Home » Posts tagged 'igr'
Tag Archives: igr
Quoted Micro 1 July 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Voyager Life (VOY) has entered into an option to acquire M3 Helium Corp, which is a Kansas-based helium producer, for 57.6 million shares. Production is from one well and four other wells are being tested. There is also a processing plant. Voyager Life has raised £864,000 at 3p/share to finance the development of operations and fund the readmission document. M3 Helium is loss-making.
Ananda Developments (ANA) announced promising results from cardiac fibrosis studies with CBD-based therapy MRX1. It has potential as a treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. It mitigates cardiac fibrosis and improves heart health. Next steps are being assessed.
Tennyson Securities has published initial research on Good Life Plus (GDLF) the prize-based draw lottery. Investment in the business means that it will continue to lose money for the next two years before moving into profit in 2026-27 when earnings of 0.7p/share are forecast. The 12-month target price is 4.24p/share.
Time to ACT (TTA) subsidiary GreenSpur has received an award of £613,000 from the EU BEETHOVEN project for the development of advanced magnetic materials. This will be used for development of the rare earth-free magnet.
Valereum (VLRM) reported a reduction in loss from £4.25m to £353,000. There was a swing from net liabilities of £758,000 to net assets of £351,000 following an increase in the value of the investment in Vinanz (BTC). That was partly offset by an impairment charge on the GSX investment.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) expects to conclude its evaluation of future funding later in the summer.
Housebuilder St Mark Homes (SMAP) reported an increase in loss from £1.47m to £2.93m. Directors are halving their remuneration from the beginning of July. Because of the weakened financial position, the board will ask shareholders at the AGM to agree to the departure from the Aquis Stock Exchange.
Food company Essentially Group (ESSN) lost £960,000 on revenues of £1.59m in the 16 months to the end of 2023. There was £301,000 in the bank at the end of the year.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) had net assets of €10.5m at the end of 2023, including €2.3m in cash. Management is evaluating investment opportunities.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) reported an increase in cash outflow from operations from £787,000 to £1.62m. Cash fell below £6,000 at the end of 2023. A share issue at 1.2p/share and exercise of warrants raised £550,000 this year.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) made a pre-tax profit of £20.1m in 2023 following a fair value gain of £25.3m. This is prior to the recent tender offer.
Marula Mining (MARU) believes that the Blesburg lithium and tantalum mine will generate positive cash flow in the second half of 2024. The company has confirmed delivery of manganese ore from the Larisoro manganese mine and they will increase in the second half.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) has issued 100,000 investor warrants exercisable at 120p/share to VSA Capital. The convertible loan notes will be redeemable on 21 June 2026 instead of September 2024.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) increased revenues from £2.94m to £22m in 2023. The loss rose from £18.5m to £23.2m.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 106.3p/share at the end of May 2024.
Startup Giants (SUG) left Aquis on 27 June.
AIM
PI Industries has launched a 9p/share bid for Plant Health Care (PHC) and this is recommended by the board. The bid values the natural crop enhancement products company at £32.8m. PI is involved in all areas of the agricultural inputs sector in India, and it would be able to provide the finance and distribution to grow the Plant Health Care operations. PI wants to expand into areas such as the US and Brazil where Plant Health Care is already active.
Pubs and bars operator Nightcap (NGHT) has decided to cancel the AIM quotation because of the weak share price and the difficulty to raise additional funds. Trading is challenging and this is expected to continue for the rest of the year. EBITDA for the year to June 2024 is below expectations. Integrating The Piano Works has been more costly than anticipated. A general meeting will be held on 17 July but there is already sufficient support to pass the resolution to leave AIM. The quotation is likely to be cancelled on 29 July. A matched bargain facility will be provided by Asset Match.
Renewables investment company I(X) Net Zero (IX.) also plans to cancel its AIM quotation. The share price has slumped since joining AIM, partly because of the timing. Renewables businesses were in favour, but there was a subsequent change in investor sentiment to companies that were not profitable. There has also been a lack of liquidity in the shares. Cash is flowing out of the company and more funds are likely to be required. There were $81.1m of unrealised gains in 2023, mainly due to a rise in valuation for WasteFuel after an investment by BP. NAV is $122.2m. There are plans to obtain a matched bargain facility though JP Jenkins.
Musical instruments retailer Gear4Music (G4M) reported full year figures in line with the recent trading statement. Revenues were 1% higher at £83.1m, while the company returned to profit. Founder Andrew Wass will focus on growth strategy and Gareth Bevan will take over as chief executive. The new strategy involves continued investment in the platform, enhancing the product range and diversifying channels to market. This year, pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £1.1m to £2.8m.
Renewable energy company SIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE) generated cash in 2023 due the sale of the Uskmouth energy storage project and ongoing revenues from MeyGen tidal project. Net debt was reduced from £54.1m to £50.6m, with the majority of debt in the MeyGen project, which is set to be expanded. Core company debt was £13.7m, before the subsequent receipt of £7m from a land sale. This puts the company in a strong position make further energy storage project investments.
Giftware and stationery manufacturer IG Design (IGR) continues to improve margins. Revenues declined 11% to $00m, while pre-tax profit increased from $9.2m to $25.9m. The decline was in North America. Lower margin business was not continued, and progress was made despite the economic conditions. Net cash was $95.2m. The company is stopping manufacturing in China.
AIM-quoted investment company Braveheart Investment (BRH) increased its stake in thermal insulation and acoustic material manufacturer Autins Group (AUTG) from 26% to nearly 27%. Autins interim revenues improved slightly to £11.7m and cost savings reduced the loss, but it was still £466,000. Second half sales are likely to decline in the UK because of changes in customer order mix and there is a halt in production at a European EV manufacturer. Flooring sales are weak.
Battery technology developer Gelion (GELN) has signed a joint development agreement with natural resources company Glencore International. The two companies will assess the suitability of Gelion technologies for use in Glencore’s stationary or mobile applications and pilot any opportunities. There will also be an assessment of strategic supply of materials to Gelion and future recycling.
Sanderson Design (SDG) is still finding the UK consumer market tough. Brand revenues have declined, and UK sales are 14% lower in the initial five months of the financial year. Manufacturing revenues are flat. Singers has downgraded its 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast from £12m to £7.8m, which is not much higher than the figure for 2020-21. Net cash could fall to £10m.
Duke Capital (DUKE) says some investee companies have not been paying the expected amounts to the company. This has led to a decline in valuations of investments in the balance sheet. This is particularly the consumer-related investments. Total cash revenues were £30.3m in the year to March 2024, helped by three exits from investments. However, the fourth quarter recurring cash revenues fell to £5.8m, from £6.3m in the previous quarter. NAV is 39.8p/share.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) expects interim revenues to be £46m, up 26%. First quarter revenues were 28% higher. There is a second half weighting to trading and new customers have been added. Freight costs are rising.
Nasdaq has sent two written notices to Renalytix (RENX) because the ADS price has fallen below $1 for at least 30 consecutive days. It is also below the minimum market valuation of $50m. Renalytix will appeal the determination that trading in the ADSs will be suspended on 2 July and they will subsequently be kicked off Nasdaq. Management will present a plan to become compliant again.
R and Q Insurance Holdings (RQIH) has sold Accredited to Onex Partners for $420m. Prior to that Inceptum was sold for £11.25m. Teneo has been appointed as provisional liquidator of R and Q.
Live Company Group (LVCG) is continuing discussions with a cornerstone investor to provide cash required because of the shortfall at the Brick Live division. A KPOP event in Germany is being promoted alongside the cornerstone investor. The 2023 accounts will not be published by the end of June, so trading in the shares will be suspended 1 July.
Secure payments technology developer PCI-Pal (PCIP) has settled all its patent litigation with Sycurio in the UK and US. The settlement is confidential.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) has returned to profit. In the year to March 2024, revenues were flat at £62.6m, while a loss of £200,000 was turned into a pre-tax profit of £1m. The number of active customers increased from 991,000 to 1.05 million. Net debt was reduced £700,000. Like-for-like sales are 3.5% ahead in the latest quarter.
Harworth Group (HWG) is raising £106m from the sale of land at Skelton Grange, which is more than double book value.
