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Quoted Micro 7 October 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Prize draw operator Good Life Plus (GDLF) has increased the number of paying subscribers by 90% to more than 40,000 in less than a year. Management says that it might exceed expectations for the current financial year. Good Life Plus is raising £2m at 2.5p/share. Earlier this year, £2m was raised at 2.25p/share. The cash will finance customer acquisition and signing up new partners.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) grew full year revenues by 4% to £172.3m and underlying pre-tax profit improved from £7.6m to £7.9m. NAV is 1217p/share, while net debt is £80m. Like-for-like retail sales were 4.9% ahead with the growth dominated by drinks offsetting a fall in accommodation income. Beer volumes declined 12% with own-brewed volume 17% lower. Brand refreshes are planned. Beer volumes continue to decline, while like-for-like retail sales for the initial 13 weeks of the new year are 3.8% higher.
Consumer brands company Silverwood Brands (SLWD) increased interim revenues from £5.85m to £7.08m and it moved into profit, but that was mainly due to exceptional gains.
CRUSHMETRIC Group (CUSH) increased interim revenues from HK$1.04m to HK$2.94m, although the loss was similar at HK$3.7m.
Talks with potential investors in Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) have been terminated. The documentation has not been signed and the potential investor did not pay the £200,000 towards costs that it promised. Trading in the shares will end on 30 October.
Voyager Life (VOY), which has an option to acquire M3 Helium, has changed its name to Mendell Helium. The admission document is being prepared and the option should be exercised by the end of January. The company had £163,000 in the bank at the end of March.
Aquaculture technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) reported a 16% decline in interim revenues to £1.5m because of a delay to a £350,000 order. The company continues to lose money. A forecast full year loss of £1.3m is similar to 2023, including a £150,000 benefit from cost reductions, and it could be halved in 2025 as the full benefit of cost savings show through.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 57.27p/share at the end of August 2024. The income in the month was £590,000.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC), which provides loans under the Mr Amazing Loans brand, is holding a general meeting to gain approval to raise up to £2.5m from share issues. Paul Mathieson is being replaced as chief executive by Marc Howells. Former director Sam Prasad is loaning £200,000 to the company, which replaces a previous £100,000 loan.
Recycling services provider Majestic Corporation (MCJ) narly doubled interim revenues from $13m to $25m and pre-tax profit was one-third higher at $900,000. The company has received Enterprise Investment Scheme status.
RentGuarantor (RGG) has increased third quarter revenues by 62% and average revenues per tenant by 8% to £606.
Gains on investments enabled Hot Rock Investments (HRIP) to move into profit in the year to March 2024. Net assets increased to £512,000.
An undertaking of EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) has provided additional funding of £2m to the Rayware Group. There is also a £1m contingent guarantee provided to third party lenders. EPE Special Opportunities still has £16m in cash.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has a commercial partnership with Deutsch-Pharm. It will use two of the company’s products (for cholesterol lowering and vascular health) under its own brand in the Ukraine. Commercialisation is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025.
One Health Group (OHGR) has appointed Panmure Liberum as corporate adviser and broker.
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) has declared an interim dividend of 13p/share.
AIM
AO World (AO.) is acquiring musicMagpie (MMAG) for 9.07p/share, which values the pre-owned products supplier at just under £10m. There are irrevocable undertakings and letters of intent totalling 54% to accept the offer. AO World believes that the two companies have complementary online models, and a technology trade-in service will enhance its product offering. AO World says that the musicMagpie disc media and books business should not require significant investment.
EMV Capital (EMVC) director Jonathan Robinson bought 25,000 shares at 52p each following the interim results announcement of the company that was previously known as NetScientific. Total assets under management reached £106.7m following the addition of the Martlet Capital portfolio. Net assets edged up from £17.1m to £18.5m. Nasdaq-listed investee company PDS Biotech announced a 36-month survival rate of 84.4% in locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with the company’s lead target drug Versamune HPV and Chemoradiation.
Tavistock Investments (TAVI) is raising up to £37.75m from disposals, which is more than treble the market capitalisation before the sale, with nearly £11m payable on completion and a further £11m from discharge of intragroup debt. The rest is payable based on performance. The two businesses made a pre-tax profit of £1.5m in the year to March 2023. The cash will be used for working capital and acquisitions. There could also be share buy backs. Chief executive Brian Raven bought 830,000 shares at 3.55p each.
Good Energy (GOOD) has acquired Lincolnshire-based solar installer Amelio Solar for an initial £5.5m. The focus of the business is the education and public sector. In 2023, revenues were £7m and pre-tax profit is £1.4m. However, there have been lower levels of activity in Good Energy’s existing installation business.
Packaging equipment and automation provider Mpac Group (MPAC) is making its second acquisition in recent weeks and this is by far the larger. Mpac is acquiring CSi Palletising for £47m, including £4.16m in shares, and the deal should be completed by the end of the year. CSi Palletising designs, manufactures and installs end-of-line packaging automation and robotics equipment and will enhance the geographic coverage. In 2023, CSi Palletising generated revenues of €71.5m and EBITDA of €7.3m. The latest interims show revenues of €44.4m and EBITDA of €6.8m. There is an order book worth €64.3m. A placing raised £29m at 400p/share and a retail offer to existing shareholders could add up to £1m to the figure.
