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Quoted Micro 15 July 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) is raising £750,000 at 2.5p so that it can provide funding for the Amapa iron ore project. This will be spent on testing the 67.6% green iron product flow sheet to pre-feasibility study level. The pre-feasibility study will then be revised. Earlier in the week, an updated study of the Amapa iron ore project, where Cadence Minerals owns 34.2%, shows process plant optimisation can be improved. The mine life of 15 years can have a throughput of 13Mt/year of iron ore. Cash cost is reduced to $33.50/t. The NPV10 for the project has increased by one-fifth to $1.1bn.
VSA Capital (VSA) reported a slump in full year revenues from £4.36m to £1.89m and there was a loss of £2.4m. There was a £1.67m loss on investments due to the reversal of a transaction with Silverwood Brands (SLWD). There was cash of £229,000 at the end of March 2024 and net cash of just over £12,000. Net assets are £1.66m. The £56m fundraising for Invinity Energy (IES) happened after the year end. The company is working on another large deal.
Oscillate (MUSH) has entered into non-binding heads of terms for the acquisition of Quantum Hydrogen Inc. The bid target has exploration rights over 60,000 acres in the state of Minnesota. There is a 60-day due diligence period. Richard and Charlott Edwards have reduced their stake in Oscillate from 8.31% to 7.6%.
Marula Mining (MARU) has acquired a 51% interest in the Kruisriver cobalt project in South Africa for an initial £100,000 in shares at 10p each and a further £100,000 on completion of due diligence. The mine used to produce cobalt. Marula Mining will fund an updated bankable feasibility study. A monthly management fee of £4,300 will be paid to the seller and after 12 months or less a further £200,000 in shares and $1.7m in cash will be payable. Marula Mining is also acquiring the Kilifi manganese processing plant in Kenya. It intends to buy mining operations to supply it.
Gunsynd (GUN) has decided to leave Aquis and it plans to acquire a 100% stake in the Falcon Lake uranium, copper and cobalt project and the Bear-Twit VMS project in Canada. The consideration is £200,000 in shares and cash. It will also commit £100,000 to work programmes. The last day of dealings on Aquis will be 9 August.
Skin treatments developer Incanthera (INC) has received a second Skin + CELL production order of 250,000 units from Marionnaud AG. This will be delivered before the end of March 2025. Total projected revenues for both orders are more than £10m.
Shortwave Life Sciences (PSY) has received a positive response from the PCT examining authority acknowledging its patent claims for its drug delivery platform for psychedelic-based drugs. More than nine million shares have been issued as deferred consideration for the acquisition of Shortwave Pharma Inc.
Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) is still talking to a potential investor and there have been indications of interest from others. These discussions have been going on for weeks, but management believes that they have potential for a positive conclusion.
Software developer IntelliAM (INT) has secured a funding award of £263,000 from DIF Lighthouse Fund. This is for research into the application of AI in lubrication analysis. A machine learning model will be created. Gresham House Asset Management holds 23.5% of the company.
United General is investing €1m in Substrate AI (SAI). Jonathan Belliss has increased his stake in Hot Rock Investments (HRIP) from 3.4% to 15.5%. Coinsilium Group (COIN) chief executive Eddy Travia and chairman Malcolm Palle each bought 300,000 shares at 1.67p each. Shepherd Neame (SHEP) non-executive director George Barnes bought 1,000 shares at 666p each. Tap Global Group (TAP) chief executive Arsen Torosian bought 12.25 million shares at 0.5p each.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 246.28p/share at the end of June 20204.
AIM
Rosebank Industries (ROSE), which was set up by founders and management of FTSE 100 index constituent Melrose Industries, joined AIM on Thursday 11 July. Just like Melrose Industries, Rosebank Industries has started out on AIM as an investment company seeking a large initial acquisition. The plan is to identify underperforming industrial and manufacturing companies, acquire them and improve their performance. Rosebank Industries raised £50m at 250p/share and the share price soared on the first day and the momentum continued on Friday. The share price jumped to 675p.
Trading is in line with expectations at production machinery supplier Mpac (MPAC). Sales are likely to increase by 16% in the first half of 2024 and operating profit could nearly double. That is partly due to a weak first half in 2023. The order book is valued at £71m. New customers are being won with the Americas doing well.
Market research firm System1 Group (SYS1) has provided a first quarter update one week after publishing 2023-24 results. All geographic regions are growing, and group sales are 53% ahead of the first quarter of the previous year. This is a record quarterly figure. The company appears well on course to improve full year pre-tax profit from £3.1m to £4.4m.
Property services provider Kinovo (KINO) has almost sorted out its problems with former subsidiary DCB following the collapse of the buyer. The total liability is £12.9m with the final site set to be completed within weeks. That is a figure before any cash that could be recoverable. This could reduce the figure by more than £2m. Most of the cash has already been paid and the final amount of £2.2m will be paid over 18 months. In the year to March 2024, Kinovo revenues improved from £62.7m to £64.1m even though a private sector renewables contract worth £3.6m/year was not renewed by choice. Free cash flow was £7.2m and the DCB outflow was £7.4m.
In the year to March 2024, TPXimpact (TPX) revenues increased from £69.7m to £84.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from £800,000 to £1.8m. Disposals and reduced working capital meant that net debt fell from £17.5m to £7.1m. There is no dividend and that is likely to continue to be the case. The debt facility is £25m and lasts until July 2026.
Driving safety technology developer Seeing Machines (SEE) has bought Asaphus Vision, a machine learning and AI technology developer, for up to $6m from automotive components supplier Valeo and secured a collaboration agreement. The deal adds IP to the group and three ongoing automotive programmes. There is also a new Berlin base that will help to boost European business.
Communications and power products supplier Solid State (SOLI) reported a jump in full year pre-tax profit from £10.8m to £15.6m, but this level of profit will not be maintained this year. There was strong demand in the systems division and a £10m order was delivered earlier than expected.
Legal services provider Knights Group Holdings (KGH) reported figures for the year to April 2024 showing pre-tax profit improving from £11.5m to £14.8m and the total dividend was raised to 4.4p/share. This year has started well with residential property business recovering and net debt should reduce.
Investment company Mindflair (MFAI) was given a boost by the acquisition of Landvault by AI company Infinite Reality. Landvault is valued at $450m in shares and is part of the portfolio of Sure Valley Ventures Fund, where MindFlair holds13%, plus a further 5.3% via its stake in full listed Sure Ventures (SURE). The fund owns 7% of Landvault and the valuation of the stake is $6m, which is a 470% increase on book value at the end of 2023. That suggests that MindFlair’s share is nearly $1.1m.
Biome Technologies (BIOM) is still suffering from delays in orders at its bioplastics division and technical validations may not be finalised until later in 2024. Also, the coffee packaging market has weakened. In contrast, there should be significant revenues from the RF Technologies division. Overall revenues will be well below expectations. A small loss is expected for 2024. Additional working capital may be required.
Business recovery services provider Begbies Traynor (BEG) reported an improvement in pre-tax profit from £20.7m to £22m in 2023-24 as expected. There is organic growth as well as contributions from acquisitions.
Employee benefits and insurance provider Personal Group Holdings (PGH) is selling Let’s Connect, which it acquired ten years ago, at well below the purchase price. In 2014, Let’s Connect was acquired for an initial £6m. The Perkbox Vivup Group is paying £2m for technology salary sacrifice business Let’s Connect.
Demand for fixed interest fund has pushed up the assets under the management of Premier Miton (PMI) by 8% to £10.6bn. There has also been a more recent recovery in funds inflows for international equity funds. Multi-asset funds are less appealing to investors.
TV programmes producer Zinc Media (ZIN) has secured 2024 revenues of £28m, which is lower than the same time last year. There have been delays to signing deals, so that could be a timing issue. Improving TV advertising revenues could reduce the constraints on budgets and increase activity in the second half. Singer is maintaining its 2024 forecast revenues at £41m. The corporate video and branded content business has been restructured and costs reduced.
Pit optimisations at the Dokwe gold project in Zimbabwe, recently acquired by Ariana Resources (AAU), have increased measured and indicated resources by 16%. Dokwe could produce 75,000-100,000 ounces of gold/year for more than a decade. A revised pre-feasibility study should be published in a few months. The previous study suggested a post-tax NPV10 of $160m.
Oracle Power (ORCP) says drilling results from the Northern Zone project in Western Australia has intersected gold mineralisation to the north and south of the maiden resource. There is shallower supergene gold mineralisation than anticipated. Further drilling is planned to the north east.