IT services provider Triad (TRD) fell into loss in the year to March 2024. Staff were retained ahead of securing work for them. Cash fell to £2.1m. The total dividend was maintained at 6p/share.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 6 May 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Life Plus (GDLF) has traded strongly since joining Aquis and raising cash for marketing. The luxury prize draw company increased the number of subscribers from 21,000 at the end of 2023 to 30,000. Churn has been reduced.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) raised £56m at 23p/share with £25m committed by the UK Infrastructure Bank and £3m from Korean Investment Partners. There is also an open offer to raise up to £6.6m. The share price slipped 6.12% to 23p. IES will use £30m to increase capacity ahead of the launch of the latest version of the Mistral flow battery.
KR1 (KR1) gained shareholder approval for the market acquisition of up to 14.99% of its shares. NAV was 132.05p/share at the end of March 2024, down from 134.6p/share one month earlier. There was £1.96m in income from digital assets during the month.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has sent a general meeting notice for 28 May to gain approval of the cancelation of the Aquis quotation. The company is selling its IP to a Canadian company.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has acquired Eight Vodka for £70,000 in shares at 0.5p each. Eight Vodka is distilled eight times in Ecuador.
Trading in Silverwood Brands (SLWD) was restored following the completion of a capital reduction. Phoenix Asset Management increased its stake from 0.94% to 29.9%. In the first quarter a rebranding of Balmonds has disrupted sales. The costs of acquiring Cosme Science hit profitability of Sonotas.
One Health Group (OHGR) says it did better than expected last year with annual revenues improving from £20.5m to £23m. Net cash was £4.7m at the end of March 2024. There was a 13% increase in NHS patient referrals for treatments. New five-year contracts have been secured with the two largest customers.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) says first quarter revenues were 62% ahead and the number of tenant contracts was 38% higher.
Investment company MaxRets Ventures (MAX) reported net assets of £19,000 at the end of October 2023, down from £497,000. There was no new investment during the year. A transformative acquisition is being sought.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) more than halved the interim cash outflow from operating activities to £234,000. Ther was £263,000 in the bank at the end of January 2024, but £612,000 has been raised since then. Testing of the prototype wind turbine and the electrolyser has gone well.
Substrate AI (SAI) generated revenues of $8.6m in 2023. There was $4.42m in the bank.
Hacienda Management has taken a 7.48% stake in Supernova Digital Assets (SOL). Pete Mills increased his stake in Oscillate (MUSH) from 3.02% to 4.03%. DXS International (DXSP) chairman Robert Sutcliffe bought 100,000 shares at 1.46p/share.
AIM
Trinity Exploration & Production (TRIN) has agreed a bid from fellow AIM-quoted Trinidad oil and gas company Touchstone Exploration (TXP), which is offering 1.5 shares for every Trinity share. The Trinity shareholders will own one-fifth of the enlarged company. The combined group will be in a stronger position to make investments in new production. The Touchstone Exploration share price is 4.85% lower at 39.25p, valuing each Trinity share at 58.875p – the share price is 50% higher at 54p.
Alpha Financial Markets Consulting (AFM) has confirmed that BridgePoint Advisers has made a bid approach and Cinven is considering making a bid. Revolution Bars Group (RBG) has received interest from Nightcap (NGHT), which is assessing the situation and options include a bid or acquisition of some sites or subsidiaries.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) moved from the standard list to AIM following the reverse takeover of 3radical on 3 May. It is the first in a planned series of acquisitions in the digital marketing sector, where regulatory and market changes, such as the blocking of third-party cookies, provide significant growth opportunities. 3radical was acquired for 61.2 million shares valued at £1.28m. A fundraising generated £1.32m at 2.1p/share and that valued the company at £4.7m. 3radical was set up by the founders of campaign management software provider Alterian at the end of 2011 The shares had been suspended at 2.1p and they fell to 1.8p when trading recommenced on AIM.
Multi-channel retailer TheWorks.co.uk (WRKS) moved from a premium listing to AIM. The board felt the company was too small for the cost and regulatory burden of the Main Market. One of the attractions of AIM is that the company will no longer be classified as a Public Interest Entity and it will be able to choose an auditor from a wider range of firms. Singer forecasts a slump in pre-tax profit from £10.1m to £1m in the year to April 2024.
Cornish Metals (CUSN) has published a preliminary economic assessment of the South Crofty tin project in Cornwall. There is an after-tax NPV8 of $201m at a tin price of $31,000 /tonne. Pre-production capital requirement is $177m, which is higher than previous estimates, and there should be 14-year mine life. Life of mine all in sustaining cost is estimated at $13,661/tonne. Planned first production is in 2027.
Horizonte Minerals (HZM) has enough cash until 17 May and senior lenders have agreed to extend waivers on loans, including deferring interest payments, until 15 May. These lenders have security over the company’s assets. Horizonte Minerals has guaranteed the debt of the subsidiary that owns the Araguaia project. Discussions with creditors and investors continue in an attempt to achieve some recovery value for creditors. That may include the disposal of the Araguaia project. None of the proposals are likely to recover value for shareholders.
Arrow Exploration (AXL) grew average production from 1.3mboe/day in 2022 to 2.2mboe/day in 2023 and revenues increased from $28.1m to $50.6m, which was slightly lower than forecast. There was cash of $13m at the end of 2023 and this fell to $12m at the end of March 2024. Production has reached 2.9mboe/day in March, while drilling activity will lead to further increases in the medium-term. Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2024 revenues forecast from $103.9m to $98.6m and net cash is expected to be $17m at the end of 2024.
Trading at property services provider Kinovo (KINO) is ahead of expectations with organic growth of 23% in the year to March 2024. Underlying pre-tax profit should be more than £6m, excluding costs related to the DCB contracts, which were guaranteed by Kinovo when it was sold, still to be completed.
Mark Halpin has stepped down as chief executive of managed IT services provider CloudCoCo (CLCO) and MXC Guernsey, which holds a 10.6% stake, has extended its loan notes to 31 August 2026 in return for a £550,000 fee. The amount outstanding on the loan notes is £5.85m. MXC can also appoint an executive director and Ian Smith becomes interim chief executive. The shares returned from suspension following the release of figures for the year to September 2023 showing revenues 7% ahead at £26m. The loss was flat at £2.6m. There was a cash inflow from operating activities. Net debt was £6.3m at the end of September 2023.
Brake discs developer Surface Transforms (SCE) raised £6.5m fundraising at 1p/share. There will be a one-for 1.76036319 open offer at the same price. That could raise £2m. The cash will finance the scale up of manufacturing. Factory capacity will be increased to £75m. This year’s revenues are forecast to be £17.5m.
Gift wrap and stationery supplier IG Design (IGR) did better than expected in the year to March 2024 with margins recovering and pre-tax profit improving from $9.2m to $25.9m, compared with a forecast of $20.5m, even though revenues fell. Net cash nearly doubled to $95m. It appears the recovery is gathering pace. Management believes that margins could return to previous levels this year and an operating margin of more than 6% in 2026-27, suggesting a pre-tax profit of around $50m.
IT distributor Northamber (NAR) is acquiring Tempura Technology and Tempura Communications, which distribute unified communications products, for £6.02m in cash and 181,818 shares. There is £2.64m of the cash consideration contingent on EBITDA in the years ending June 2025, 2026 and 2027. This is a profitable business that has been growing organically.
Heavy mineral sands project developer Kazera Global (KZG) says recent changes at the National Nuclear Regulator in South Africa mean that it will have to provide additional information on how it will meet financial obligations. This should be funded by cash flow. A response is expected shortly and that will allow heavy mineral sands production to start in Alexander Bay, South Africa.
Oil and gas producer Jadestone Energy (JSE) reported a $91.3m loss for 2023 due to asset impairments, lower oil prices and higher interest costs. Capital investment has increased net debt to $110.5m by the end of March 2024. Average production in the first quarter of 2024 was 17,200 boe/day, which was hit by the Australian cyclone season. Production guidance for 2024 is 20,000-22,000 boe/day.
MAIN MARKET
Castings (CGS) did better than expected in the year to March 2024 and Canaccord Genuity upgraded its pre-tax profit forecast from £27.1m to £28.2m. Margins improved in the second half. Net cash is £32m.
Cybersecurity firm Narf Industries (NARF) is accelerating work on capabilities uniquely effective in battling a new generation threat. Developed was funded through a $2.3m contract from DARPA.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 4 July 2022
,
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) issued a full year trading statement, and it is set to return to profit in 2021-22. The Kent-based brewer and pubs operator says revenues are recovering. Net debt was reduced from £93.2m to £75.3m by the end of June 2022. The estimated 2021-22 pre-tax profit is £7.2m and it is expected to improve to £9.6m in 2022-23.