Digital media publisher Digitalbox (DBOX) has commenced a strategic review, which could involve a sale of the company. This follows representations from a major shareholder disappointed about the level of the share price. Progress should be reported in November. Interim revenues were better than expected, but July and August were weak. Net cash is £2.2m, which is more than 50% of market capitalisation. A capital restructuring is underway to create positive distributable reserves.
Agricultural products supplier Wynnstay Group (WYN) says the second half has been hit by wet weather and weaker farmgate prices in part due to government policy uncertainty. Shore has reduced its 2023-24 pre-tax profit forecast by 35% to £7.5m and this will have a knock-on effect in the year to October 2025 where the profit forecast has been cut by 29% to £8.5m. Wynnstay should still have net cash, and the NAV is estimated at around 600p/share.
Payments technology company Bango (BGO) is making some progress towards regaining investor confidence and it is on course to make a full year profit. Interim revenues grew 19% to $24.1m. Annualised recurring revenues are 130% ahead at $12.9m. Net revenue retention is 159%.
Ceramic disc brake technology developer Surface Transforms (SCE) increased interim revenues by 58%, but growth is still not meeting expectations even though there is further growth in third quarter revenues. There are delays to installing additional capacity. Full year revenues are expected to be £11m, compared with previous expectations of £17.5m. There was £5m in cash at the end of June 2024. Odd Asset Management reduced its stake from 5.13% to 2.58%.
Graphene technology developer Versarien (VRS) has signed an agreement with Balfour Beatty to develop 3D-printable mortars for civil construction. It will formulate three types of mortar. This follows the disposal of AAC Cryoma for £550,000 payable in 15 instalments.
Oil and gas company Prospex Energy (PXEN) is applying for exploration licences in Poland. The licence awards should happen in the first quarter of 2025. Initial results from the Vlura-1B development well in Northern Spain are positive. Drilling intercepted significant gas shows and that confirmed the high quality reservoir. This well will be connected up and first production should be by November.
Battery and electronic components supplier Solid State (SOLI) is acquiring Gateway Electronic Components, which manufactures ferrite and magnetic components for £1.4m. These are used by electromechanical and Industrial Internet of Things businesses. The run rate pre-tax profit is £200,000, so the multiple is less than ten.
Surplus consumer products retailer Huddled (HUD) generated interim revenues of £5.3m and they continue to grow organically and via acquisition. Third quarter revenues will be around £3.5m. Management is investing in inventory and marketing. Warehouse functions are being centralised.
MAIN MARKET
Motor dealer software provider Pinewood Technologies (PINE) published its first results following the sale of the motor dealer business. In the six months to July 2024, revenues were 11% ahead at £16.1m. Major shareholder Lithia is taking up new licences in the UK. The US roll out is being planned.
The two board representatives of Kelso Group (KLSO) on AIM-quoted The Works.co.uk (WRKS) have stepped down. This will make it easier to sell its 6.3% stake if it wishes to. The average cost was 32p/share and the current price is 25.2p.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 22 July 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
M3 Helium, where Voyager Life (VOY) has an option to acquire the company, says two samples from the Rost well at Fort Dodge in Kansas showed 5.1% helium. Two other samples were above 4.8% helium. These are highly commercial levels.
Marula Mining (MARU) is acquiring Northern Cape Lithium and Tungsten, which holds prospecting rights over land in the Northern Cape province in South Africa. This is north of the Blesburg lithium and tantalum mine.
Substrate AI (SAI) increased interim revenues by 256% to Euro9.09m and it moved from loss to positive EBITDA.The figures were slightly lower than forecast.
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) increased interim revenues from £1.8m to £1.96m and reduced its loss from £171,000 to £77,000. There was a decrease in repair costs.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals Corp says its exploration programme at the Golden Rose project in Newfoundland is underway. The programme will investigate copper, nickel and zinc.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) nearly doubled interim revenues to just above £1m and reduced the loss. A US partner has obtained positive clinical results for IBS and antibiotic recovery for a probiotic containing the company’s LP (LDL). The share price rose 7.14% to 3.75p.
Automotive electrification Equipmake (EQIP) revenues are improving, but the loss has increased. In the year to May 2024, revenues were 60% ahead at £8.1m. There was £2.5m in cash at the end of May 2024. There are plans to reduce costs and focus on higher margin technology. The share price increased 5.56% to 4.75p.
Inqo Investments (INQO) has invested in Flybox Budongo, which has developed a modular containerised system to produce Black Soldier Fly eggs and five-day old larvae that can convert organic waste into animal feed.
Valereum (VLRM) says blockchain consulting firm Antier will collaborate in the development of the V-Wallet that will form part of the VLRM Market’s ecosystem. This should be launched later this year and will enable uses to buy, sell and hold multiple cryptocurrencies. The share price fell 13.3% to 3.25p.
Gunsynd (GUN) says investee company Metals One has published a JORC inferred mineral resource of the P5 area of the Finland – Black Schist project of 29Mt. There is 1.8Mt attributable to Gunsynd, which owns 6.25% of a subsidiary of Metals One, and that company has an option to buy back the stake.
Christopher Potts reduced his stake in Shortwave Life Sciences (PSY) from 11.65% to less than 3%.
AIM
A new sensor contract for security technology provider Spectra Systems (SPSY) has led Zeus, the new broker following the takeover of WH Ireland’s broking business, to upgrade its forecasts. The contract is with an existing central bank customer. This was expected, but it is likely to be more profitable than anticipated. The 2024 pre-tax profit forecast is raised from $10m to $12m and the 2025 figure increased from $14m to $25.5m. However, the 2026 figure has been cut from $18m to $16m.