Crimson Tide (TIDE) shares declined after Ideagen decided not to bid.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) has made another earnings enhancing acquisition. It In 2023, pre-tax profit was £1.3m. This deal will broaden the scope of the group’s protective packaging operations.
Creightons (CRL) has impaired the valuation of skincare company Emma Hardie, acquired for £6.2m, by £4.5m. Results will be published on 18 July.
Metals X has taken a 22.6% stake in First Tin (1SN), having acquired the shares from Clara Resources. Metals X will also subscribe for 11.5 million shares in the £2.1m fundraising at 4p/share.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 10 May 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Time to ACT is planning to join the Aquis Stock Exchange later this month and it has launched a fundraising ahead of the flotation. The flotation will take place even if there is no money raised. Time to ACT plans to develop a group of engineering-based energy transition businesses. Middlesborough-based Time to ACT has two subsidiaries. Diffusion Alloys is a long-established diffusion coating business. The technology provides an intermetallic layer that protects metal components at high temperatures. GreenSpur is a much newer business that is developing direct drive generator technology for use in wind power that does not require rare earths for magnets. The Winterflood Retail Access Platform is being used to raise up to £1m. The issue price and closing date have yet to be announced. Investors have to apply for shares via a broker. The minimum subscription is £100.
Cykel AI (CYK) has agreed a bid from standard listed Mustang Energy (MUST). The offer is 1.911 Mustang Energy shares for each Cykel AI share. Both companies’ shares have been suspended since 17 January. The Mustang Energy suspension price was 30.6p, but the bid is based on a much lower share price valuing the company, which has net liabilities, at £1m. That values the bid at 9.37p/share and Cykel AI is valued at £19.2m. Cykel AI is developing artificial intelligence products.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) increased 2023 revenues by 9% to £19m and reported pre-tax profit improved from £130,000 to £720,000. However, there was a £700,000 exceptional gain relating to the release of a provision included. Cost increases reduced underlying profit. Raceday attendances fell from 141,000 to 130,000. The nursery has increased capacity by 18%. Shaun Hinds will become chief executive on 3 June.
Silverwood Brands (SLWD) executive director acquired 100,000 shares at 20p following the restoration of trading at the beginning of May. The share price recovered by 48.5% to 24.5p, but it is still not back to its suspension price.
Marula Mining (MARU) has appointed a new mine manager at the Larisoro manganese mine in Kenya. Bernard Kiprotich has five years of mining experience in Kenya. Marula Mining is investing in the established Larisoro manganese mining operation by securing a 60% commercial interest with an option to increase it to 70%. There are three shallow open pits. The purchase price is £300,000 satisfied by the issue of 2.4 million shares. Marula Mining will provide investment of $1.5m for equipment to enable production to be increased.
Essentially Group (ESSN) has completed the acquisition of Best Latin Foodstuff Trading for £1.945m in shares at 52.5p each. Catalina Onate, who founded the food importer, has been appointed as an executive director.
Shareholders passed resolutions at the AGM of Supernova Digital Assets (SOL), including a cancelation of the share premium account and authority to buy back shares.
TruSpine Technologies (LON: TSP) chief executive Laurence Strauss has resigned. He was appointed in April 2023.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) raised £35,000 at 274p/share.
AIM
Metallurgical coal company Bens Creek (BEN) says a further court hearing related to the three US operations that are in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection will be held on 6 June. The court has accepted the proposed Avanti debtor in possession financing and $2m has been drawn down. This provides enough cash until the end of May. The final terms of the facility are being negotiated.
Genedrive (GDR) has raised £2.1m in a placing at 1.5p. This follow’s yesterday evening’s announcement of a fundraising, where the point of care pharmacogenetic testing company wanted to raise £2.5m via a placing. There is also a REX retail offer for up to £3.5m, which closes on 17 May, and a one-for-one open offer that could raise up to £2.1m. If the total amount raised is not at least £6m the fundraising will not go ahead, so a further £3.9m is required. The company’s tests are being commercialised and a direct to consumer strategy pursued in the UK, while there will be distributors in other countries. There will also be investment to improve manufacturing efficiency and to fund regulatory approvals.
Plant Health Care (PHC) generated a 72% increase in revenues to $4.3m in the first four months of 2024. There is cash of $2.3m. The loss could be reduced from $3m to less than $1m this year. A profit is possible in 2025.
Third quarter driver management systems units produced by Seeing Machines (SEE) have gone into 313,662 vehicles, which is 51% higher than the previous quarter. This is more than treble the number in the same period two years and 80% higher than one year previously with more contracts set to contribute. Monitored connections of the Guardian fleet units were 5% higher on the quarter at 59,706.
Push-to-talk and workplace management technology developer Mobile Tornado (MBT) has won a contract through its regional partner to supply technology for a mobile network in the Middle East and Africa, which has more than 50 million customers. Management believes that there should be increasing sales momentum following the deal.
Healthcare services provider Totally (TLY) reassured the market with its latest trading statement. Full year EBITDA was £2.3m, down from £6.9m, and net debt was £800,000 at the end of March 2024. Revenues fell 22% to £106m because of the loss of a contract. Cost reductions and efficiency improvements have offset the tough market. Annualised cost savings of £3.5m are expected.
Bushveld Minerals (BMN) has agreed the conditional disposal of Vanchem to Southern Point Resources Fund 1 for up to $40.6m. The initial consideration is $20.6m. This requires shareholder approval. Southern Point Resources is increasing the interim working capital facility it is providing that is secured on production at Vanchem. This, and a $9m working capital facility, will be offset against the initial consideration and be used to pay creditors. This will leave a cash payment to Bushveld Minerals of $3.5m when the disposal happens. The deferred consideration is based on 25% of distributable free cash flow with a minimum of $1.25m paid for each quarter of the three-year period.
Mothercare (MTC) reported a 13% decline in global system sales last year due to poor trading in the Middle East. Destocking is a problem. There was better trading in the UK and Indonesia. The retailer will improve EBITDA, but Cavendish reduced its forecast EBIDA by 9% to £7m, compared to £6.7m in 2022-23. Refinancing talks continue and a conclusion should reduce the interest bill.
Battery technology developer Ilika (IKA) is raising up to £3.4m at 28p/share to spend on the Goliath solid-state battery. This cash should last at least 12 months. A placing and subscription raised £1.7m and a one-for-26 open offer could raise up to £1.7m more. The open offer closes on 28 May. There will be £750,000 earmarked for the development of the Goliath battery and this supplements the grant assistance obtained. A further £750,000 will be used to increase testing capacity to 0.75MWh/a and for upgrading dry room facilities. Additional cash raised will support further capital expenditure and working capital for Goliath and the Stereax miniature battery.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) disappointed with its AGM trading statement and lost the majority of the share price gain this year. Prices are falling, but this reflects lower costs, so margins are being maintained. First quarter sales were 9.5% lower, which does reflect a reduction in volumes. There should be improvement in the second half.
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (LON: OCTP) plans to cancel the standard listing. Management believes that stockmarket uncertainty is making it difficult to raise cash at an acceptable share price. The development of the drug pipeline will continue. The cancelation date is 6 June.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 10 October 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) says full results should be ahead of market expectations of a £13m pre-tax profit. The third quarter trading statement says Arbuthnot Latham deposits exceed £3bn, although costs of deposits are rising. Base rate rises have a positive effect on results as changes to deposit rates lag the rises in interest rates. Credit criteria are being tightened, particularly for property. Assets under management are £1.35bn. Non-exec Sir Nigel Boardman acquired 9.749 shares at 810p each.
Helium Ventures (HEV) has conditionally agreed to acquire Vestigo Technologies, which has developed tracking product Trackimo. Shares will be issued at 10p each and the existing share capital prior to the deal would be valued at £1.68m. Helium Ventures plans to move to the standard list after the reverse takeover. In 2021, Vestigo had revenues of $28.1m and has partnerships with Vodafone and Paramount. Trading in the shares has been suspended.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) had net assets of £5.6m at the end of April 2022, following an increase in the value of its option in cyber security business Arqit Inc. Since then, two new quantum technology investments have been made. There is still cash for further investments and there are plans to set up a fund that will raise further funds to invest in quantum technology.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has acquired a suite of international patents through a joint venture. The patents are relevant for the company’s wind-based hydrogen production system, plus other systems. The patents were issued to the vendor when it employed the boss of HFI’s development subsidiary. The payment will be £33,000 in cash, 5.2 million shares and 2.5 warrants exercisable at 12p each, with the second tranche of the payment dependent on the achievement of development milestones.