Chief marketing officer Mark Harvey is leaving Chapel Down Group (CDGP). He has been with the wine maker for six years.
Energy storage technology developer Invinity Energy Systems (IES) generated revenues of £3.2m in 2021 and reported a substantial loss. VSA has cut its forecast 2022 revenues from £26.5m to £14.1m. There are already contracts that have been secured that are valued at £13.8m. The loss is expected to reduce from £21.3m to £17.9m. There should still be net cash of £10m by the end of 2022.
Visum Technologies (VIS) raised £601,000 at 14p a share ahead of its admission to Aquis on Thursday. Visum is the operator of an on-ride video camera system sold or licenced to theme parks, souvenir producers and ride operators. The share price opened at 12p before recovering to 14p
The technology investment company Asimilar (ASLR) reported interim figures, which show a £10.6m loss due to a sharp decline in the Dev Clever Holdings share price, which is currently suspended. Net assets were 25.3p a share at the end of March 2022.
Blockchain and digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) says net assets were 423% higher at 122.68p a share at the end of 2021, but that figure is likely to be lower now given the weak cryptocurrency market this year. There was £3.49m in cash on the balance sheet.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) is waiting for the FDA’s response to the request for breakthrough technology designation before filing a 510k FDA submission for tis Cervi-LOK screwless spinal stabilisation system.
Trading in British Honey (BHC) shares was suspended at the end of the week because it has not published 2021 figures.
AIM
A further downgrade for Shield Therapeutics (STX) after its 2021 figures. Most of the 2021 revenues of £1.5m were generated in Europe and not the important US market for the Accrufer iron deficiency treatment. The latest figures show some progress in US Accrufer revenues with first quarter Accrufer prescriptions double the number in the fourth quarter of 2022, taking the total prescriptions for the quarter to more than 3,900. finnCap has reduced its 2022 forecast for US revenues from £8.1m to £6.3m thereby reducing total group revenues from £9.9m to £8.1m.
Shareholders in plant-based polymers developer Itaconix (ITX) have voted against the reappointment of two non-executive directors, including Charlean Gmunder, who was appointed on 19 April this year, and the Itaconix 2022 Equity Participation Plan for non-employees, where 79.16% of votes were against. First half revenues are substantially ahead of the previous record level.
Employee benefits services and insurance provider Personal Group (PGH) has acquired Quintage Consulting Group for £900,000 in cash. This is an employee reward and recognition consultancy providing things such as pay benchmarking surveys.
Footwear supplier Unbound Group (LSE: UBG) says trading has been in line with expectations following a good start to the year to January 2022. The multi-brand platform, that will exploit the extensive database that the company has built up, will launch on 28 July. There are 14 partner brands signed up, including Hush Puppies, and Sketchers.
IG Design Group (IGR) has started to improve operational efficiency in order to move back into profit. Higher freight and supply chain costs hit the business last year. Full year revenues increased from $873.2m to $965.1m, but an underlying pre-tax profit of $32.8m was turned into a loss of $1.3m. A modest rise in revenues is forecast for this year. The order book is already 71% of this year’s budgeted revenues.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) has reported that first half sales are 30% ahead at more than £24m and gross margin has improved.
MAIN MARKET
Standard list shell Alteration Earth (ALTE) is seeking an acquisition in the clean technology or energy sectors. The plan is to do this within 24 months of admission. The shell raised a total o £1.26m by issuing nine million shares at 4p each and nine million shares at 10p each. The share price ended the first day of trading at 30p, but the bid offer spread was 10p/50p. The deal would need to make the enlarged group worth a minimum of £30m.
Hamak Gold Ltd (HAMA) says two rock chip samples from the Nimba licence in Liberia show grades of 45.5g/t and 37.3g/t. These are located where gold in soil anomalies were reported. There are assays to come from channel sampling of surface exposures.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 November 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Energy (GOOD) is partnering with Barrow Green Gas for gas shipping services. This should help the company to grow the amount of biomethane that it supplies to domestic customers. Founder Juliet Davenport has sold 50,000 shares at 317.6245p each, while finance director Rupert Sanderson has sold 17,680 at 341p each.
Decentralised finance investor Dispersion Holdings (DEFI) is acquiring platform developer Defi Yield Technologies Inc in return for 348.7 million shares. Dispersion already owned a 6.1% interest that cost C$1m.
Omni-Egis (OMNI), which was formerly known as First Sentinel, has decided to leave Aquis. Trading has already been suspended because of the lack of 2020 accounts and management believes it can save £200,000 a year. If shareholders agree the cancellation will happen on 24 November.
Valereum Blockchain (VLRM) has raised £2m at 40p a share with a warrant attached that is exercisable at 80p. Valereum has an option to acquire 80% of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange. No details have been revealed but the transaction will require the approval of the Gibraltar authorities. The idea is that the Gibraltar Stock Exchange will introduce mainstream trading in cryptocurrencies.
Pioneer Media Holdings (PNER) is raising C$1.5m at C$1 per unit, which is one share and one warrant exercisable at C$1.50. Pioneer Media has agreed to acquire Kodoku Studios, which is involved in NFT-gaming and developing a platform called The Pit, which will enable creators to host their own NFT arenas. The acquisition will cost C$850,000 in cash and eight million Pioneer Media shares at C$1 each. Pioneer Media says that it will be the only quoted investment company focused on NFT gaming.
Helium Ventures (HEV) is making its first investment since joining Aquis. Helium Ventures is investing A$400,000 in ASX-listed Blue Star Helium at A$0.056 cents a share. Blue Star has exploration projects in North America and the A$15m it has raised will be used to drill ten wells over the next 15 months.
In the year to April 2021, IamFire (FIRE) had net assets of £919,000, Since then £369,000 has been raised in a share issue.
Rutherford Health (RUTH) has treated the first prostate cancer patient with a combination of its technology and a treatment developed by Panthera. This is part of a phase II study to determine the optimum dose for the Panthera drug.
Black Sea Property (BSP) had net assets of €21.8m at the end of June 2021, down from €22.4m at the end of 2020. Net debt was €16.4m.
AIM
Smaller companies broker Arden Partners (ARDN) is being acquired by legal services firm Ince (INCE), one of its own clients, in an all-share offer. Ince is offering seven shares for every 12 Arden shares in a bid recommended by the board of the broker. Assuming an Ince share price of 53p, this values each Arden share at 31p and the total share capital at £10m. Arden shareholders will own just over one-fifth of the enlarged share capital of the group. Irrevocable acceptances equate to 44.5% of the Arden share capital. This merger will enable a full range of professional services to be offered to clients. The deal is expected to be earnings enhancing and there should be a continuation of Ince’s policy to distribute one-fifth of post-tax profit in dividends.
IG Design Group (IGR) is generating the expected revenues this year, but it its warning that margins are coming under pressure from increased costs and supply problems. Progressive Research has slashed its underlying operating margin forecast from last year’s figure of 4.8% to 2.8%. Previously, a 2021-22 operating margin of 6.1% was forecast. Forecast revenues are being maintained at $934.3m, compared with $873.2m last year. There will be a full 12-month contribution from the CSS acquisition. The slump in margin means that forecast underlying pre-tax profit has been more than halved to $21.3m, down from $37m last year.
Norish (NSH) has completed the sale of its cold stores and intends to pay a 166p a share dividend out of the cash. The company will be renamed Roebuck Food Group and will have food products sourcing and dairy farming operations.
Arrow Exploration (AXL) is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange and has gained a second quotation on AIM. Arrow raised £7.6m after expenses at 6.25p a share and this will be spent on the drilling of five wells on the Tapir block in Colombia. Arden partners forecasts 2022 sales of $20m and EBITDA of $10m, based on successful drilling. Management believes that if the wells are successful then production could average more than 2,000 barrels of oil equivalent/day, rising to 3,000 barrels/day by March 2023. The share price ended the week at 7.875p.
Specialist cleaning services provider React Group (REAT) admitted that its full year trading was disappointing, and the pre-tax profit forecast has been reduced by £100,000 to £684,000. Covid-19 decontamination work was not as buoyant later in the year and reactive work was also weak. New contract wins are building up the recurring revenues base.