Building products manufacturer Alumasc (ALU) has done better than expected in the year to June 2024. Organic growth was more than 6%, even though the construction market fell 2%. Cavendish has raised its pre-tax profit estimate from £12m to £12.6m, it has also edged up the 2024-25 forecast from £13.1m to £13.5m. All three divisions have done better. Net debt is £6.9m and could halve by next June.
Chain and transmission equipment manufacturer Renold (RNO) beat upgraded full year expectations and there is another upgrade for the year to March 2025. Last year, pre-tax profit improved from £18.6m to £22.1m even though there was a small decline in revenues. Efficiency improvements are increasing margins. Net debt has fallen to £24.9m after acquisition payments and share buy backs. There was £36m in cash generated from operations. A 0.5p/share dividend has been declared. The 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast is £22.8m.
Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG) rose on the back of the news that it is selling its Clinical AI operations to GE for £40.5m. The consideration is equivalent to 12.4p/share. So far, £12.2m has been invested in the development of AI. There are plans to return a substantial amount of this cash to investors. This deal does not include the NeedleTrainer and NeedleTrainer Plus products or the simulation business. The remaining business had annual revenues of £10m last year. Lower simulation sales meant that the latest interim revenues fell from £6.1m to £5.3m. That includes £1.5m from Clinical AI, compared with £2m for the whole of the previous year.
Vela Investments (VELA) has subscribed for £300,000 of convertible loan notes from fully listed Liberia-based gold explorer Hamak Gold (HAMA) by issuing 2.42 million shares at 0.012375p. This is an opportunistic, short-term investment because it does not fit the core investment policy. The loan notes are redeemable on 16 July and the annual interest rate is 10%. The conversion price is the lower of a 25% discount to the average market price for five days prior to conversion and 3p/share. The Hamak Gold share price is 1.075p. Hamak Gold hopes to take advantage of a narrowing of the share discount to the NAV of Vela Technologies, which is currently around two-thirds.
Maritime AI technology services provider Windward (WNWD) sparked a second upgrade of forecast revenues for this year following its interim trading statement. Interim revenues were 37% ahead at $17.6m. Net cash has fallen from $17.3m to $13.8m over the six-month period.
Caspian Sunrise (CASP) shares have returned from suspension following publication of 2023 accounts. Average oil production fell 16% to 1,800barrels/day last year. Current aggregate production is 2,300 barrels/day from the BNG contract area, which is being sold for up to $88m, which is above the previous expectation of $83m. Production is expected from Block 8 and West Shalva later this year. The board will consider special dividends and share buy backs.
Surface Transforms (SCE) has recovered from its recent all time low after it confirmed revenues guidance of £17.5m for 2024, although the figures will be second half weighted. Interim sales were £4.6m. Pre-production engineering revenues will be recognised in the second half. Capacity is being increased. The ceramic brakes technology company could become cash generative during 2025.
Kyrgyzstan miner Chaarat Gold Holdings (CGH) is the latest company to announce the intention to cancel its AIM quotation. This is a condition of a recapitalisation proposal that will more than halve existing liabilities to less than $20m. The maturity date of the convertible loan will be extended from July 2024 to December 2025. There will also be an additional facility of $5m that can be drawn down. The $550,000 of salary owed to former executive chairman Martin Andersson will be paid in shares. The AIM departure is expected to be on 16 August.
Destiny Pharma (DEST) is leaving AIM to make it easier to fund the XF-73 post-surgical infection prevention treatment through access to private capital. It has been difficult to secure a commercial partner for XF-73. Destiny Pharma needs to find funding for a phase 3 study.
Publishing software and services provider Ingenta (ING) has won three new contracts. Two of these are follow-on contracts with existing customers. These are multi-year contracts worth mor than £500,000. The largest contract is a three-year deal to migrate, host and support an existing customer’s Vista deployment onto Ingenta’s dedicated infrastructure. This worth £1.4m over three years.
MAIN MARKET
ACG Acquisition (ACG) has agreed the reverse takeover of the Gediktepe polymetallic mine in the Balikesir province of Turkey from conglomerate Calik Holding. The mine is producing gold and silver, and production of copper and zinc will start in 2026. The deal is valued at £290m in cash and shares.
Tertre Rouge Assets (TRA) has not been able to raise the funds for its planned acquisitions. The company plans to delist on 15 August.
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 15 April 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Voyager Life (VOY) has terminated its merger with Northern Leaf following a decline in its share price making it difficult to fund the transaction. The cannabis products supplier says that there are other potential partners. Additional finance is required to automate production.
Supernova Digital (SOL) says NAV was 0.36p/share on 3 April 2024. A tender offer is planned when there are additional liquid funds. Director Nicholas Lyth bought two million shares at 0.19p each.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has sold shares in Computer Application Services for £257,000 and it retains a 28.9% stake.
Marula Mining (MARU) issued 2.8 million shares to pay for its stakes in the Nyoriinyori and NyoriGreen graphite projects The total consideration is £350,000. This follows assay results that confirm high-grade and broad graphite mineralisation on each of the projects. Marula Mining is also about to start supplying columbite-tantalite and feldspar from the Blesberg mine in South Africa to Fujax UK.
Substrate AI (SAI) is forecasting 2024 revenues of $20.6m and pre-tax profit of $1m. This is due to organic growth.