National Milk Records (NMRP) generated a 6% increase in 2021-22 revenues to £23.2m, while pre-tax profit improved from £1.65m to £2.22m. The dividend was raised by one-third to 2p a share. The milk recording and testing services increased revenues. The biggest increase was in genomics which rose from £292,000 to £488,000 and there is a potential launch in the US during 2023.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (ESO) has invested £2m in Denzel’s Ltd, a premium dog snacks brand, which raised £3m in total. Denzil’s has listings in major supermarkets and has launched its own website. It is part of the Tesco Incubator Programme.
There has been a mineral resource upgrade at the Amapa iron project in Brazil, where Cadence Minerals (KDR) owns 27%. The updated resource at Amapa is 276Mt grading 38.33% Fe, up from 177Mt. The measured resource is 55Mt grading 39.26% Fe.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had net assets of £13.8m at the end of May 2022, equivalent to 74.5p a share.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has gained new contracts for its natural food businesses with ASDA, Holland Barrett, Co-op, WH Smith and easyJet. Two retailers in Finland have started stocking company products.
Marula Mining (MARU) has taken a 49% interest in the Kinusi copper mining project in Tanzania. The licences last seven years. In return for the interest, Marula has reimbursed $50,000 of costs incurred by Takela Mining and issued it with 4.5 million shares at 2p each.
Quetzal Capital (QTZ) had £1.07m in the bank out of net assets of £2.86m at the end of June 2022.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) secured a distribution agreement with blood collection services provider Tasso Inc, which supplies virtually painless medical devices to draw a blood sample with no needles. Goodbody’s clinics will be able to extract more blood than from a finger prick.
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) reinstated the interim dividend at the rate of 14p a share.
Director buying at Kent-based brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) pushed the share price 0.4% higher at 672.5p. Richard Oldfield bought 6,000 shares at 675p a share and George Barnes acquired 3,200 shares at 672p each. The final dividend is 15p a share and the shares go ex-dividend on 13 October. Coinsilium (COIN) chairman Malcolm Palle acquired 500,000 shares at 1.9p each, while chief executive Eddy Travia bought 500,000 shares at 1.95p each. The share price rose 8.11% to 2p.
Global Smollan has increased its stake in Samarkand Group (SMK) from 14.8% to 17.6%.
Pioneer Media Holdings Inc (PNER) has raised $1m through a sale of units at 10 cents each. They include one share and one-half of a warrant exercisable at 25 cents. This cash will be spent on technology development and expanding the web3 gaming business.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has sold a 1.3MWh VS3 flow battery system for use in a datacentre in Arizona. Amati reduced its stake from 5.87% to 4.92%.
Trading in the shares of Vulcan Industries (VUL), Hot Rock Investments (HRIP) and VVV Resources Ltd (VVV) has been suspended due to failure to publish results.
AIM
Peter Gyllenhammar has taken a 11.2% stake in Pressure Technologies (PRES) following the share price slump after last week’s trading statement. Pressure Technologies had a disappointing second half. There will be a full year loss and the engineering company will also breach covenants on its bank facility. More cash is required. Net debt was £5.4m at the interim stage and it could be £3.9m at year-end. The finance could come from a share issue or a convertible issue or another form of funding. Management is talking to Lloyds about the bank facility. Forecast net assets are £15.4m, including the company’s main factory, which is nearly double the market capitalisation.
Former broker analyst Bill Currie has taken a 4.15% stake in online retailer In The Style (ITS). He is a non-executive director of retail loyalty technology developer Eagle Eye (EYE) and he owns 12.9% of the company. Lombard Odier has cut its stake from 20.1% to 19.8% and Ameriprise Financial has reduced its stake from 5% to 4.39%.
Gateley (GTLY) has acquired patent attorney Symbiosis IP for up to £2.5m. The business made a pre-tax profit of £300,000 in the year to March 2022. This business fits with Adamson Jones.
In video game advertising technology developer Bidstack (BIDS) raised £10.5m at 2.85p a share. Irdeto subscribed for £5m worth of shares. There are plans to develop a platform for sports bodies to control content that appears in their licenced IP. The rest will go on working capital and commercial development.
Public Policy Holding Company Inc (PPHC) is acquiring California-based KP Public Affairs in an earnings enhancing deal. Public Policy Holding Company provides public affairs, crisis management and lobbying services in the US. The acquisition enhances earnings by 2% in 2022 and 9% in 2023.
NWF (NWF) continues to perform strongly with the feed division recovering, helped by higher milk prices, and food distribution trading better than expected. Fuel distribution volumes are lower than in the previous year as people delay refilling their tanks, although margins have improved.
Seeing Machines (SEE) has an exclusive collaboration deal with Magna International for rear view mirror occupant monitoring applications in vehicles. Magan is paying $17.5m in cash ($10m immediately and $7.5m over two years) and investing $47.5m via a convertible note, which is convertible at 11p a share. This should be enough cash to get the driver monitoring technology business to profitability.
Oxford Biodynamics (OBD) is raising £9.1m via a placing at 20p a share and up to a further £2.95m could be raised through a one-for-6.81644 open offer. The share price rose 56.3% to 17.975p, which is still well below the placing price. This cash will help to fund the commercial development of the EpiSwitch CiRT test for cancer, which has been issued with a US reimbursement code earlier in the week.
Parcel and freight delivery company DX (DX.) has published interim figures and it intends to recommence dividend payments. A total dividend of 1.5p a share is expected for 2022-23 and that provides a base for further growth. Cash could still grow steadily. Trading in the shares remains suspended.
PCF Group (PCF) has suspended new lending by PCF Bank while it is trying to raise additional finance. Castle Trust Capital decided not to bid for PCF. Sales of assets and other options to raise money are being considered. There will be further cost cutting.
Battery cells developer AMTE Power (AMTE) has signed a framework deal with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre to produce up to 60,000 Ultra High Power cells annually. The cells are fast charging and have high power delivery. Production commences in three months and the cells will be used for in-vehicle trials by potential customers – the initial focus is high performance electric vehicles – ahead of the opening of AMTE’s own factory in Dundee in a few years.
Horizonte Mining (HZM) announced a fundraising on Tuesday evening and the size of the placing was increased from £61.7m to £70.5m at 90.5p a share. This larger fundraising has also reduced the contribution from major shareholder La Mancha from £23.8m to £22m. The cash will help to complete the construction of the Araguaia nickel project in Brazil. Total capital cost has increased from $477m to $537m. First production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.
Gold miner Chaarat Group Holdings (CGH) has extended the convertible loan notes from 31 October 2022 to 31 July 2023. Interest will be capitalised until the end of October and then the principal of $28.7m plus accrued interest will incur an annual interest rate of 12%. There is also a fee of 1%. If converted there will be 77 million shares issued.
MAIN MARKET
Shell company Milton Capital (MII) floated on the standard list on 4 October. There was £1m raised at 1p a share. The share price ended the week at 1.1p. The initial focus is acquisition targets in the technology sector. Total flotation costs were capped at £50,000 and Peterhouse paid additional costs of £5,955. The first year’s operating costs will also be £50,000.
Data integrity software supplier Gresham Technologies (GHT) has won a £1m plus contract for Clareti Control from a major European financial and banking group. There is also A$19m of work for ANZ in the year to September 2023, which is 15% higher than last year on a constant currency basis. Full year revenues and profit will be ahead of expectations.
Golden Nice International has subscribed £650,000 worth of shares in Anglo African Agriculture (AAAP) at 5p a share. That is a 28.2% stake. There are also 13 million warrants exercisable at 5p each. Golden Nice International has also acquired 65% of convertible loan notes in issue at a 15% discount to face value. They convert into 13.7 million shares at 5p each. The other loan notes will be converted into 7.37 million shares with associated warrants. Andrew Monk and Matt Bonner have resigned and replaced by Andy Sui and Simon Grant-Rennick. The company is changing its name to Everest Global.
Shell company Insight Business Support (IBSU) had net assets of £530,000 at the end of June 2022, including cash of £440,000.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 April 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Gunsynd (GUN) had net assets of £5.99m at the end of January 2022. That includes £1.08m in cash. Investee company Low6 is still seeking a listing in Toronto via 1319735 BC Ltd. Mining investee company Charger Metals plans to start its maiden drilling programme at the Coates project in Western Australia. First Tin joined the Main Market after the period end.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) has appointed Ian Bruce as exploration manager, and he will restart the drilling at Specimen Hill. A permit has been secured in the same area for Taree Fields, which was historically a high-grade copper mine. Deep Blue Minerals, where Tectonic owns 10%, raised $236,000 from diamond sales.