MAIN MARKET
Building supplies retailer Wickes (WIX) says third quarter like-for-like sales fell by 1.6%. the 2021 pre-tax profit is expected to be between £67m and £75m. The share price has fallen since the demerger from Travis Perkins.
Dukemount Capital (DKE) improved full year revenues from £2.39m to £3.3m, but the loss increased from £332,000 to £914,000. That was mainly due to much higher professional fees. The revenues come form the property management business and the newer flexible power joint venture is still in development.
Digital transformation business Kin and Carta (KCT) increased full year revenues by 12.5% to £141.4m, while adjusted pre-tax profit improved from £8.1m to £13m, although that is before pension and acquisition charges. The order book is worth £70m. The plan is to organically double revenues over four years.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 21 June 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
CBD and hemp seed oil products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) has confirmed its flotation on Aquis on 30 June and the 295 Seedrs crowdfunding investors from earlier in 2021 will have the chance to participate in the associated fundraising. Seedrs Nominees Ltd currently owns 14.6%. A shop will be opened in St Andrews in Scotland during July. Greencare Capital (GRE) has a stake in Voyager Life.
Eastinco Mining and Exploration (EM.P) has agreed a joint venture with a Rwandan partner to explore mineral opportunities in southern Rwanda. Eastinco will own 70% of Kinunga Mining, while the partner will have 30% as a free-carried interest. Along with Incanthera (INC) and TruSpine Technologies (TSP), Eastinco is being moved from the Apex segment to the Access segment.
Block Commodities (BLOC) has extended its option to acquire a 70% stake in medicinal cannabis licence granted to Magnus Cannabis Group. The exclusivity period lasts until the end of August. Block has issued shares to pay creditors £77,395.
Gunsynd (GUN) has invested £218,000 in two million shares in base metals and lithium exploration company Charger Metals Ltd, which is planning to list on the ASX. It will raise at least A$6m before the listing in the third quarter of 2021. Gunsynd has increased its stake to 3.6 million shares. Gunsynd has raised £93,000 by selling part of its stake in Empress Royalty Corp.
BWA Group (BWAP) lost £3.64m in 2020, mainly due to a £3.59m loss on revalued assets. NAV is £1.75m.
Altona Rare Earths (ANR) has three acquisition contracts under negotiation. Management believes it can secure additional projects in Mozambique, Angola, Tanzania and Uganda. Altona would acquire a stake of at least 51%. A Main Market listing is expected by September.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that Macarthur Minerals, in which it has a 1% stake, is spinning-out its non-iron ore assets in Pilbara into Infinity Mining, which will float on the ASX. Singapore-based Jin Sung may invest in Infinity and/or Macarthur.
The first six resolutions were not passed at the Early Equity (EEQP) AGM. There will be no changes to the board.
Trading has been restored in the shares of Black Sea Property (BSP).
AIM
Open Orphan (ORPH) has completed the demerger of non-core infectious disease assets in the form of Poolbeg Pharma, which will join AIM next month. Shareholders on the Open Orphan register on 17 June will be given one Poolberg share for every 2.98 Open Orphan shares they own. The influenza treatment and vaccines developer will be making an offer to private investors via PrimaryBid. The shares distributed by Open Orphan will initially be held centrally by Croft Nominees and investors will not be allowed to deal in them until nine months after the AIM admission of Poolbeg.
Future Biogas has also confirmed its plan to float on AIM. It currently operates ten anaerobic digestion plants supplying clean biogas. Future Biogas wants to move from developing projects and selling them on to retaining ownership of some of the plants it develops. There are plans to construct up to 25 over the next six years. These plants can cost up to £20m each. The company hopes to raise £35m and it already has £5m in the bank.
Tatton Asset Management (TAM) is generating investment inflows of £100m each month and total assets under management have reached £9.5bn. This has been achieved even though face to face meetings remain relatively rare with online meetings still dominating. Tatton is benefiting from the trend for IFAs to move funds to discretionary fund managers. Full year revenues increased by 9% to £23.4m. Underlying earnings jumped 23% to 14.7p a share. Organic growth can be enhanced by acquisitions. The target is £15bn assets under management in three years time.
Access Intelligence (ACC) is acquiring ASX-listed media intelligence services provider Isentia and raising £52m in a placing and offer at 120p a share. This deal will more than double group revenues. In the year to November 2022, group revenues could reach £75m and the enlarged group could make a small profit.
There was a full year contribution from CSS in the latest IG Design (IGR) figures and this helped to increase the proportion of revenues from craft products. Revenues increased from $624m to $873m, while pre-tax profit was flat at $38.6m. The order book covers more than 60% of this year’s forecast revenues. The dividend is maintained at 8.75p a share.
Vianet (VIA) coped well with the decline in revenues in the year to March 2021 and it has limited its underlying loss to £2.8m. Vianet’s smart zones division had reduced charges to pubs while they were closed and since the relaxation of lockdown conditions these charges have been raised. New contracts are being won by the smart machines vending technology division. This means that revenues could bounce back from £8.4m to £14.8m this year, which could be enough to move Vianet back into profit.
Another earnings upgrade for K3 Capital (K3C) following its pre-close trading. The 2020-21 pre-tax profit forecast was increased from £12.9m to £13.9m and next year’s forecast has been raised from £13.5m to £14.6m. There is £14m in the bank.
ReNeuron (RENE) had to halt its trial for the lead human retinal progenitor cell (hRPC) project because one patient got an eye infection. It means that trail data could be delayed by three months. The cash should still last until after March 2022.
Kidney diagnostics firm Renalytix AI (RENX) generated revenues of $600,000 in the three months to March 2021. N+1 Singer forecasts revenues of $3.4m for the year to June 2021.
Local government and engineering documentation software provider IDOX (IDOX) reported interims in line with expectations and it remains on course to improve full year pre-tax profit from £10.5m to £12m. IDOX has sold its non-core operations and it is in a good position to acquire businesses in its core markets.
Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) has purchased 1,500 tonnes of raw cashew nuts ahead of the completion of the cashew plant in Tiebissou. There will be further news about the plant in the next few weeks. Higher crude palm oil prices combined with good crops mean that Dekel remains on course for profitability this year.
MAIN MARKET
CML Microsystems (CML) reported a 17% decline in continuing revenues to £12.5m. The sale of the storage division enables CML to concentrate on its wireless communications technology. The addressable market is being expanded through the launch of SuRF products for microwave /mmWave applications. These products are currently being designed-in to the equipment made by customers. That means it will take time for revenues to build up. Net cash is £32.2m. The total dividend is 52p a share, reflecting the return to shareholders of part of the proceeds from the sale of the storage division.
Telecoms services provider Toople (TOOP) improved its interim gross profit by two-fifths to £470,000, even though revenues declined. Cash continues to flow out of the business and there is still some way to go towards breaking even. Additional sales staff are being taken on. There was nearly £1m in the bank at the end of March 2021. The £1.62m of loan notes and interest are not repayable until the end of 2022. Management is confident that it will have the backing of its investors if it secures a suitable acquisition.
Challenger Acquisitions (CHAL) has secured a new agreement for the acquisition of renewable energy company Cindrigo Energy. Cindrigo is undertaking an open offer to shareholders to raise up to £2.1m and these shares would not have been covered by the original agreement.
NMCN (NMCN) is in talks concerning a refinancing. There is a strain on working capital with two loss making water contracts and other problems. There will be a full year loss.
Triad Group (TRD) moved back into profit last year, thanks to the focus on higher margin consultancy work, and cash in the bank increased to £4.9m. The IT services provider is paying a 2p a share dividend.
HeiQ (HEIQ) has acquired Hong Kong-based Life Material Technologies for an initial $6.45m. This will enhance the antimicrobial technology part of the business. The acquired company’s additives are used in plastics, coatings, ceramics and textiles.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 30 November 2020
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Healthcare IT supplier DXS International (DXSP) had £1.2m in cash at the end of October 2020. Net cash was £584,000, following the capitalisation of £568,000 of development spending. Interim revenues improved by 3% to £1.72m but progress was held back by Covid-19. Pre-tax profit jumped from £90,000 to £151,000 due to lower admin costs.
Imperial X (IMPP) is continuing its due diligence on previously announced acquisitions of mining and royalty interests and the plan is to apply for a standard listing when the acquisitions are completed.