Business assurance provider Adsure Services (ADS) has announced a maiden dividend of 0.49p/share and the shares go ex-dividend on 18 April. Trading has been strong in the second half.
KR1 (KR1) has announced a general meeting on 29 April to seek authority to acquire up to 14.9% of its share capital.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has raised £60,000 at 5p/share. This is on top of the £552,000 raised earlier in the year. Inqo Investments (INQO) raised £1.3m at 70p/share. Dermatological technology developer Incanthera (INC) raised £174,000 from the exercise of warrants at 10p. Crushmetric (CUSH) placed shares raising £54,000 at 12.5p each.
Valereum (VLRM) has appointed Stanford Capital Partners as broker. Spirits company Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has appointed New York-based MD Global Partners as joint broker.
Rikki Devlin has increased his stake in Oscillate (MUSH) from 3.04% to 4.21%. Michael Prior sold 645 shares in brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) at 695p each.
AIM
Self-storage operator Lok’nStore (LOK) has agreed a 1,100p/share cash bid from Belgium-based Shurgard Self Storage. That values the company at £370m. The share price has risen above the level of the bid.
Churchill China (CHH) still managed to increase its profit in 2023 even though the third quarter trading was weak, and revenues fell. Europe was the bright spot, with growth in ceramics sales to hospitality customers in the main markets. The UK was flat, and the rest of the world sales were lower. The dividend has been raised from 31.5p/share to 36p/share. Capital investment will improve efficiency and margins. Investec forecasts flat 2024 pre-tax profit of £10.8m and that assumes an upturn in the UK.
There were no additional negatives in the Bango (BGO) 2023 figures following its disappointing trading statement earlier in the year. In fact, the previously announced foreign exchange loss was not taken through the income statement. Revenues grew from $28.5m to $46.1m with a full contribution from DOCOMO. The reported loss jumped from $4.8m to $10.2m. The NewDeep joint venture is being wound down so that stop the losses from it, while the technology can be used in the core business. Net debt is $3.9m. Capex continues at a high level and there is an unused overdraft facility of £3m that can be used. First quarter revenues are up by one-fifth and cost savings will help Bango achieve the anticipated move into profit this year. Annualised recurring revenues are $11m.
CleanTech Lithium (CTL) chief executive Aldo Boitano has resigned, although he will be a consultant, and Steve Kesler has taken over on an interim basis. This follows the revelation he entered into a loan agreement with his shareholding in the company as security in August 2023, but this was not revealed at the time. He transferred his 9.4 million shares to a custodian account nominated by the lender. It is unclear if any of the shares have been sold.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) says trading continues to outperform expectations. First quarter sales are 28% higher at £23.5m. This has been achieved by adding stores and broadening the range and there has been no price rise since early 2022. Margins have also improved. Shore believes that its current pre-tax profit forecast of £19.1m for 2024 is likely to be 10% too low. The broker will not upgrade its forecast until the 2023 results are published on 24 April.
Coal miner Bens Creek (BEN) is laying off workers at its mine in West Verginia, which will be operated on a care and maintenance basis. There are 44 employees being laid off and that is described as “a substantial number” of the employees at the mine. Management is in discussions with largest shareholder and offtake partner Avani Resources to provide further finance. Earlier in the week, the company said it had secured a one-off sale of 20,000 tons of coal to Avani Resources for $1.2m, of which $1m has been received in advance of delivery. This is lower quality coal, and the deal is separate to the offtake agreement. This did not prove enough to alleviate the poor financial position of the US-based metallurgical coal miner.
European Green Transition (EGT) is seeking to build up a portfolio of mining and processing projects that can help to progress the move to cleaner energy in Europe. There is potential for grant income from the EU for European critical minerals assets, as well as looking at non-dilutive ways of raising money for individual projects. A placing and offer raised £6.46m at 10p/share. Trading commenced on 8 April. The share price ended the week at 12p. Pro forma net assets are £7.29m, which includes cash of £5.95m. The Olserum rare earth element project in Sweden is the core asset.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has acquired the Sylvanite gold tailings project in Ontario. This is a former producing mine, and it is near to the previous tailings investment the Teck-Hughes gold tailings project. There are plans to create a tailings hub. The historic tailings resource estimate at Sylvanite is 67,051 ounces.
First quarter revenues at carbon brake technology developer Surface Transforms (SCE) were £3m, which was lower than target. However, production yields improved in March when revenues were £1.5m. Revised delivery schedules have been agreed. Cavendish has raised its 2024 forecast loss to £3m because of higher scrappage costs and there are likely to be higher working capital requirements. There should still be net cash at the end of 2024.
Drug developer e-therapeutics (ETX) is raising £28.9m at 15p/share from M and G and Richard Griffiths. It is also the latest company to decide to leave AIM. In the future, a Nasdaq listing may be possible.
Active Energy Group (AEG) has been reviewing its operations and how to secure funding. It believes it cannot raise the cash it requires to construct a CoalSwitch biomass fuel plant and commence production. A buyer is being sought for the CoalSwitch assets. If that happens, then the company would become a shell.
Oracle Power (ORCP) has secured an option to acquire 100% of the Blue Rock Valley copper and silver project in Western Australia. The option cost £30,000 in shares. If the option is exercised there will be 913.2 million shares issued – valued at £200,000.
Weak third quarter demand at castings company Chamberlin (CMH) hit profitability. Some new programmes were delayed, and other demand was lower than forecast. The renewable offshore energy sector remained strong. There has been some recovery in the fourth quarter and costs are being reduced. Prices increases have been made.