Lombard Capital (LCAP) has agreed in principle the sale of LCP Financial to SBS Group for £4.2m in shares and the repayment of a £370,000 intercompany loan. Lombard Capital will acquire Waste and Recycling Services before the sale is completed. Management will be seeking shareholder approval to leave Aquis.
ChallengerX (CXS) has signed a five-year agreement with The American Arena League for the use of the SaaS-based platform CXSports. This will help to promote the league and generate revenues.
Blockchain and open finance investor Coinsilium (COIN) has agreed to purchase $200,000 of YELLOW tokens for the Yellow Network, which is a cross chain overlay, financial information exchange and distributed infrastructure network.
Adam Pollock, who was previously head of corporate and institutional at WH Ireland, has become a director of Oberon Capital, the broking business of Oberon Investments Group (OBE).
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised £48,000 at 1.37p each.
All Star Minerals (ASMO) is changing its name to Marula Mining.
AIM
TV programmes producer Zinc Media (ZIN) lost on £2.61m on revenues of £17.5m in 2021. There is already £13m of booked revenues for 2022 and there is potential further business worth £35m that could be delivered this year. A greater proportion of the work being won is for series, rather than one-off programmes. Zinc Communicate, which produces non-broadcast content and podcasts, is becoming increasingly important. The timing of the orders is uncertain and not all the work will materialise, although £8m is at an advanced stage. This suggests that 2022 revenues should be much higher, and Zinc Media should become profitable and cash generative. Last year, the cash outflow from operations was £245,000. Net cash was £2.18m at the end of 2021.
Churchill China (CHH) is beating its rivals thanks to its capital expenditure and investment in marketing, and it has a better order book than normal for this time of year. In 2021, pre-tax profit bounced back from £800,000 to £6m as revenues recovered from £36.4m to £60.8m. The total dividend is £24p a share, while there is £19m in the bank. Churchill China has taken on more than 200 additional staff in the past year and they still require training. Last autumn, selling prices were raised by 12% and a 5% increase is planned for May. That will help to offset the cost rises. Pre-tax profit is expected to be between £8m and £8.8m this year.
Tungsten West (TUN) is reviewing development options for the Hemerden mine because of rising costs. This will lead to a two-month delay. This could lead to a focus on sodium tungstate production because it is higher value than ammonium paratungstate.
Solid State (SOLI) continues to best expectations. Revenues for the year to March 2022 will be around 6% ahead of previous expectations at £85m, while there is a 11% upgrade in pre-tax profit to £7.4m.
Seeing Machines (LSE: SEE) has secured a collaboration with Magna to develop and demonstration model driver monitoring system (DMS) combining, camera, electronics and interior mirror technology. This should help Seeing Machines win more market share.
Plant-based polymers developer Itaconix (ITX) says volumes continue to increase, particularly in the dishwashing detergent ingredients market.
Coral Products (CRU) is trading ahead of expectations in the year to April 2022 and there is a second interim dividend of 0.4p a share. There could also be a final dividend to add to this year’s total of 0.9p a share.
MAIN MARKET
Nuclear-related business has helped structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) to enjoy record orders. Logistics, infrastructure and data centres are other areas of high demand. Longer-term, battery manufacturing plants could be another booming area. The current order book is worth £479m. The 2021-22 figures will be in line with expectations with pre-tax profit forecast to improve from £24.3m to £28.1m. This year’s revenues should be better than previously expected, but profit expectations have been maintained because of higher steel costs. The higher steel prices mean that higher working capital is required.
Full year profit of kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) will be slightly lower than expected at £9.5m. ProCook has grown revenues in a market that is slightly down
J Smart Contractors (SMJ) reported a decline in interim revenues from £5.75m to £5.16m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £890,000 to £6.35m, although that was due to a gain on the sale of investment properties of £6.06m. It is unlikely that full year profit will be higher this year. Net assets are £117.2m, including £76.2m of investment properties and net cash of £27.6m. The interim dividend is 0.96p a share and the ex-dividend date is 5 May.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 28 February 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Energy (GOOD) has finalised the sale price of its electricity generation assets. There was deferred consideration of up to £8.1m. The deferred payment has been set at £4.8m, taking the total payment to £21.2m. The rest of the cash was not paid due to a third-party yield assessment and other due diligence.
Samarkand Group (SMK) has signed a three-year agreement with Revolution Beauty Group (REVB) and it will incorporate the cosmetics company’s existing Tmall Global Flagship store via the Nomad technology, which will make it easier to sell in China. Samarkand will be exclusive ecommerce partner for China. Revolution Beauty has bought the assets of US cosmetics brand BH Cosmetics for $3.9m. Badass with Heart (BH) Cosmetics are vegan and cruelty-free.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) says that it has been advised to apply for a loan under a new programme launched by the Poland authorities. The share price has slumped to 7.5p since the flotation at the beginning of the year.
KR1 (KR1) is participating in the HydraDX crowdloan and Polkadot parachain auction. KR1 contributed 350,000 DOT to secure a parachain slot in the ongoing round and these will be held for 96 days before being returned and KR1 will also receive HydraDX tokens. KR1 is already due to receive 45 million HydraDX tokens due to previous backing of a seed funding round. HydraDX is a protocol to enable frictionless liquidity for crypto assets. All assets can be put into one shared liquidity pool.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that its joint venture rare earths project Yangibana in Western Australia has a NPV8 of $1.01bn, which is an 84% increase on the previous estimate. The $20m project to build the core infrastructure has begun. There was a 48.9% take-up of the recent open offer, which raised £745,000.
Forbes Ventures (FOR) is considering re-domiciling from the Cayman Islands to the UK. This could reduce costs. The medium-term focus includes the potential launch of a blockchain-focused venture fund.
Valereum (VLRM) has exercised its option to take its stake in the Gibraltar Stock Exchange from 80% to 90%.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) managing director Mads Jensen has bought 24.200 shares at 98p each, taking his stake to 82.1%.
AIM
Hargreaves Services (HSP) has secured a deal for the development and sale of two large distribution units, which will be 191,000 square feet and 375,000 square feet respectively, at the 50%-owned Unity site. Detailed planning permissions are required for the sites and that should be obtained by the end of the year. The deal will be fully completed within 12 months of construction. The total revenues should be more than £50m for the joint venture and Hargreaves should have all or most of its 50% distributed to it, depending on the requirements of the joint venture. On top of this, another 4.6 acres at Blindwells is being sold to Ogilvie Homes. There will be 77 homes built and the deal should generate minimum revenues of £3.5m. The contracts are conditional, and they will not have an immediate effect on the figures.
Synairgen (SNG) announced disappointing phase III data for the SPRINTER trial for SNG001 use in hospitalised Covid-19 patients. The headline data for the trial did not meet primary or secondary endpoints. There is still an ACTIV-2 phase III trail being carried out in mild to moderate Covid-19 patients and other studies where SNG001 could be included.
Sylvania Platinum (SLP) plans to spend some of its cash pile on further increases in production. First half production of platinum group metals was 32,376 ounces, down from 36,335 ounces, and full year production should be between 66,000 and 68,000 ounces. Interim revenues fell from $84.9m to $69.1m, while pre-tax profit slumped from $57.4m to $34.9m. The decline in the Rand exchange rate exacerbated cost increases. A dividend of 2.25p a share will be paid. Short-term investment focus is on additional capacity and extending the life of the chrome recovery operations. In the next three years Sylvania will decide whether to construct new plants on the eastern and/or western limbs of the Bushveld complex.
Transense Technologies (TRT) moved into profit in the six months to December 2021 thanks to growing royalty income from iTrack tyre pressure monitors. Interim revenues improved from £895,000 to £1.2m with a loss of £53,000 turned into a pre-tax profit of £82,000. That is before any tax credits. There are more than £23m of tax losses available to offset against corporation tax. There is £1.07m in the bank and that is set to rise to £1.34m in June 2022.
Seeing Machines (SEE) says interim revenues are 19% ahead at A$21.7m. Revenues of A$56.1m, up from A$46.6m, are forecast for the year to June 2022. There are nine vehicle models that have commenced production that are installing the company’s driver monitoring system. Seeing Machines has also deployed a pilot fatigue detection system for Air Ambulance Victoria. This deal could be worth A$1m over a ten-year period.
Avingtrans (AVG) reported a small decline in interim revenues to £45.1m following the ending of lower margin work in the medical imaging business. Improved margins meant that there was little change in the pre-tax profit, which was £3.6m. The interim dividend is 1.6p a share.
