tax profit was £400,000, down from £2.1m. Net debt was £34.6m at the end of 2020. Dividend payments will resume this year.
Gunsynd (GUN) had net assets of £4.94m at the end of January 2021. That was before the flotation of spirits company Rogue Baron (SHNJ), which has increased the value of the shareholding. There was £1m in the bank prior to the recent sale of part of the Rogue Baron stake.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $250,000 into Equilibrium in return for 595,238 EQ tokens.
Eastinco Mining (EM.P) is conducting test work on orebody samples. Discussions continue with Noble Group about an offtake agreement for tantalum and tine from the Musasa project. There is $325,000 in the bank.
Clean Invest Africa (CIA) subsidiary CoalTech has signed development agreements to identify opportunities in China and Indonesia. It will own 20% CoalTech Far East and Daniel Lee the rest.
Love Hemp (LIFE) has increased the amount raised in the recent placing from £5m to £7m.
Chris Akers has increased his stake in Quetzal Capital (QTZ) from 12.3% to 14.1%. Sebastian Marr has taken a 3% stake in Rogue Baron (SHNJ).
AIM
AdEPT Technology (LON: ADT) has acquired Datrix for an initial £9m, with potential deferred consideration of up to £7m based on the growth of the business. The business provides cloud-based networking and cyber security services, and the two firms already work together. In the year to March 2021, Datrix is estimated to have generated revenues of £10.7m and pre-tax profit of £600,000. There should be £400,000 of annualised cost savings.
A £10m placing at 10p a share by Helium One Global (HE1) was oversubscribed. There was enough cash in the bank to drill three exploration wells at the 100%-owned Rukwa helium project in Tanzania in the next few months. The additional funds will enable the drilling rig to be retained for additional appraisal and more 3D seismic can be acquired.
Open Orphan (ORPH) is planning to demerge HVO-001, which is a small molecule, immunomodulator drug that could become a treatment for severe flu, and other non-core assets inherited from the merger with hVIVO. Shareholders will receive shares in the new vehicle which could be quoted on AIM.
Franchised lettings agency Belvoir (LSE: BLV) improved 2020 revenues from £19.3m to £21.7m, while pre-tax profit rose from £6.2m to £7.5m. Net debt was £3.7m at the end of 2020, although £4m has since been spent on the Nicholas Humphreys business. The property market remains buoyant.
Steel structures supplier Billington (LSE: BILN) still has a strong balance sheet with net cash of £13.9m. Last year, revenues slumped from £104.9m to £66m, while pre-tax profit dipped from £5.9m to £1.7m. The final dividend is 4.25p a share. There is a significant order book, but costs are increasing.
Gaming machine monitors and consoles supplier Quixant (QXT) returned to profit in the second half of 2020. Full year revenues fell from $92.3m to $63.8m, while pre-tax profit dipped from $10.7m to $1.3m. The Densitron displays business did well due to demand from medical and broadcast customers.
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) says that quarterly production fell 17% to 108.2MT and the first half production is likely to be around 250MT. This is due to the cold weather and the lower than expected production is offset by higher iodine prices.
GYG (GYG) says that a German shipyard has gone into administration with more than £2m of invoices outstanding. This was announced after Harwood Capital said it is considering a bid for the superyacht painting and maintenance services provider of 92.5p a share.
For the first time since April 2017, Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings (IDH) has published a trading statement at 7pm on a Friday rather than after 4.30pm.
MAIN MARKET
Mast Energy Developments (MAST) intends to develop a portfolio of reserve power assets. The first projects should be up and running this year. AIM-quoted, Africa-focused power projects developer Kibo Energy (KIBO) set up Mast Energy to buy and develop flexible power plants that will supply the reserve power market in the UK. A placing raised £5.54m at 12.5p a share when Mast joined the standard list on 14 April. Kibo still owns 55.4% of Mast.
NMCN (NMCN) has agreed a new £8.9m facility with Reflex Bridging Ltd. This is secured on property developments. The overdraft has been extended by Lloyds Bank.
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has secured a strategic partnership with albis-elcon, which will jointly offer the company’s network function virtualisation technology NFVTime.
Andrew Hore