Harvest Minerals (HMI) has made a rare earth elements discovery at its Arapua fertiliser project in Brazil. Rock samples analysis shows rare earth elements and further work will be done to firm up the opportunity by assessing previous drilling. There has been a better start to the year for sales of fertiliser.
Contract research and infectious disease study services provider hVIVO (HVO) reported 2023 results broadly in line with the trading statement. The order book covers 90% of the forecast revenues of £62m, with a strong first half expected.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) reported fourth quarter trading showing 4.8% year-on-year growth in revenues to £13.2m with the decline in ecommerce revenues slowing. Like-for-like growth was 1.5% ahead. Full year revenues were flat at £62.6m, although retail revenues were 9% higher. Net debt is £700,000.
Critical Metals (CRTM) has issued £1.6m of convertible loan notes. This will help to finance the road to the Molulu copper cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of Congo and fund initial drilling to establish a JORC resource. Management is also near to securing an $11m loan guaranteed by the US government. This will fund construction of the mine and leave additional cash for investment in other projects. Production at Molulu could start before the end of this year. The plan is to produce 10,000 tonnes of copper each month.
Standard list shell Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) had £661,000 in the bank at the end of 2023. It raised £1m in April 2022. The company is still seeking an acquisition in the renewable energy sector.
Narf Industries (NARF) has won a $500,000 cybersecurity contract with the US Department of Energy. This is part of a project to strengthen the resilience of energy infrastructure.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 6 November 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that the 36.2%-owned joint venture that owns the Amapa iron ore project in Brazil has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sinoma Tianjin Cement Industry Design, which will provide a final proposal to complete a definitive feasibility study for the project and then submit a fixed price contract to construct the project. It will also attempt to obtain the financing required. Chief executive Kiran Morzaria bought 100,806 shares at 7.4p each.
Adsure Services (LON: ADS) joined the Access segment on 30 October. It did not raise any additional money and was valued at £4.76m at the introduction price of 45p. Fareham-based Adsure Services acquired TIAA in September. It is a specialist business assurance provider that has been operating for two decades. In the year to March 2023, TIAA revenues improved from £8.82m to £9m, while pre-tax profit dipped from £580,000 to £274,000. That is due to higher overheads. TIAA had £1.86m in the bank and net cash of £1.15m. Dividends have been paid by TIAA and the equivalent last year was 1.35p/share.
Substrate Artificial Intelligence (SAI.B) has agreed the acquisition of 70% of BINIT and DELTANOVA for €5.4m and €600,000 respectively, which is payable in shares. They are software development consultancy businesses, and the share issue has to be approved by shareholders.
CBD products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) expects interim revenues to be more than £165,000 and a gross margin of 43%. The manufacturing division is receiving more enquiries. The government has accepted recommendations for standardised cannabinoid testing and there could be a relaxation of the maximum cannabinoid content of products.
Helium Ventures (HEV) had nearly £65,000 in cash at the end of April 2023, plus interests in Blue Star Helium and Trackimo.
Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP) had cash of £160,000 at the end of July 2023. Management is still assessing a potential reverse takeover of GL Membership.
ChallengerX (CXS) generated cash from operations in the quarter to September 2023, although there was an overall outflow of £47,000, leaving £1,000 in the bank. More cash will be required to develop the FlashBet Wheel App.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has confirmed the mineralised base metal system at Cottesloe in the Paterson Range, Western Australia. There is copper, zinc, silver, lead and cobalt. This is before the drilling has hit the target mineralisation zone.
KR1 (KR1) holds an allocation of 7.5 million TIA – the digital asset of Celestia – KR1 plans to start staking activities on the Celestia network. At the end of September 2023, NAV was 45.11p/share.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) says that the FDA 510(k) application for Cervi-LOK has oved to the substantive review stage.
Fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) generated second quarter revenues of nearly £54,000, which was lower than the previous year. There was £562,000 in the bank and a further £700,000 has been raised since then.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has signed a MOU with Nottingham Trent University to pursue grant funding for the medicinal cannabis breeding programme. The intention is to develop a formal strategic partnership.
IamFire (FIRE) had cash of £149,000 at the end of April 2023, following a £768,000 cash outflow from operations. Investee company WeShop is making good progress. However, there is material uncertainty as a going concern and more cash is required or bond terms will need to be renegotiated.
NFT technology company Looking Glass Labs (LON: NFTX) had net assets of C$837,000 at the end of July 2023.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) non-exec directors Jayne Almond bought 3,000 shares at an average price of 912.5p each. Shepherd Neame (SHEP) director George Barnes bought 1,000 shares at 735p each. Marula Mining (MARU) chief executive Jason Brewer has exercised 400,000 warrants at 4p each.
BWA Group (BWAP) is raising up to £900,000 at 0.5p/share with one warrant for every two shares exercisable at 0.6p each up until October 2024 and 0.75p after that up until October 2026. The cash will be used for exploration at two heavy mineral sands claim areas.
Mental health treatments developer Mydecine Innovations Group (MYIG) says that it is filing a prospectus supplement so that it can issue 7.36 million shares at 15 cents/share to raise $1.1m.
AIM
Product management software supplier Sopheon (SPE) has received a bid approach from IOps Buyer Inc, which is a subsidiary of Wellspring Worldwide Inc. The two companies have agreed in principle to a 1000p/share bid. Due diligence has been completed and discussions are advanced. Chicago-based Wellspring Worldwide provides software and data systems for managing technology transfer and intellectual property.