Analysts have raised their full year pre-tax profit forecast for Netcall (NET) following the interim figures. Annualised contract value was £19.8m at the end of 2021. The 2021-22 earnings forecast was increased by 6% to 1.7p a share.
Outsourcing services provider iEnergizer Ltd (IBPO) says it will have another record financial year in 2021-22. The forecast yield is 4.9%.
Tristel (TSTL) is exiting non-core activities to focus on its medical device decontamination and surface cleaning products. In the six months to December 2021, revenues from continuing activities fell 7% to £13.6m. That was due to a large one-off order in the corresponding period. There is underlying growth. There is a £2.4m impairment charge for the discontinued activities. Underlying earnings fell 28% to 4.3p a share. The plans for FDA filings for the company’s products are on course.
Ventilation and door components supplier Titon (TON) warns that supply problems and higher costs are hampering sales and margins. Titon is trying to increase prices to cover higher costs. Overall revenues are slightly higher than in the first four months of the previous financial year, but the overseas operations are loss-making. There is still £4.2m in cash on the balance sheet. A new chief executive is being recruited.
Orchard Funding (ORCH) has raised £2.59m after expenses from its bond offer.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) increased revenues from continuing operations by 26% to £264.5m in 2021. Pre-tax profit is 50% ahead at £18.7m. The labels division was sold at the end of 2021, and it made a loss. Net cash is £2.5m and the pension scheme surplus is £8.3m. The total dividend is one-quarter higher at 3.2p a share. There is continuing inflationary pressure and supply problems.
Maternity wear brand Seraphine Group (BUMP) says that sales grew in the seventeen weeks to the end of January 2022, although February has been tougher. That means revenues will be below expectations, while lower margins mean that there will be little in the way of profit for the full year. The problems include an underestimation of sales tax and duties in newer markets. This is not the first profit warning. Last July, Seraphine floated at 295p, and the share price has fallen to 58.5p.
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) has performed strongly since it floated and there is more to come. The original fundraising was at 100p a share and the NAV at the end of 2021 was 104.7p a share. That is before the announcement of the reversal of Italy-based space logistics company D-Orbit into Nasdaq-listed Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp, which should be completed by the autumn. There was still £70m in the bank at the end of 2021, although more investments have been agreed since then.
Fasteners supplier Trifast (TRI) says that there is consistent year-on-year growth in monthly revenues. Higher cost are being passed on and there are signs that supply chain costs are stabilising.
Alkemy Capital Investments (ALK) plans to enter into a lease at a Teesside chemical engineering park and the land will be used to build a lithium hydroxide processing facility through a new subsidiary called Tees Valley Lithium. The facility is anticipated to produce 24,000 tonnes a year of lithium hydroxide monohydrate for energy storage markets. This is a reverse takeover and trading in the shares has been suspended.
Kanabo Group (KNB) has acquired The GP Service, a telemedicine provider, for £13.5m in shares at 12.65p each. The business provides NHS video and online consultations and can electronically deliver prescriptions. Consultation services are also offered to corporate clients. GP Service will provide a way of marketing Kanabo’s CBD products. Kanabo raised £2.25m at 8p a share.
Cannabis-based drug developer Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) still had £12m in the bank at the end of November 2021. Cost savings worth £130,000 a year have been made so the cash can last longer. Two compounds are expected to enter phase 1 clinical trials in the next 12 months. Two The year end is being changed from May to April.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 29 November 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Energy (GOOD) is selling its 47.5MW of renewable generation capacity and then reinvest the cash. The portfolio is valued at £56.8m, with £39.1m of related debt, and could be sold in the first quarter of 2022. Good Energy is investing in the latest funding round for Zap Map and the disposal cash may be received at around the same time. The company is investing in its decentralised energy services platform, and this will be rolled out next year. There will be further investments in these areas. Competition has fallen away in the domestic energy supply market and management believes that more normal conditions could return next spring. There will be £2.5m of additional costs to cope with the knock-on effect of higher prices and the exit of rivals. There is still a possibility of achieving full year expectations.
Oberon Investments (OBE) nearly trebled revenues in the first half with the growth coming from the broking business. In the six months to September 2021, revenues improved from £1.2m to £3.4m, while funds under management were £765m at the end of the period. Investment management fees doubled, but corporate finance income jumped from £89,000 to £1.56m. Oberon moved from a loss of £514,000 to a pre-tax profit of £128,000. New product launches should enhance growth in funds under management, while the broking side remains busy.
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) investor NFT Investments (NFT) is investing $250,000 in Afterparty Inc, a platform where creators generate revenues from music events. This was set up by former Disney executive David Fields.
Eastinco Mining and Exploration (EM.P) plans to acquire battery metals explorer Aterian Resources and move to the standard list. There will be a ten-for-one share consolidation and the company’s name will change to Aterian. AIM-quoted Altus Strategies (ALS) will become a major shareholder. A fundraising has raised £850,000 from convertible loans and £100,000 from shares at 1.5p each, which is the conversion price of the convertible loans. Aterian Resources has a portfolio of 15 exploration projects.
Investment company Gunsynd (GUN) had net assets of £6.3m, including £1.07m of cash, at the end of July 2021. Investee company Low6 still intends to float.
KR1 (KR1) has contributed 350,000 Polkadot tokens to the Acala Network auction. It already has more than 10.2 million Acala tokens and more will be received after 96 weeks, when the Polkadot tokens will be returned. A further 350,000 Polkadot tokens were contributed in the auction of smart contract platform Moonbeam Network. Again, these will be locked up for 96 weeks and a undecided number of Moonbeam tokens will also be received.
Newly crowned Aquis company of the year DXS International (DXSP) reported a small dip in interim revenues from £1.72m to £1.62m, while pre-tax profit fell from £151,000 to £21,000. The second half is expected to be stronger, although additional costs will hold back profit. The healthcare IT provider continues to develop its cloud-based product and it is accelerating the development of products aimed at long-term conditions, such as diabetes.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) is closing its Bin 1301 bar in Washington DC and concentrate on the bigger De Rhum Spot site.
Pioneer Media Holdings (PNER) is planning to acquire NGMI Labs Inc in return for four million shares. Pioneer has 45 days to undertake due diligence. NGMI was founded by three people with significant experience in the decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) tokens sector.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) expects to receive a tax rebate of $275,000 by the year end.
Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) has persuaded ASDA to stock 17 of its Vitality CBD products.
Scott Livingston has taken a 5.54%, not 5.16%, stake in Silverwood Brands (SLWD).
AIM
Marshall Motor Holdings (MMH) says that 64.4% shareholder Marshalls of Cambridge is thinking about selling its stake. Constellation Automotive has made it clear that it is interested.
Alien Metals (UFO) has acquired 30% of the Munni Munni project in Western Australia from ASX-listed Platina Resources for A$2.23m in shares and cash. This is one of the largest platinum group resources in Australia and it is near to the Elizabeth Hill project, which has platinum, silver, copper and nickel potential. Munni Munni has a historic non-compliant JORC resource estimate that suggests that there is 1.14 million ounces of palladium, 830,000 ounces of platinum, 152,000 ounces of gold and 76,000 ounces of rhodium. Artemis Resources owns the other 70%.
Telecoms billing and customer relationship management software provider Cerillion (CER) more than doubled its full year pre-tax profit from £3.7m to £8.5m, helped by much higher software revenues. New orders are building up and the order book is at record levels. The dividend was raised from 5.5p a share to 7.1p a share.
Driving safety technology developer Seeing Machines (SEE) has won its largest ever driver monitoring systems (DMS) order and raised £30.4m at 11p a share on the back of this announcement. The cash will be used for technology development and boost sales resources. The DMS deal, which has come through Magna International, is worth A$120m. In the year to June 2021, revenues improved from A$39.9m to $46.6m, while the loss was substantially reduced to A$16.7m.
Credit hire and legal services firm Anexo (ANX) has won a new contract with MCE Insurance to provide claims services for non-fault motorcycle accidents, which tends to be higher margin business. This will boost market share.
Appreciate (APPS) made the expected, although lower, loss in the first half, but the 50% increase in the interim dividend to 0.6p a share suggests confidence in the future. Revenues were 50% ahead at £41m with the faster growth coming in the consumer business even though the Christmas savings order book is lower. Appreciate has withdrawn from lower margin corporate business and there is volatility in bookings in recent months.