TechFinancials Inc (TECH) has invested $148,000 in RenewSenses, which has developed a wearable device for the visually impaired. The cash will help to complete the development of the A.I. Cane product, which is a camera attached to a handheld device and this enables obstacles to be identified.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has invested a further £75,000 in a convertible loan note issued by vitamin-fortified juices and smoothies Coldpress Foods. The annual interest rate is 15%. S-Ventures has a 3.3% stake in Coldpress.
Primorus Investments (PRIM) has terminated options over 17.8 million shares held by three individuals and has paid a total of £140,000 in compensation. These options could have been exercised at 6p a share or 8p a share and were equivalent to 11.3% of the potentially enlarged share capital. Primorus has decided to drop the Aquis quotation on 24 December and keep the AIM quote. This and a reduction in director pay will reduce costs by more than £200,000 a year.
Formation Group (FRM) is withdrawing from the Aquis Stock Exchange on 31 December.
Good Energy (GOOD) has appointed Canaccord Genuity as joint broker.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised a further £335,000 at 5p a share and 5.5p a share.
Aquis Stock Exchange has launched a market maker incentive scheme. The market makers will offer two-way prices for 505 of stocks on the Apex segment with a maximum spread of 5%. There should be 25 companies on the Apex segment. Market makers will receive warrants for shares in the Aquis Stock Exchange with the best performers gaining the largest percentage. They could earn up to 19.9% of the market over a three year period. Early adopters include Canaccord Genuity, Liberum, Peel Hunt, Shore Capital, Stifel and Winterflood.
Liberum Capital and Zeus Capital have been approved as corporate advisers for the Aquis Stock Exchange.
AIM
Kistos (KIST) began trading on AIM on 25 November. The investment company raised £30.2m after expenses and the market capitalisation was £40.3m. The plan is to seek acquisitions in the oil and gas sector. The team behind Kist is the same as for RockRose Energy. The share price has risen from 100p to 118.2p.
Cyber security software and services provider Shearwater (SWG) reported a slump in revenues, but the decline was in lower margin products. There were also overhead reductions. That meant that there was a profit before amortisation of acquired intangibles. Orders were delayed but there was still a £1.7m cash inflow from operations. Net cash was £3m at the end of September 2020. Two-fifths of revenues are recurring, and the long-term outlook is good.
Circle Property (CRC) reported a 2p a share decline in NAV to 283p a share at the end of September 2020. Loan to value is 42% and there is £37.7m of a loan facility still undrawn. New lettings have been secured since March and rent collections have been strong. The interim dividend is 2.5p a share.
Telecoms testing instrumentation supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) has made an impressive start to its time on AIM with interim figures that show near-doubled underlying pre-tax profit of £2.3m. This has led to an upgrade of the full year profit expectations to £2.9m. The cash being generated is enabling additional development spending.
IG Design (IGR) benefitted from a full contribution from the CSS acquisition, which has also reduced the seasonality of the group. Even so, continuing operations sales held up well. There is still scope for additional demand for Christmas wrapping and gift products, but time is running out for any significant improvement. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to be flat at $35m, although shares issued to fund the CSS acquisition mean that there would be a one-fifth decline in earnings per share to 25.5 cents. There should be a significant improvement next year.
First Property (FPO) has significantly reduced its debt following the sale of a property in Poland. This puts it in a good position to take advantage of any opportunities over the next year or so. Short-term income has declined and there were no performance fees. NAV is 54.3p a share. The interim dividend is maintained at 0.45p a share.
Appreciate (APP) has reinstated its dividend and it proposes an interim of 0.4p a share. Interim revenues were 18% lower at £27.4m. There is always a first half loss and it increased from £1.2m to £4.6m, although that does not include the restructuring costs. The Christmas savings business held up and the corporate incentives operations were boosted by additional business due to free school meals vouchers. More business is being done digitally and there continues to be a monthly improvement in trading.
D4T4 (D4T4) is continuing its development into a business focused on recurring revenues. The data collection and analysis software provider lost money in the first half, but management remains confident that D4T4 will achieve the full year pre-tax profit forecast of £3.2m, down from £5m. Net cash is expected to be £14m. The interim dividend was raised by 5% to 0.81p a share.
LoopUp (LOOP) has not achieved the annual run rate than it expected, and it will fall short of 2020 expectations. The remote meetings technology provider has been generating less revenue from international calls, which has hit overall revenues. Trimming the 2020 revenues forecast from £54.8m to £50.1m leads to a one-fifth reduction in pre-tax profit to £8.4m. The lower run rate means that 2021 forecast revenues have been slashed from £56m to £35.2m, which leads to a small loss for the year.
Outsourcing Inc has sent out the document for the takeover of CPL Resources (CPS). It is offering Euro11.25 a share, which values the Ireland-based recruitment company at Euro317.8m.
Digital advertising technology developer Miriad Advertising (MIRI) has raised £23m via a placing at 40p a share. A further £3m could be raised via an open offer. In July 2019, £16m was raised at 15p a share. The first half cash outflow was more than £4.6m. The cash will be spent on growing US revenues and further technology development.
Ilika (IKA) has decided to manufacture its Stearex batteries itself rather than outsourcing the process. This is the quickest route to production and operating margins will improve. Full scale manufacturing will start by early 2022.
ReNeuron (RENE) is raising up to £17.5m at a heavily discounted share price of 70p. This cash will enable the company to complete the current clinical trial for the retinitis pigmentosa treatment and design a phase III trial.
The share price rise of Wynnstay Group (WYN) has led to DBAY Advisors reducing its stake from 6.12% to 5.33%.
Urban Exposure (UEX) plans a tender offer of up to £65m at 75p a share. There is cash in the bank of £81m.
Second half trading was always going to be weak for Tracsis (TRCS) because of its exposure to events in the traffic and data division. Recurring revenues from the rail technology division have helped limit the pre-tax profit decline from £9.5m to £8.3m. This year is also likely to be tough, although it will depend on trading next summer. The main recovery is likely in 2021-22.
Serinus Energy (SENX) has raised $21m and this will pay off the debt of $16.5m. The lender will also receive a 9.9% stake. The rest of the cash will be invested in increasing oil and gas production.
Digital financial services and products provider Tungsten (TUNG) says profit will be lower than expected this year. Transaction volumes have declined, and revenues will be flat. Winning new business has become more difficult. Annualised savings of £4m are being made.
Michelmersh Brick (MBH) says that 2020 revenues and profit will exceed expectations. Government support of £500,000 will be repaid. There will still be net cash at the end of 2020. A final dividend of 2.25p a share will be paid.
Benchmark (BMK) has completed its restructuring and is on course to benefit from the investment it has made in products and capacity. The BMK08+CleanTreat treatment should be launched by next summer and this could help the aquaculture company to move into profit. In 2019-20, revenues fell from £124m to £105.6m, but lower costs meant that the loss was reduced. Genetics was the best performing division due to initial sales of salmon eggs from Salten. Net debt was £37.6m at the end of September 2020.
MAIN MARKET
Jlen Environmental (JLEN) is paying a second quarterly dividend of 1.69p a share, the same as the first quarter. There has been a small reduction in NAV from 97.5p a share to 96.1p a share because long-term expectations for electricity and gas prices have fallen. The portfolio is 34% wind power, 27% anaerobic digestion, 22% solar power, 15% waste and wastewater and 2% hydro and battery. A decline in waste volumes hampered the Bio Collectors business and other feedstocks are being sourced. There is £127.6m available to finance further acquisitions.
CML Microsystems (CML) had a mixed interim period with total revenues holding up at £12.9m. Storage technology revenues were one-quarter higher, but communications revenues fell by one-fifth and are no longer the largest contributor. However, the development activities have been broadened through acquisitions and there is a bigger addressable market. Pre-tax profit fell from £907,000 to £771,000 and the interim dividend is unchanged at 2p a share. The second half should be better than the first half and a rebalancing of resources should make the business more efficient.
Ingredients supplier Treatt (TET) improved pre-tax profit from £14m to £15.8m, although there was a small dip in revenues to £109m. The total dividend is 6.2p a share. Demand is likely to remain weaker than normal. The move to the new UK premises should happen in the middle of 2021.
J Smart Contractors (SMJ) reported halved underlying full year pre-tax profit of £1.28m. There was a surplus on investment property revaluations of £3.18m. There is net cash of £12m. A final dividend of 2.27p a share has been declared and the total for the year has edged up from 3.19p a share to 3.22p a share. The completion of building contracts has been delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Contracting work remains below the level of the previous year and private housing sales will be limited in the year to July 2021. NAV is £99.3m, which is double the market capitalisation.