Velocys (VLS) is the worst performer today because the conditions for the $15m strategic investment from Carbon Direct have not been met. To receive this cash the sustainable fuel developer needs to raise $40m, including $8m already raised, and management is still trying to secure investors. The $15m cash injection is no longer binding. Velocys needs more cash before the end of the year. There is a significant market opportunity in sustainable aircraft fuel, but Velocys is in a weak position when discussing additional funding.
Carbon ceramic disc brakes developer Surface Transforms (SCE) has reduced revenue guidance for 2023 to £8.6m, having generated £6.3m up until October. The previous forecast for 2023 revenues was £13m. There have been problems ramping up production in the second half and it will not be completed until early next year. A new debt facility is being negotiated to enable an increase in annual capacity to £150m.
MC Mining (MCM) has received a bid approach. Two companies that own a 64.5% stake in the South African coal miner say they intend to acquire the shares they do not own, and the indicative offer is A$0.2 to A$0.23 for each share. Independent directors are assessing the indicative offer.
Cerillion (CER) has secured a five-year software deal with a European telecoms company. The deal is worth €12.4m and there is potential for selling other software modules. This deal helps to underpin forecasts.
OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) says that restructuring the management has improved account management and the focus of commercial discussions. The microbiome company has improved its online operation. There are ongoing discussions over potential large contracts.
Roebuck Food Group (RFG) is acquiring Motherwell-based food ingredients supplier Moorhead & McGavin for £2.225m in cash and shares. A placing will raise up to £2.5m at 13.5p/share. Moorhead & McGavin supplies cereals, pasta and rise to the catering sector and generated revenues of £7.26m and EBITDA of £377,000 in 2022. Roebuck Food Group sold its cold storage division, and it has been seeking an acquisition to scale up the business.
In October, podcast company Audioboom (BOOM) generated more than one billion advertising impressions in a month for the first time. The removal of old adverts after 90 days and replacing them with a new focused advert is helping advertising impressions to continue to grow. Fourth quarter revenues are still expected to be at least $19m.
Thor Energy (THR) has completed the stage 2 earn-in spending required to acquire a further 29% of the Alford East copper-gold-real earths project in South Australia. This takes the stake to 80%. Thor Energy has issued 9.26 million shares at A$0.027 each, plus 18.5 million warrants exercisable at A$0.03 each, to Spencer Metals as consideration for the stake.
Seaweed-based animal feed producer Ocean Harvest Technology (OHT) has conducted a successful trial in Georgia for its poultry feed. Mortality rates for the poultry with necrotic enteritis with the company’s feed in their diet fell from 49% to 33%. It also enhances weight gain. Necrotic enteritis costs the poultry sector up to $6bn/year.
Technology businesses developer Frontier IP (FIPP) moved into loss last year because of realised and unrealised losses on its portfolio against a large gain in the previous year. The value of the portfolio fell 17% to £33m, although there were net disposals of nearly £5m. There was a £3.25m cash outflow from operations offset by disposals, leaving £4.6m in cash at the end of June 2023.
Neometals (NMT) has decided not to progress with vanadium tailings retreatment project in Finland because of difficulty in financing. The price of vanadium has been falling in recent months. Neometals will concentrate on licensing its vanadium recovery process. There was cash of A$14.2m at the end of the first quarter.
Real Good Food (RGD) says first half revenues were 2% ahead at £16.1m, although volumes fell by 10%. October revenues appear set to be 6% higher. The cake decorations supplier has significantly reduced its loss due to higher margins. A shortage of cash has held back growth, but the company could be profitable for the full year. Talks continue concerning the extension of the loan agreement with Hilco Private Capital. Interim results will be published in December.
Reconstruction Capital II Ltd (RC2) plans to ask shareholder approval for leaving AIM so that costs can be reduced. It is taking longer than expected to sell investments, so the investment company also intends to extend its life. A matched bargain facility will be arranged.
MAIN MARKET
Esken (ESKN) is selling Esken Renewables to Pioneer Balmoral for £77.6m, plus loan reimbursement of £6.9m. The portfolio of renewable assets has been built up by investing small amounts in equity in businesses. The deal requires shareholder approval. Net proceeds will be £78.5m and £70.6m will be used to repay the committed funding. There are plans to sell Southend Airport. Esken will move from the premium list to the standard list.
Mike Whitlow has requisitioned a general meeting at standard list cash shell More Acquisitions (LON: TMOR) to get Nicholas Tulloch and Jeremy Woodgate to the board and remove the existing directors Charles Goodfellow and Roderick McIllree. The board believes it has enough backing to defeat the resolutions.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 2 March 2020
NEX EXCHANGE
Incanthera (INC) raised £1.21m at 9.5p a share prior to joining NEX on 28 February. The price at the end of the first day of dealings was 10.5p (9.5p/11.5p). There were no trades. Incanthera is developing Sol, a topical product for the treatment of solar keratosis and prevention of skin cancer, which could be licenced to a partner within 18 months.
Mechanical and electrical installation services provider Field System Designs Holdings (FSD) continued to be hit by problems with its energy from waste customer in the first half. Revenues dipped from £11.8m to £11.5m, but it went from profit to loss due to litigation costs. The water sector is the main focus of the company. The new AMP7 water investment period starts in April. There was cash of £4.38m at the end of November 2019. The NAV was £3.28m compared with a market capitalisation of £2.4m.