Asset management services provider MJ Hudson (MJH) achieved organic revenue growth of 14% and it is on course to grow full year revenues from £25.5m to £31m, helped by acquisitions, which would produce a pre-tax profit of £4m. Demand for ESG services is growing rapidly. On top of that, there is increasing outsourcing of the services provided by MJ Hudson.
Ashtead Technology (AT.) provides services and rents equipment to the offshore oil and gas and offshore wind markets. Services can be provided for installation, ongoing maintenance and decommissioning. It raised £15.5m at 162p a share to help it to grow internationally. The offshore wind services market is set to grow at 19% a year up until 2025. The shares ended the week at 162p.
Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) is well positioned to take advantage of the increasing focus on energy and water efficiency. It raised £12m at 277p a share and the shares ended the week at 285p. Eneraqua Technologies supplies and installs technology that improves energy and water efficiency in multiple occupancy social housing and commercial projects. The systems installed include the company’s Control Flow HL2024 technology, which will be manufactured in Spain. The order book for between August 2021 and January 2022 includes £22m of contracted revenues and there a further £21.3m of contracted revenues for the following two years.
Brickability (BRCK) is paying an initial £3.3m for HBS NE, which takes it into the renewable energy products market. It supplies and maintains solar, battery storage and electric vehicle charging. Brickability has relationships with housebuilders, which are being required to install EV charging points in new homes. Even before cross-selling, the deal is earnings enhancing.
Cyber security services provider Shearwater (SWG) reported a small decline in interim revenues due to lower services sales. Software revenues were flat, but margins improved. There is 50% visibility for second quarter revenues.
Treated sustainable wood producer Accsys Technologies (AXS) increased interim revenues by 31% in the first half. Accoya production remains limited because the new reactor will not go into service until next year. The Hull Tricoya plant will should commence production next July. The plans for the potential US Accoya plant are also progressing with a final investment decision expected in the next few months.
Omega Diagnostics (ODX) grew its health and nutrition revenues to pre-pandemic levels. Sales of the global health division also grew but Covid-19 test sales were disappointing. DAM Health has ordered £750,000 of tests since the end of the half year. Net cash was £3.9m at the end of September 2021. Omega remains loss making, and it is difficult to predict how quickly revenues will grow. There are some orders coming in for the VISITECT CD4 test.
Workflow technology provider ActiveOps (AOM) has improved gross margin and interim revenues grew by one-fifth. Annual recurring revenues are running at £19.8m.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane (MACF) is trading ahead of expectations. Revenues are 25% higher than last year and the pre-tax profit is ahead of 2020. There are cost pressures and some customers have had supply problems elsewhere so their demand for packaging has reduced. Net debt was £2m at the end of October 2021.
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has announced a dividend of 0.74p a share.
JLEN Environmental (JLEN) is targeting a dividend of 6.8p a share in the year to March 2022. The interim dividend is more than covered by earnings. The portfolio of renewable energy and environmental assets has been diversified in recent years and that means that the company is not as dependent on revenues from wind power, which were hampered by low wind speeds in the period. Other assets performed well and there are plenty of investment opportunities in Europe. NAV is 98.4p a share.
Marine technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) has secured a multi-year contract with Minnowtech. It will supply sonar technology for the jointly developed shrimp farming technology. Commercial launch is planned in Asia and the initial order will be more than $200,000. OTAQ owns 15.2% of Minnowtech. A major customer has given notice and OTAQ is seeking additional sources of funding.
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) has signed an agreement with Dalriada Drug Discovery Inc of Canada, which will provide research and development services on compounds that Oxford Cannabinoid has access to via the Canopy Growth Corporation agreement.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 18 October 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Energy (GOOD) has followed the lapsed Ecotricity bid with a nine-month trading statement saying that the renewable energy supplier is on course to meet full year expectations. Good Energy is more than 90% hedged for the next 12 months, so there is limited exposure to the current price volatility. Price rises have been implemented. The 0.75p a share interim dividend is payable on 29 November and the ex-dividend date is 21 October. Finance director Rupert Sanderson has sold 14,800 shares at 335p each, while chief executive Nigel Pocklington bought 7,500 shares at 351.666p each.
Walls and Future REIT (WAFR) is engaging with new investors so that there are buyers for the 10% of the share capital where investors are not long-term holders. This is holding back the share price and causing the high discount to NAV, according to management. The company has completed the design of its autism friendly housing.
CBD products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) generated revenues of £65,000 from incorporation to the end of September 2021. Monthly overheads are less than £50,000. There is £1.8m in the bank. New stores are opening in Edinburgh and Dundee.
Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) has acquired CBD products manufacturer N8 Essentials for 1.17 million shares issued at 67.3 cents a share. N8 has a 14,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Kansas. This will enable more group production to be brought in house.
Sativa Wellness (SWEL) has launched an online telemedicine service. This enables patients to follow up tests with a virtual medical consultation.
KR1 (KR1) is participating in the Kintsugi crowdloan and Kusama (KSM) parachain auction. KR1 contributed 5,000 KSM to the crowdloan.
Altona Natural Resources (ANR) has started drilling at the Monte Muambe project in Mozambique. This will improve the understanding of the geological model and test four newly identified targets.
The requisition for a general meeting at British Honey (BHC) has been withdrawn. Richard Day has been reappointed chairman and Mark Gamble as an executive director. Alex Maurice has stepped down from the board but continues to be employed by the company.
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) non-exec director CP Freeman has bought 800 shares at 884p each. David Evans has a 7.61% stake in Oberon Investments (OBE).
The SFO has ended its investigation into people associated with Watchstone Group (WTG) when it was known as Quindell.
AIM
Light Science Technologies (LST) is a contract electronics manufacturer and a developer of controlled environment agriculture technology, which joined AIM on 15 October. The agricultural technology being developed helps farmers to maximise crop productivity and monitor the growing environment. The company’s LED lighting range is called nurturGrow Luminaire and the nurturGROW sensor is being developed. There was £5m raised at 10p a share and the price ended the first day at 11.5p. The cash raised in the flotation will be used to expand facilities and increase marketing.
Floorcoverings manufacturer Victoria (VCP) has achieved record interim earnings. The UK has been a strong market, but Australia has been tougher. The full year outcome is likely to be ahead of expectations. Peel Hunt has upgraded its full year pre-tax profit forecast from £58.3m to £65m.
Branded furnishings and wallcoverings supplier Sanderson Design Group (SDG) improved interim pre-tax profit by 22% to £6m on a 48% increase in revenues. North American and UK sales were strong, and the manufacturing business bounced back. Management plans to generate more income from the archive of past patterns and designs. Net cash is £15.4m. Sanderson is on course to achieve an increase in full year pre-tax profit from £7.1m to £10.9m.
Eqtec (EQT) plans to acquire a 5MW project in Drama, Greece, which will generate energy from forestry waste. Financial close should be achieved for the project in the third quarter of 2022. There is also an additional £2.1m of investment in the North Fork project in California, which increases the stake from 10% to 49%. The 2MW biomass to energy project has been delayed due to fires and Covid. A $4.5m convertible loan facility has been provided to the development.
CyanConnode (CYAN) says interim revenues were £4.1m and it is well on the way to £9.4m of revenues for the full year. The narrowband radio frequency networks company continues to lose money, but cash levels should improve.
Motor dealer Vertu Motors (VTU) recorded record first half results despite supply problems for new vehicles. Used car prices have been rising because of the shortage of new vehicles. In the six months to August 2021, revenues increased from £1.2bn to £1.92bn. Underlying pre-tax profit soared from £4.7m to £51.8m, which is more than treble the first half of 2019-20. Net cash is £57.3m. The interim dividend has been re-established at 0.65p a share. The net tangible asset value is 61.5p a share.
High street sales recovered at fishing tackle retailer Angling Direct (ANG) despite being closed in the first ten weeks of the first half and online sales continued to grow. In the six months to July 2021, revenues improved from £32.1m to £38.4m with high street sales increasing by two-fifths. Online sales were 2% ahead. Pre-tax profit jumped from £1.36m to £3.72m, which includes government lockdown support. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to increase from £2.6m to £3.5m.
Driving safety technology developer Seeing Machines (SEE) has signed a framework agreement with Shell Global Solutions for its Guardian driver distraction and fatigue technology. Deployments should start later this year. Shell has 20,000 vehicles, compared with the total number of 31,771 vehicles using Guardian technology. Seeing Machines has also set up an EU sales team with a headquarters in Amsterdam.