Triad (LSE: TRD) revenues declined from £9m to £8.7m, but the IT consultancy did move from loss to profit due to lower costs. Utilisation rates for IT consultants is relatively high and cash covers around three-fifths of the market capitalisation.
Gulf Marine Services (GMS) has suspended chief executive Tim Summers, who was no longer a member of the board, due to an investigation into a severance payment of £429,000 on 10 November. Hassan Heikal was appointed a director at the general meeting on 25 November.
Cardiff Property (CDFF) increased its NAV from 2285p a share to 2436p a share at the end of September 2020, against a share price of 1725p. This reflects an uplift in the valuation of JV Campmoss due to an increase in value of Clivemount House in Maidenhead which has been sold since the year end. The dividend increased by 3% to 17.6p a share. There is cash of £5.5m and no debt.
Affordable housing services provider Aquila Services Group (AQSG) reported a decline in revenues from £3.89m to £3.51m, although there was a small improvement in operating profit prior to restructuring costs of £175,000. The dividend has been halved to 0.15p a share. Cash has increased to £1.4m.
OTAQ (OTAQ) increased interim revenues by 16% to £2.03m and it is on course for full year revenues of £4m. The growth has come from the aquaculture operations. Furlough claims reduced the loss.
Andrew Hore Quoted Micro 2 September 2019
NEX EXCHANGE
SG Recruitment Ltd (SGRL) generated revenues of £777,000 in the 15 months to March 2019. The nursing staff provider lost £2.63m. Since the year end, more contracts have been signed with NHS hospitals, as well as with a hospital in the UAE. The staff offered to hospitals have all obtained qualifications in English and 76% end up being employed. Most of the previous debt has been converted into shares, so net debt was £91,000 at the end of March 2019.
Lombard Capital (LCAP) reported an increase in net liabilities from £234,000 to £537,000 at the end of March 2019. There were £750,000 worth of bonds issued during the period.
PCG Entertainment (PCGE) hopes that the acquisition of Vox Markets and Align Research should be closed in early October. Previous operations have been provided for in full and have been sold. There was £14,000 in the bank at the end of March 2019.
A new investor to Walls and Futures REIT (WAFR) has subscribed £100,000 for shares at 70p each, which is a one-third premium to the market price at the time. Westerby Trustee Services Ltd owns 3.8% of the company on behalf of Westerby Private Pension (R Prest).
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that the judicial restructuring plan for the Amapa iron ore project has been approved by the Sao Paulo commercial court. This will enable Cadence to acquire a 20% stake in Amapa. A further $3.5m investment will take the stake to 27%. Cadence plans to consolidate 100 existing shares into one new share. Shareholders will be asked to approve the proposal at the AGM on 20 September.
Paul Tuson is stepping down as finance director of Rutherford Health (RUTH) and the reappointment resolution was withdrawn from the AGM agenda.
Sativa Investments (SATI) has opened its third Goodbody CBD Wellness store in Bristol, following store openings in Bath and Cirencester. It is seeking franchisees to roll-out further stores around the country.
Panther Metals (PALM) chief executive Darren Hazelwood has acquired 18.87 million shares at 0.3p each. That takes his stake to 10.3%.
First Sentinel (FSEN) has raised £59,000 at 14p a share via a placing with D Beta One EQ Ltd.
AIM
President Energy (PPC) insists that it will continue to be profitable even though the Argentinian authorities are attempting to fix the price that producers can sell oil and the dollar exchange rate used for the price for a 90-day period. President has decided to delay its well drilling programme until the first quarter of 2020 and the focus will be gas wells. Gas sales from four wells in Estancia Vieja and Las Bases will commence production by the end of September. A new gas pipeline should be completed by the end of the year. finnCap has withdrawn its forecasts.
Order books and production volumes are ahead of last year at gift wrap and greetings products supplier IG Design (IGR) thanks to a combination of organic growth and last year’s US acquisition. IG is on course to increase pre-tax profit from £30.3m to £36m.
Online musical instruments retailer Gear4Music (G4M) says that it has taken actions that are already helping to improve gross margin.
Cambridge Cognition (COG) says sales are lower than expected. The digital neuroscience services provider says that full year revenues will fall from £6.13m to around £5.5m. The loss will be around £2.8m. First half revenues were £2.1m and the loss was £1.74m. There is a strong order book, so this augurs well for next year.
Adamas Finance Asia Ltd (ADAM) has funded the second tranche of the investment in Infinity Capital Group. The $2m is being funded equally by Adamas and a Hong Kong family office.
MAIN MARKET
Blockchain Worldwide (BLOC) intends to move to AIM if its acquisition of media-focused artificial intelligence and machine learning company Entertainment AI goes ahead.
At a general meeting, shareholders in Tex Holdings (TXH) approved the 2018 report and accounts and directors’ remuneration report, but they did not approve the reappointment of Scrutton Bland as auditors.
Argo Blockchain (ARB) is reaping the benefits of its investment in crypto mining equipment. The cost of 1,000 machines has already been recouped and Argo is on course to recoup the cost of a further 2,267 machines.
Ross Group (RGP) did not generate any revenues in the six months to June 2019 and the loss was £3.15m. Ross acquired start-up operations during the period. They will supply Chitin.
Asian consumer businesses investor Symphony International Holdings (SIHL) increased its NAV by 14% to $560.4m in the six months to June 2019.
George Bennett has become chief executive of Rainbow Rare Earths (RBW) and Martin Eales has left the board. In the year to June 2019, Rainbow sold 850 tonnes of concentrate from the Gakara project, although bad weather hampered production in the fourth quarter. Sales prices have declined.
China-focused healthcare investment company Cathay International (CTI) reported a decrease in revenues from $49.2m to $38.3m. There was a $7.9m gain on the sale of shares in Zhejiang Starry Pharmaceutical, but that was not enough to cover the operating loss and interest costs.
OTHER MARKETS
Britdaq-quoted Staminier Ltd has secured a three-year option over 13 acres of land near to the south terminal of Gatwick Airport and it wants to build a car park with 2,200 spaces. In July, Staminier acquired a majority stake in eco-friendly housebuilder Eco-Space 41 Ltd. There is a four-year option to acquire the other 49% for £750,000. The strategy is to acquire businesses at a discount to their intrinsic value. There are plans to move to a more liquid stockmarket.
Asset Match will provide a trading facility for shares of former AIM company Albert Technologies Ltd. The first auction will be during September.
US Oil and Gas (USOP) has raised $382,000 at 31p a share. This follows a fundraising in July of $577,000 at 30p a share. The cash will be spent on exploration.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore Quoted Micro 22 April 2019
NEX EXCHANGE
IMC Exploration Group (IMCP) has published the prospectus for its move to a standard listing. No fundraising is planned to accompany the flotation. Management believes that IMC has enough working capital for 12 months. There was €152,878 in cash available at the end of January 2019. This takes account of the statutory spending on its licences.
Block Commodities (BLCC) is calling a general meeting to enable shareholders to decide whether the company should become involved in the medicinal cannabis sector.
Ananda Developments (ANA) owns 15% of LHT, the owner of hapac medicinal cannabis inhaling technology. The hapac products are being sold in Italy and the product range is being widened. Other investments are being assessed.
Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) has declared a second interim dividend of 0.83p a share.
Anne Yerburgh has been replaced as chairman of Daniel Thwaites (THW) by chief executive Richard Bailey, although she remains as a non-executive director in order to represent family shareholders. A replacement is being sought for former non-executive director Nick Mackenzie.
Queros Capital Partners (BFD) has raised £305,000 from the issue of 8% unsecured bonds 2025. This will be used to provide bridging finance to UK businesses.
Chris Akers has a 3.97% stake in High Growth Capital (HASH) following the purchase of the intellectual property of Malta-based BDD, a company he founded. RRNB Capital Ltd has increased its shareholding from 1.92% to 9.95%, while Fujairah has raised its stake from 2.31% to 8.59%. High Growth Capital has completed the acquisition of additional shares in AI company Sentiance to take its stake to 15%. Whitman Howard has been appointed as corporate adviser and broker.