Employee-owned business finance provider Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) broadly maintained its NAV at 43.44p a share at the end of August 2019. A £800,000 investment valuation gain plus a £126,000 write back of provisions was offset by loan impairments of £908,000. Management believes that several investee companies will have encouraging developments this year.
Ashley House (ASH) has decided to withdraw from NEX on 26 March and maintain its AIM quotation. Cash remains in short supply due to the failure to receive more than £1m owed by two debtors. More cash needs to be raised. Non-core assets could be sold. There are good prospects for the business. Three memoranda of understanding / framework agreements have been signed with institutions. There is a pipeline of nine potential affordable housing schemes, four of which have planning permission.
AfriAg Global (AFRI) says it intends to bid for the rest of Apollon UK, which has the right to 95% of net profit of Apollon Formularies Jamaica and the right to acquire a 49% stake in that business. AfriAg owns 2.68% of Apollon UK and is trying to satisfy regulatory requirements for the offer to go ahead.
PCG Entertainment (PCGE) had less than $24,000 left in the bank at the end of September 2019. A proposed deal fell through last year and management is considering a new strategy which could be announced in a few weeks. Trading in the shares remains suspended.
Eastinco Mining and Exploration (EM.P) has signed a joint venture agreement with Dynasty Construction, which owns 600 hectares of land in Rwanda, to explore for tin, tungsten and tantalum. Eastinco says the operation of the wash plant at the Kuaka mine has been delayed. It should be in operation by the end of April.
Dozen Savings 5% secured bonds 1 March 2020 have been withdrawn from NEX.
AIM
Netcall (NET) increased its total annual contract value by 10% to £16.6m at the end of 2019. The customer engagement software provider has been increasing the sales of its low-code products, which represent one-third of group revenues just a couple of years after the products were launched. The Liberty Connect conversational messaging platform has generated the first orders.
Fashion retailer Quiz (QUIZ) has been performing poorly almost since it joined AIM and many investors have lost patience. Fidelity sold its 5% stake, but one investor that believes it is a good time to buy the shares is Cavendish Asset Management, which has more than doubled its stake from 5.24% to 11.8%.
Redx Pharma (REDX) has terminated merger discussions with Yesod Bio-Sciences because the offer was not high enough. Redmile Group will provide up to £26.3m of funding to Redx. Redmile will subscribe for 11.5 million shares at 11.2p each, which is higher than the market price in the past six months. There will also be a £5m short-term loan and a £20m convertible loan. The share subscription will provide enough cash until April while the terms of the loans are agreed.
Cora Gold (CORA) has announced further drill results for the Sanankoro gold project in the Yanfolila gold belt in southern Mali. The results confirm significant additional mineralisation with some grades above 2g/t. There are more results to come.
finnCap is not changing its forecast for Surface Transforms (SCE) following its seven month figures. The carbon fibre brake discs developer is changing its year end from May to December. In the 17 months to December 2020, revenues of £3.3m and a loss of £1.7m are forecast.
Empire Metals (EEE) has raised £600,000 at 1p a share in order to invest in its assets in Georgia and identify other assets.
United Oil and Gas (UOG) has completed the acquisition of Egyptian oil and gas assets from Rockhopper Exploration (RKH) and it was readmitted to AIM on 28 February.
Eden Research (EDEN) is raising up to £10.6m at 6p a share via a placing and open offer. The biopesticides developer will spend the cash on gaining regulatory approval and registration for its products, as well as on further development.
AssetCo (ASTO) had cash of £17.1m at the end of September 2019 and since then a further £11m has been received. There are also bonds of £3.5m. Grant Thornton is appealing the judgement for negligence and the decision of the Court of Appeal should be made in the summer.
Billing Services Group (BILL) has completed the sale of its business and will distribute cash to shareholders by the end of March.
Mereo BioPharma (MPH) says it received positive feedback from the FDA following an end of phase 2 meeting for Setrusumab, a treatment for osteogenesis imperfecta in the young. A phase 3 study programme has been agreed.
STM Group (STM) has confirmed previous expectations for its 2019 figures which will be reported on 24 March. An underlying pre-tax profit of £2.5m is forecast.
Firestone Diamonds (FDI) wants shareholder permission to leave AIM. The general meeting is on 13 March. A weak diamond market and lower recovery levels than expected have made it difficult to finance the debt burden. Leaving AIM will reduce costs and there has been little liquidity anyway.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging supplier Macfarlane (MACF) increased its pre-tax profit by 10% to £12m. The full year dividend was raised by 7% to 2.45p a share. Both distribution and manufacturing made higher profit contributions. This year’s profitability is ahead of 2019, so far.
Personal care products supplier InnovaDerma (IDP) has a lot to do to make its full year forecast. Interim revenues increased from £3.9m to £5.4m and there was a slightly lower loss. There is £ in the bank but that could recover to more than £2m by the end of June 2020.
Chief executive George Bennett has leant $1m to Rainbow Rare Earths (RBW) to fund exploration and operations. He already has a 8.6% stake and there are warrants over 2 million shares exercisable at 4.55p each that have been issued in return for the loan, which does not have an interest charge.
Commercial aircraft leasing company Avation (AVAP) trebled its interim profit to $45.2m, including an unrealised gain of $37m on aircraft purchase rights, and the net asset value was 15% higher at $4.29 a share. This is equivalent to 325p a share. The dividend was raised by 5% to 2.1 US cents a share.