Gresham House Strategic (GHS) has decided to change its investment manager from Gresham House Asset Management to Harwood Capital, where its previous investment manager Richard Staveley moved earlier this year, and Gresham House (GHE) has requisitioned a general meeting in order to have the company’s cash distributed to shareholders and the portfolio of investments liquidated over a 24-month period. Gresham House has a 23.3% stake in Gresham House Strategic and claims the backing of 40% of the share capital. The opposition to the move owns 30% of the company. Harwood intends to invest in the company, and it will generate lower fees, which will save the company £270,000.
Iodine company Iofina (IOF) produced 142.7 MT of crystalline iodine in the third quarter of 2021 and that underpins full year forecasts. Iodine prices continue to rise and recently hit $40/kg.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) has acquired DW Windsor, an exterior lighting business, for £16.9m in cash. In the year to September 2021, operating profit was £1.9m.
Highway Capital (HWC) has finally found a suitable reverse takeover target, although there is no firm agreement. There will be a fundraising alongside the purchase of esports adviser and investor Guinevere Capital Esports & Entertainment. No purchase price has been announced
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) has acquired medical assets from Canopy Growth Corporation, which provides access to cannabinoid derivatives and will help the company to develop additional drug projects. The lead compound OCT461201, which is a potential neuropathic pain treatment, is progressing towards clinical trials in the third quarter of 2022.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 9 August 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Chapel Down (CDGP) has announced Andrew Carter as successor to chief executive Frazer Thompson in September 2021.
National Milk Records (NMRP) increased its fourth quarter revenues by 7% to £5.72m. Milk recording revenues grew by 9%. The corresponding period did cover the initial lockdown. Milk prices are holding up at levels where dairy farmers will be profitable. The first phase of IT investment will be up and running later this year.
Boanerges Ltd (BNRG) has paid £25,000 for an option to invest £2m for a 14.3% stake in Fintech Digital Platforms, which owns property search internet portals.
Samarkand (SMK) has secured an extension to its distribution contract with skincare brand 111SKIN until the end of July 2023. Non-exec Keith Higgins has bought 21,739 shares at 146p a share.
Inqo Investments (INQO) had significant write-offs and bad debt provisions in the year to February 2021. This contributed to the more than doubled loss of R13.4m as revenues slumped from R24.4m to R4.2m. The total cash outflow was R14.7m and cash fell below R1m. Kuzuko Private Game Reserve will reopen in September. Uganda-based Four One Financial Services and Kenya-based South Lake Medical Centre both made higher interest payments to Inqo.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has taken a 50% stake in Vegan Punk Ventures and invested up to £100,000 in loans. The brand is PlantPunk and it has a range of ZeroBeef meat alternatives. Dave Ahern will be managing director and third-party investors will provide loans of up to £50,000.
Altona Rare Earths (ANR) had cash of £436,000 at the end of June 2021.
Helium Ventures (HEV) continues to trade at a premium to its 10p placing price. The share price is currently 32.5p (31p/34p). James Sheehan has increased his stake from 8,5% to 9.47%.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) has sold its stake in Finance Partners Group for €2.15m and €1.57m of this has been received. The original cost was €1.9m. The investment focus will be fintech.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised £223,000 at 1.46p a share and issued £48,000 worth of shares at 2p each.
Veni Vid Vici has changed its name to VVV Resources (VVV). Angelfish Investments has changed its name to Igraine (KING). DicovORE has changed its name to Oscillate (MUSH).
Trading in First Sentinel, which has changed its name to Omni Egis (OMNI) and NQ Minerals (NQMI) shares has been suspended ahead of publication of their respective accounts. Freyherr International (FRYR) has withdrawn from Aquis.
AIM
In 2020-21, NWF (NWF) did not manage to match the previous year’s profit performance of the fuels division, but the cold winter and home working meant that the performance was better than expected. Management is keen to make further acquisitions to broaden the geographic spread of the fuels business. Overall, group pre-tax profit was 10% lower at £11.9m. The efficiency improvement in the food warehousing division meant that its profit contribution was higher. The feeds division reported a lower profit but with milk prices over 30p per litre the outlook is positive for dairy feed.
Higher second half sales and improved efficiency helped Filtronic (FTC) maintain profitability at £200,000 even though full year revenues fell 9% to £15.6m. The telecoms and RF components and equipment supplier generated cash and net cash improved to £2.8m at the end of May 2021. 5G investment and moves into newer markets, such as space, provide a positive outlook for the future and profit should build from now on. Revenues are expected to grow by 16% this year and pre-tax profit of £500,000 is forecast.
The latest trading statement from Belvoir (BLV) confirms a strong first half with revenues growing by two-fifths, due to buoyant house sales. The steadier lettings income has grown by 13% – 10% organically, which is much faster than the market.
Maestrano (MNO) has secured a five-month proof of concept contract with Network Rail for HS1, the high speed line that goes to the channel tunnel. This will monitor overhead lines, vegetation, track and passing clearances. HS1 is the same specification as European tracks so it could provide a way into the European market.
Microbiome-based products developer Optibiotix Health (OPTI) generated a 44% increase in interim revenues to £1.07m with LP LDL probiotic cholesterol-reducing products and Slimbiome products accounting for most of the revenues.
Seeing Machines (SEE) 2020-21 revenues were 2% ahead of expectations at A$47.3m. There was $47.7m in the bank at the end of June.
Xpediator (XPD) has formed a strategic partnership with e-commerce fulfilment company Synergy Retail Support and is providing space at its Braintree warehouse.
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Argo Blockchain (ARB) generated July revenues of £5.6m, up from £4.36m in June, even though the average bitcoin price fell. A Nasdaq listing is being considered.
Challenger Acquisitions has changed its name to Cindrigo Holdings (CINH) following the completion of the acquisition of the renewable energy products business.
Kanabo (KNB) has a stake in medical cannabis cultivation company Hellenic Dynamics, which is being acquired by AIM-quoted UK SPAC (SPC) for £45.2m in shares at a minimum price of 0.472p a share. The £750,000 investment in Hellenic will be converted into shares at a minimum 30% discount to the prospective. UK SPAC intends to move to the standard list.
Starcrest Education (OBOR) has signed heads of terms to acquire 80% of National Training Company. Starcrest is not going ahead with the acquisition of The London School of Science and Technology and costs of £1.2m have been written off. There was £700,000 in cash left at the end of June 2021.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 8 February 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Clinical IT developer DXS International (DXSP) is encouraged by the initial results from pilots of the ExpertCare system designed to analyse the electronic records of people with hypertension. DXS is awaiting NHS accreditation.
World High Life (LIFE) has appointed Tony Calamita as chief executive. He is a founder of Love Hemp, whose vendors will receive deferred consideration of £2m in shares at 1.5p each. Calamita will hold a 13.5% stake. The company has raised £467,000 at 1p a share.
Juliet Davenport is stepping down as chief executive of Good Energy (GOOD) but will continue as a non-executive. Good Energy company Zap-Map has signed up ESB Energy to its Zap-Pay electric vehicle charging payment service.
Capital For Colleagues (CFCP) has sold its investment in civil engineering materials distributor Civils Store for £1m, which represents a profit of 150% on a £400,000 investment. The initial £500,000 will be received on 15 February and the rest by the end of July.
EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) increased its NAV by 38% to 437.63p a share during the year to January 2021. EPE raised £10m from the sale of LED lighting company Luceco (LUCE) shares and retains a 24.9% stake.
Belvedere Leisure (BELV) reported a loss of £499,000 for the year to June 2020. There were the costs of the flotation of the corporate bonds.
Rutherford Health (RUTH) has approval to treat patients at its North West cancer centre. The first patients should be treated in 2022.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) has been promoted to the Apex segment of the AQSE Growth Market.
Eastinco Mining (EM.P) has appointed Novum Securities as its corporate adviser.
AIM
A higher interim profit contribution from fuels partly offset lower contributions from the rest of the NWF (NWF) businesses. Group revenues fell from £348.9m to £309.4m, while underlying pre-tax profit declined from £3m to £2.5m. The main decline was in food distribution where volatile demand hampered profitability. The cold weather will boost demand for heating oil in the second half.
Document management services provider IDOX (IDOX) improved revenues from £65.5m to £68m and pre-tax profit from £7.7m to £10.5m. There is further potential to improve margins. The order book at the end of October was £15.9m. Having sorted out the business, management is considering returning to the acquisition trail.
Mattioli Woods (MTW) is paying up to £2.34m for wealth management adviser Montagu. There are £80m of assets under advice.
STM Group (STM) expects to report a £2m pre-tax profit on revenues of £24m in 2020. There was net cash of £15.5m. Therese Neish is stepping down as finance director.