AIM
Modern Water (MWG) reported its 2018 results at 6.19pm o the Thursday before Good Friday. Revenues increased by 18% to £4.2m and the reported loss was more than halved from £5.23m, although this included a £1.53m goodwill write off, to £2.47m. This appears to be the first time that Modern Water has slipped out results after the market has closed for the week. Let us hope that this does not become a habit. Serial offender Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings (IDH) managed to put out its statement a bit earlier but after the close of the market. More can be found at https://ukinvestormagazine.co.uk/why-you-should-avoid-immunodiagnostic-systems-holdings/.
Enterprise software provider Sanderson (SND) says interim trading was ahead of expectations and further progress is expected in the second half. Interim revenues improved from £14.6m to £17m and underlying operating profit is one-third higher at £2.8m, which is partly due to accounting changes. Like-for-like operating profit would be one-fifth higher. Net cash was £3.29m at the end of March 2019. The order book is worth £8m. The interims will be published on 15 May.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum is investing £534,000 in MX Oil (MXO) for a 29.86% stake. He will appoint a non-executive chairman. This is part of a placing raising £680,000 at 0.04p a share. There are also 800 million warrants being issued that are exercisable at 0.04p over a five year period. Options over 10% of the enlarged share capital will be issued to management. The Aje field, where MX has a 5% investment is producing at around 3,150 barrels of oil per day and cash generated is being used to reduce project debt. The Aje field should start generating free cash in 2020 and that could move MX into profit in the first half of 2020. MX plans to consolidate 100 existing shares into one new share and change its name to ADM Energy.
Chief executive Sean Smith has bought 126,624 shares in biopesticide products developer Eden Research (EDEN) for 10.25p each. Finance director Alex Abrey has acquired 50,000 shares at 10.1p each. House broker Shore forecasts an increase in revenues from £2.8m to £3.7m in 2019, although the loss is expected to rise to £900,000. Shore expects Eden to move into profit in 2021.
PowerHouse Energy (PHE) has gained its first revenue generating contract for its DMG technology in conjunction with partner Waste2Tricity. Revenues will come from IP, design rights and licensing, followed by operational engineering.
Parity (PTY) is increasing its focus on the data analytics market and has appointed a new boss of consultancy services. Pre-tax profit halved to £850,000 in 2018 and a further decline is expected in 2019. Net debt is expected to remain at around £1m. Revenues are expected to continue to decline but there should be a greater proportion of the business coming from higher margin activities and profit is expected to bounce back to £1.5m in 2020.
Fryer and grease management services provider Filta (FLTA) increased revenues by 23% to £14.2m in 2018, while underlying pre-tax profit improved from £1.81m to £2.2m. This is before any significant contribution from the Watbio acquisition, which cost savings appear to be on course. A 2019 pre-tax profit of £3.8m is forecast.
Nektan (NKTN) is selling a 57.5% stake in Respin for £300,000 to a new purchaser because the previous deal could not be completed at a higher price due to the fact that buyer could not raise the finance. The online gaming firm says that it owes £3.6m in tax to the HMRC and it is likely to need additional cash to pay the bill.
TruFin (TRU) plans to sell its stake in unsecured consumer finance provider Zopa for £44.5m, an increase of 22% on the 2017 valuation, and investing £25m in manufacturing finance provider Distribution Finance Capital, which will be floated on AIM in early May. There should also be £10m returned to investors later this year. That will leave early payment services provider Oxygen Finance and Satago Financial Solutions, which provides working capital to small businesses.
Delayed results from consumer care products supplier Venture Life Group (VLG) show revenues 17% ahead at £18.8m and nearly all the growth came from the company’s brands. Pre-tax profit improved from £63,000 to £710,000. Net cash was £5.8m so the company has funds to make additional acquisitions.
Yourgene Health (YGEN) has raised £11.8m at 10.25p a share and that will be used to fund the £6.3m cash payment for molecular diagnostics developer Elucigene, which will cost £9.2m in cash and shares.
Managed services provider Redcentric (RCN) says net debt was £17.6m at the end of March 2019, compared with estimates of £20.2m. Pre-tax profit is expected to rise from £8m to £8.7m.
D4T4 Solutions (D4T4) has announced that its 2018-19 results will be ahead of expectations. This led to a pre-tax profit upgrade from £5.7m to £5.8m, but earnings per share were upgraded from 12.1p to 13.3p due to a low tax rate.
Evgen Pharma (EVG) has raised £5m through a placing at 13p a share. The cash will boost the balance sheet while management undertakes partnership discussions and additional work on SFX-01. The phase IIb data for SFX-01 in subarachnoid haemorrhage is expected in the third quarter of 2019.
Directa Plus (DCTA) doubled its total income to €2.5m in 2018. The graphene-based products developer has net cash of €5.2m, following a €3m outflow from operations.
Ariana Resources (AAU) says that the Kiziltepe gold mine produced 7,296 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2019. That was lower than the fourth quarter of 2018, but it is ahead of the average annualised quarterly guidance.
IG Design (IGR) is set for 10% organic sales growth in the year to March 2019 and total revenues rising from £327.5m to £447m. Pre-tax profit is expected to grow from £21.4m to £29.5m. There could be further merger benefits to come from the Impact Innovations acquisition.
Europa Oil and Gas (EOG) is selling its 20% stake in PEDL143 in the Weald Basin to UK Oil and Gas (UKOG) for £300,000.
MAIN MARKET
Plastics and panels supplier Tex Holdings (TXH) made a small loss in 2018 following accounting changes to the recognition of revenues and there is no final dividend. Trading levels were lower in the second half. Tex is in breach of some of its bank loan covenants. The major shareholder continues to support the group. The share price fell by more than one-quarter.
Electronic products distributor DiscoverIE (DSCV) is on course to improve its full year pre-tax profit from £21.8m to £27.7m. The group has raised £29m at 400p a share in order to finance the acquisitions of US-based transformers and magnetic components manufacturer Hobart Electronics and UK-based rugged and submersible sensors manufacturer Positek. The total initial consideration is £15.9m.
Fasteners supplier Trifast (TRI) says full year profit is slightly better than expected even though demand from China has been reduced due to tariff wars with the US. Net debt was £15m at the end of March 2019 and it has agreed a new four-year bank facility of £80m. This could be used for acquisitions.
Argo Blockchain (ARB) has set the date for its requisitioned general meeting, which will be held on 16 May. The requisition came from an entity owning 13.8% that is controlled by Frank Timis, who does not believe that the company will provide a satisfactory return to shareholders with its current cryptomining strategy. The plan is to remove Jonathan Bixby and Mike Edwards as directors and appoint another director. Argo has more cash than its market capitalisation. Cash operating costs have been reduced to £280,000, compared with £500,000 of potential revenues expected in May.
Kazakhstan-focused vanadium miner Ferro-Alloy Resources (FAR) is already spending the money it raised when it gained a standard listing last month. Equipment, a mobile crane and vehicles have been acquired. The design of the extension to the existing facilities and for the connection to the high voltage power line has been completed. The share price has almost halved from the placing price of 70p to 37.37p. More background information can be found at https://ukinvestormagazine.co.uk/ferro-alloy-resources-goes-to-discount-on-first-day/.
BATM (BVC) has won an initial $2m armed forces contract for cyber security and this lasts 18 months.
Emmerson (EML) has signed heads of agreement for an offtake agreement for 100% of the production from the Khemisset potash project.
Andrew Hore
Ian Pollard: Sanderson Sees Double Digit Growth
Sanderson Group plc SND Half year trading results to the end of March, are ahead of management’s expectations with revenue growing to approximately £17.0 million from last years £14.6 million and operating profit increasing by over 30% to £2.8 million from last years £2.1 million. Digital Retail has continued to perform strongly during the six months and achieved further double-digit revenue and operating profit growth.in The Manufacturing business sales orders grew by over 10%. The Board is confident that it will be able to maintain its progressive dividend policy.
System 1 Group plc Sys1 updates that its Consultancy business stabilised after a difficult 2017/18. Gross profit was down 1% for the year as a whole at £22m but Being 4% ahead in the second half, allowed it to generate underlying pre-tax profits for the year as a whole.
Serabi Gold plc SRB Reports another excellent quarter with a strong start made to 2019 and over 10,000 ounces of gold produced in the first quarter, keeping up the momentum from the end of 2018 and the second successive quarter with production above 10,000 ounces for the first time. Guidance for 2019 is maintained at production in the range of 40,000-44,000 ounces representing a significant improvement on 2018’s production of 37,108 ounces.