Trading in the shares of Mila Resources (MILA) has been suspended following an agreement to progress with the purchase of E-Tech Metals in a share deal. The transaction is subject to due diligence. The attraction is high grade neodymium and praseodymium mineralisation, which are important rare earths, in the Eureka rare earth project in Namibia.
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has won a $4m cyber contract from an existing government customer. This customer has and will generate contracted revenues of more than $18m.
Investment company London Finance and Investment (LFI) increased net assets by 7% to 63p a share at the end of 2019, although it fell to 62.6p a share by the end of January. An increase in the value of the stake in AIM quoted cake maker Finsbury Food (FIF) more than offset declines elsewhere in the six months to December 2019.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 13 January 2020
NEX EXCHANGE
NQ Minerals (NQMI) says that in 2019 the Hellyer mine in Tasmania produced 24,980 tonnes of lead concentrate, 15,646 tonnes of zinc concentrate and 77,853 tonnes of pyrite concentrate. Metal recovery has improved with average lead recoveries of more than 50%. The focus will be on generating lead revenues. Additional high-grade underground resources have been acquired from Bass Metals, which was subleasing the area. The purchase includes 1.175 million tonnes of underground JORC resources.
Inqo Investments Ltd (INQO) is investing natural insecticide developer Kentegra Biotechnology. The Kenya-based company produces pyrethrum, a natural ingredient from the chrysanthemum flower for use in the home, agricultural and pharma markets. There is a shortage of supply of pyrethrum, which can only be produced in a limited number of places around the globe. There is a move away from synthetic versions of the ingredient.
Panther Metals (PALM) has completed its move to the standard list.
Black Sea Property (BSP) has raised €4.79m via a placing at 1.1 cents a share. The cash will be used for property investments. Mamferay Holdings, which is owned by majority shareholder Phoenix Capital Holdings, is swapping €1.4m of debt for shares at the same price.
Equatorial Mining and Exploration has changed its name to Eastinco Mining and Exploration (EM .P).
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says that the 100p-for-one share consolidation will take effect on 21 January.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (ESO) reported a NAV of 273.9p a share for the end of 2019.
AIM
Packaging equipment supplier Mpac (MPAC) says that the 2019 profit is going to be much better than expected. The pension deficit should be eliminated by 2024.
Ultrasound simulation equipment developer Intelligent Ultrasound (MED) expects its 2019 revenues to grow to between £5.7m and £5.9m. There will be a slightly higher loss due to higher development spending. There was £7.3m in the bank at the end of 2019. The agreement signed with FUJIFILM SonoSite Inc will help sales this year in the training market.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) has licenced its Ferracru/ Accrufer iron deficiency treatment to Beijing Aosaikang Pharmaceutical for an upfront payment of $11.4m. This means that there should be net cash of £7.5m at the end of 2020. A further $11.4m payment is due when the treatment gains approval in China, following a clinical trial funded by the licensee, possibly in 2023. There could be further milestone payments of up to $40m depending on sales. Ongoing royalties on sales will be 10% or 15%,
Biopesticide products developer Eden Research (EDEN) says that its three EU-registered active ingredients have been approved for use in organic farming. A one-year exclusive agreement with Corteva Agriscience, will give the company time to evaluate Eden’s Sustaine encapsulation technology for use with seeds. Coreva could be granted exclusive distribution rights in the EU, Turkey, Russia and Ukraine.
Accrol Group (ACRL) management believes it has turned the fortunes of the toilet paper manufacturer around. Even so, it still lost £3m in the six months to October 2019. Net debt was £24.8m and this could fall to £20m by the end of April.
Telecoms services provider Maintel (MAI) has warned that public sector contracts continue to be delayed. finnCap has cut its 2019 pre-tax profit forecast from £10.4m to £8.1m, while the 2020 estimate has been reduced by one-quarter to £8.8m.
Software company CloudBuy (CBUY) wants to leave AIM and it expects to save £100,000 a year in overheads. Lyn and Ronald Duncan subsequently sold 11.1 million shares at 0.414p each. The share price has fallen but it is still 0.6p.
Promotional products software supplier Altitude Group (ALT) has signed a strategic alliance with the Advertising Speciality Institute, which will use its software platform.
Surface Transforms (SCE) expects more contract announcements with OEMs this year. In the seven months to December 2019, revenues were £1.45m, nearly treble the same period in the previous year, but lower than expected due to delays. The new financial year end is March. There was £768,000 in the bank at the end of 2019 and a further £425,000 has already been received.
Asimilar Group (ASLR) has raised £6.8m at 40p each. This will be received in two tranches. Formerly known as YOLO, the company will invest the cash big data, machine learning, telematics and internet of things businesses.
MAIN MARKET
Avation (AVAP) has started a strategic review, which could include the sale of the aircraft leasing business. Avation has 49 aircraft with an average fleet age of 3.7 years. It has also purchased a spare engine that can be leased.
InnovaDerma (IDP) grew interim revenues by 28% to £5m. This represents a slowdown in growth in the later part of the period and is slightly lower than expected. Skinny Tan was responsible for most of the growth. The second half will benefit from the launch of new skincare products in Superdrug.
Pembridge Resources (PERE) says its Minto Explorations business has received a $5.4m payment for copper concentrate produced during December. The Minto mine produced 2,247dmt of copper concentrate in the fourth quarter 2019.
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) says that its molecular diagnostics business Ador Diagnostics has received its first commercial order from an Italian customer for meningitis testing.
Andrew Hore