BlueRock Diamonds (LON: BRD) has revealed a significantly increased resource at the Kareevlei diamond mine in South Africa. There was a 49% increase in resource to 10.4 million net tonnes and a 53% increase in net carats to 516,200. The overall grade has edged up to 5 carats per tonne. There was 19% of the resource upgraded to indicated resources. BlueRock plans to mine one million tonnes per annum.
Strong first half trading at parcel and freight delivery company DX (DX.) has prompted finnCap to increase its forecast pre-tax profit for the year to June 2021 by £2m to £8.7m. The business continues to recover with profitability building up in the freight division.
Open Orphan (ORPH) has opened a new challenge study quarantine facility across the road from its existing centre in east London, which is already booked up for this year. This adds a further 19 beds.
Compliance and energy saving services provider Sureserve (SUR) has doubled its dividend to 1p a share. Less traffic on the road during the original lockdown helped to improve efficiency and margins. Shore has increased its 2020-21 pre-tax profit forecast by 16% from £9.4m to £11.9m.
Lexington Gold (LEX) has received environmental approvals for drilling at the JKL project in the US. Drilling should commence later in February. Pure Ice Ltd has increased its stake from 14.3% to 15.1%.
Advanced surface coatings provider Hardide (HDD) has raised £790,000 at 30.9p a share and secured a CBILS loan of £250,000. This will boost the cash position while the company waits for delayed work to come through.
Seeing Machines (SEE) says interim revenues will improve by 15% to A$18.1m. The driver safety systems developer’s annualised recurring revenues are A$15.5m.
Real-time software provider Checkit (CKT) has acquired its US distributor Tutela Monitoring Systems for £850,000.
Lok’nStore (LOK) acquired its Chichester self-storage site has been acquired for £4.2m, with the cash outflow offset by the £1.5m disposal of the Wolverhampton freehold and £1.7m sale of the vacant Southampton site – around £300,000 lower than book value. Contracts have been exchanged for a new site in Staines. Self-storage has proved to be resilient during Covid-19 lockdowns. Occupancy rates are rising, and prices have been stable at Lok’nStore.
Filtronic (FTC) made a small first half loss but the outlook for the full year is better. New defence contracts and increasing 5G-related demand will help the second half and the defence orders are at higher margins. Full year revenues are set to fall but pre-tax profit could treble to £300,000. Capex requirements are low so the business should be cash generative.
Bacanora Lithium (BCN) has raised £48.1m from a placing and retail offer at 45p a share. Ganfeng has also subscribed for £24m worth of shares. This will finance the development of the Sonora lithium project. It will pay for the 50% share of the cost of bringing stage one into production.
Evgen Pharma (EVG) has launched a placing and open offer to raise up to £11m at 8p a share. This will fund preclinical work on metastatic breast cancer and two other potential treatments, including glioma where there could be a clinical trial. The cash should last until the middle of 2023.
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Thalassa Holdings (THAL) is making a £2.5m investment in London Medical Laboratory. Thalassa will lend the company £2.5m to finance the opening of a phlebotomy clinic and increase capacity at existing facilities. The loan would be converted into shares if London Medical Laboratory floats on AIM. Thalassa also has warrants to subscribe for an 8% stake in the fully diluted share capital.
French Connection (FCCN) says Spotlight Brands and Go Global Retail are potential bidders for the clothing retailer.
Personal products supplier InnovaDerma (IDP) has rebuffed an all-share offer from Creighton (CRL) although the potential bidder is still interested in making an offer and has sent a letter to InnovaDerma. This suggests an offer of two share for every three InnovaDerma shares, which is equivalent to around 44p a share.
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) says full year revenues were at least $180m, which is 45% ahead of the previous year. The diagnostics business is the main impetus behind the growth.
Argo Blockchain (ARB) has taken a 25% stake in Pluto Digital Assets. This cost £1m at 3p a share and there are also warrants exercisable at 6p a share. Pluto is a crypto venture capital and technology company.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 26 October 2020
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Truspine Technologies (TSP) says that the latest tests of Cervi-Lok, which is a spinal stabilisation device, have been positive. The tests used a computer-generated model and it showed that Cervi-Lok had a reduction in range of motion that was better than existing screw-based fixation systems. FDA clearance is expected early next year.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) is acquiring the business and assets of Romar Process Engineering for £550,000 in cash and shares. Romar is a metal fabrication business and in the nine-months to July 2020 it made a pre-tax profit of £202,000 on revenues of £732,000. The group will be able to undertake larger contracts and some production will be transferred to the Romar facility. The exclusivity period for the proposed acquisition of E Lowe has been extended.
Early Equity (EEQP) has bought a 1% stake in Lotto Studios for £50,000. Lotto licences entertainment and sports brands for lottery and casino games. Early Equity believes that it can help with opportunities in Asia.
Gunsynd (GUN) has sold its 600,000 shares in Bunker Hill Mining raising £164,000. The investment company has reinvested £146,000 in Empress Royalty Corp.
Graham Lyon has stepped down as non-executive chairman and Majken Korsgaard has resigned as non-executive director of SulNOx Group (SNOX) and this means that trading in the shares has been suspended because there is no independent director. Nicholas Nelson has been reappointed as a director. Shipleys has resigned as auditor. Resolutions allowing the company to issue more shares were not passed at the AGM.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) says that it is progressing towards drilling at the Specimen Hill prospect in Queensland. Samples have returned assays of more than 3.5g/t gold and more than 45g/t silver.
Chairman Robert Sutcliffe has been buying shares in DXS International (DXSP).
Rural Broadband Solutions (RBBS) has started trading following the reverse takeover of Secure Web Services by SAPO. Chris Akers has a 3.29% stake.
Shares in Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) have started trading on OTCQB Venture Market in the US.
AIM
Vianet (VNET) says that interim trading was ahead of Covid-19 revised expectations. There has been a month-on-month improvement in cash and profit during the period. New restrictions on hospitality outlets could hamper progress. The interims will be published on 8 December.
Full year figures from Tristel (TSTL) were slightly better than anticipated. The disinfection products supplier increased revenues by 21% to £31.7m and a 27% rise in underlying pre-tax profit to £7.1m. Profit growth will be held back this year by additional investment in the US, where there should be positive news about FDA approval of products.
C4X Discovery (C4XD) has raised £15m at 14p a share. This has nearly doubled the number of shares in issue. The cash will provide a strong financial position for C4X when it is negotiating with potential partners and strategic collaborators. It will also fund the development of potential drugs. that The cash should last for at least 12 months. Indivior has started a phase I clinical trial for C4X_3256 for the treatment of opioid dependence. The trial will last until the end of the year and there will be data in 2021.
Judges Scientific (JDG) is acquiring Korvus Technology, which supplies vapour deposition systems, for an initial £2.64m. This has sparked a small upgrade to the 2021 pre-tax profit forecast taking it to £15.2m.
Gold recovery services company Goldplat (GDP) has increased profit from activities in South Africa and Ghana. The sale of the Kilmapesa mine should be completed by December.
Rare books supplier Scholium (SCH) made a small interim loss. Shapero Rare Books increased its online activity. There will be annual savings of more than £100,000 from moving to new premises.
Orchard Funding (ORCH) has decided to withdraw its application for a banking licence.
Seeing Machines (SEE) has signed a memorandum of understanding with L3 Harris Technologies that could take the company’s computer vision technology into the flight simulator market.
Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings (IDH) released its normal interim trading statement at 4.35pm on Friday. Covid-19-related sales are still small.
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Strong third quarter trading has helped LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) to increase its guidance for full year operating profit from £23m to between £28m and £30m.
Contango Holdings (CGO) has raised £1.8m at 5p a share and acquired the Garalo gold project in southern Mali for $1m, with $100,000 paid and the rest due in February. The rest of the cash will finance the development of the project so that gold production can start before the end of 2021. Capital costs of $1.2m are expected with further finance of $4m being sought to build up production. Target production is 30,000 ounces per year. The non-independent resource is 320,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.5g/t. Costs should be less than $1,000/ounce.
Aircraft lessor Avation (AVAP) increased revenues by 14% to $135.3m and there was a full year pre-tax profit of $14.6m after a net impairment charge. Mitigating lender agreements have been made with clients.
Edale Capital has sent a requisition notice to InnovaDerma (IDP) in order to force an AGM re-election vote for two existing directors and to propose a new director.
Property investor Town Centre Securities (TOWN) says that it collected 75% of rents in the latest quarter with 10% deferred. Since June, £41.2m has been raised from retail property disposals.
Andrew Hore