IG Design Group plc IGR The strong trading performance continued in the final quarter both delivering revenue and profit growth across all regions in the year to the 31st March.. The Board now anticipates that the financial performance of the Group will be be up significantly up year on year. The progressive dividend policy is expected to be continued earnings pay-out ratio is also expected to be increasesd at the full year.
Beachfront villas & houses for sale in Greece; http://www.hiddengreece.net
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 3 December 2018
NEX EXCHANGE
European Lithium (EUR) joined NEX on 26 November. European Lithium is the 100% owner of the Woflsberg lithium project in Austria and it is already quoted on the ASX. The plan is to produce battery grade lithium hydroxide for the European market. Capex of $390m is required for the project. WH Ireland estimates the NPV at $223m.
Crossword Cybersecurity (CCS) has confirmed its move to AIM in the middle of December. The cyber security systems developer plans to raise up to £2.25m.
Wheelsure Holdings (WHLP) raised £125,000 at 1p a share. This will finance product development. Wheelsure has established a project with Haydale Graphene Industries (HAYD) and the University of Manchester. This will develop a product combining graphene with Wheelsure’s failsafe locking system.
Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) has completed the acquisition of the Mecca bingo hall in Chesterfield for £4m. The property has a ten year lease and generates annual rent of £388,000. Ace has issued 147,070 shares at 100p each covering the conversion of convertible loan notes and payment of related interest.
Sandal (SAND) says that it needs more to cash in order to fully exploit the potential for Energenie MiHome products. Revenues in the first five months of the new financial year are higher than in the same period last year, even though there was a stock overhang at one Energenie MiHome customer.
IMC Exploration (IMCP) is relinquishing two licences in order to focus on its three main projects. They are the tailings project in Avoca, Wicklow, the north Wexford gold project and the zinc project in County Clare. There was €212,000 in the bank at the end of June 2018.
TechFinancials Inc (TECH) has launched the Beta version of its CEDEX blockchain diamond exchange.
Barkby Group (BARK) has taken on a ten-year lease for The George at Burpham in Sussex.
Primorus Investments (PRIM) has purchased 27 million shares in Greatland Gold (GGP) at an average price of 1.67p a share. The investment totalled £450,000. This is on the back of positive drilling results. At the Havieron gold/copper project in Western Australia.
Dana Group International Investments (DANA) reduced its underlying loss in the year to June 2018 and it ended the period with a NAV of 21 cents a share. There was a sharp decrease in NAV due to the write-down in the value of investments.
Imperial Minerals (IMPP) is still seeking a resources acquisition. There was £20,000 in the bank at the end of June 2018 and subsequently a further £50,000 was raised by a convertible issue.
AIM
Active Energy Group (AEG) has raised nearly £1.5m at 1p a share and there is one warrant with every four new shares. The warrant is exercisable at 1.75p a share over a 12 month period. Creditors have been issued 15.5 million shares for the money they are owed. The cash will be used to finance the plans for a CoalSwitch plant with its joint venture partner and the working capital for the newly awarded cutting permits in Newfoundland.
Financial services provider STM Group (STM) expects a significant release from the London and Colonial Assurance of at least £500,000 before the year end. Last year, the release was £1.3m. There have also been one-off costs, but overall pre-tax profit should be in line with expectations.
Kropz (KRPZ) began trading on AIM on Friday. The share price ended the day at a 3.5p premium to the 40p placing price. The plant nutrient producer raised £27.3m to finance the Elandsfontein phosphate project.
Inland Homes (INL) has a land bank of 7,000 plots and 1,700 of them have planning consent with a further 2,000 in the planning pipeline. The sale of 386 plots in Buckinghamshire has generated a management fee of more than £7m. There should be 80 houses completed in the first half. The Rosewood Housing business has obtained approval to become a provider of affordable housing.
Argentina-focused oil and gas producer and explorer President Energy (PPC) has completed the acquisition of additional assets. Incremental production will start in December. Drilling of the third well at the Puesto Flores field has started.
Gift wrap supplier IG Design Group (IGR) has grown in the first half via a combination of acquisition and organic growth. The interim figures have led Progressive Equity Research to raise its 2018-19 earnings forecast from 25.9p a share to 27p a share.
Babestation broadcaster Cellcast (CLTV) says that revenues are declining and this is likely to continue. There is £700,000 in the bank and management is trying to collect money owed in Kenya.
IDOX (IDOX) says that full year revenues, excluding the former digital division, fell from £73.5m to £67.2m. The information management software provider generated adjusted EBITDA of £14.4m, down from £16.7m. Annualised recurring revenues are running at £32.4m. The annual results will be published in February.
Safestay (SSTY) is raising up to £11m via a placing and one-for-12 open offer at 34p a share. This cash will finance the conversion and refinancing of two hostels as well as investment in other existing sites and acquiring new ones.
Faroe Petroleum (FPM) has rebuffed a bid approach by DNO. Faroe says that the 152p a share cash offer, which values the oil and gas company at £607.9m, undervalues the business and its prospects. DNO already owns a 28.2% stake in Faroe.
Rose Petroleum (ROSE) has been paid around $300,000 in shares for providing its uranium database to enCore Energy Corp. The shares have to be retained for four months.
Timber merchant James Latham (LTHM) reported a 10% increase in interim revenues, while underlying pre-tax profit was £7.6m, prior to a £1.1m gain on the sale of the Yate site. The order book is strong, but it is more difficult to pass on price rises. There is £12.9m in the bank.
Maistro (MAIS) has launched a one-for-7.28423264 open offer at 1p a share. That could raise up to £250,000, which could take the total raised to £2.2m.
TLA Worldwide (TLA) is planning to sell its US operations to major shareholder Gatemore and may also sell its Australian activities. This may raise enough to pay off debt and leave a small amount of cash in TLA.
Gaming demand continues to be strong for security technology provider Synectics (SNX) but UK bus demand means that the full year profit forecast has been cut from £3m to £2.8m. The £4m profit forecast for the following year has been maintained.
The optimism about the Wressle oil project proved false and the planning permission was not approved as had been recommended. The original application was refused two years ago and an appeal is planned. Operator Egdon Resources (EDR) owns a 30% interest in Wressle, Europa Oil and Gas (EOG) has a 30% interest and Union Jack Oil (UJO) has a 27.5% interest. Humber Oil and Gas owns the other 12.5%.
Altona Energy (ANR) has temporarily suspended its activities at the Westfield Tenement in Australia. Management believes that other coal deposits may be more suitable for its pyrolysis technology.
Realm Therapeutics (RLM) has selected a shortlist of potential transactions, including a potential sale of the company. Further news will be published in the first quarter of 2019.
Fishing Republic (FISH) is still trying to raise additional funds for the business and it is also assessing options for selling the business.
Webis (WEB) improved its pre-tax profit from $5,000 to $103,000 in the 12 months to May 2018 and this is before any benefit from legalised online sports betting in the US.
MAIN MARKET
Bioquell (BQE) is recommending a 590p a share cash bid from US-based Ecolab. That values the bio-decontamination business at £140.5m. The bid is nearly four times the level of the share price three years ago.
Standard list shell Hertsford Capital (HERT) has raised £3mat 10p a share. The technology-focused investment company has £2.8m in cash after costs. The share price ended the week at 11.75p.
Interim revenues declined from £666,000 to £498,000 at Associated British Engineering (ASBE) although the loss fell from £377,000 to £342,000 due to an improved performance at British Polar Engines as annual cost savings of £150,000 start to show through. There is around £1m of cash and available for sale financial assets, which is similar to the NAV.
PV Crystalox Solar (PVCS) has received the final payment of €14.3m in settlement of claims against a customer.
Flavour and fragrance ingredients supplier Treatt (TET) increased its revenues by 11% to £112.2m in the year to September 2018. Pre-tax profit improved from £11.7m to £12.6m. US capital investment should be completed next year.
Vertically integrated gemstone explorer Shefa Yamim (SEFA) is set to begin trial mining early next year. The latest exploration results have increased the volumes of mineralised placer gravels at three target sites from 1.1 million tonnes to five million tonnes.
Cardiff Property (CDFF) increased its net assets from 2126p a share to 2178p a share at the end of September 2018. The property investor has no debt and there is cash and financial assets of £5.8m. The dividend has been increased from 15.5p a share to 16.6p a share.
Andrew Hore