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Quoted Micro 15 May 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Third quarter revenues of National Milk Records (NMR) were 15% higher at £6.5m. The core milk testing revenues were 14% ahead, helped by price rises. Genomic testing revenues more than doubled. Milk prices have fallen, but they are still relatively high. Canaccord Genuity still expects a dip in 2023 pre-tax profit from £2.4m to £1.9m.
Watchstone Group (WTG) has been unsuccessful in its £63m claim against PricewaterhouseCoopers concerning a breach of confidentiality. It is considering an appeal.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) admitted that it failed to inform shareholders that a loan announced in February included a fixed and floating charge over the company’s IP.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $500,000 into Web3 venture studio Code and State through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) investee company Evergreen Lithium, where it owns 15.8 million shares (8.74%), has identified significant and widespread lithium at the Kenny project. A further £1.86m worth of shares could be issued to Cadence Minerals.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) shareholders have agreed to the cancellation of the Aquis quotation on 16 May. The shares will then be traded on the JP Jenkins platform.
TAP Global Group (TAP) has appointed Kriya Patel as chief executive of its main subsidiary. He is an experienced executive of e-money and financial technology businesses. He will receive five million LTIP options, plus a further 10 million LTIP options which will vest when certain milestones are achieved.
Ananda Developments (ANA) says a study suggests that cannabidiol plus terpenes has a more positive effect on acne than cannabidiol on its own.
Mark Horrocks has taken a 5.8% stake in Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP), while Chris Akers increased its stake from 19.5% to 19.6%.
Trading in Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) shares has been suspended until account are filed and the cease trade order is revoked.
AIM
Power Metal Resources (POW) has spun-off its Nevada mining interests into Golden Metal Resources (GMET). Power Metal Resources has retained a 62.1% stake. There was £1.98m raised at 8.5p when the company joined AIM. Trading started at 8.75p and ended the first day at 8.125p. There were 1.12 million shares traded on the first day and a total of 488,000 shares in the following two days. The share price ended the week at 8.125p. There are four assets: three wholly owned plus an earn-in option over a fourth.
Purplebricks (PURP) says that the number of new instructions did not increase in the fourth quarter and that means revenues and EBITDA will be worse than expected in the year to April 2024. The company’s payment processor is withholding a portion of remittances and cash was £9.1m at the end of April 2023, compared with previous expectations of £15m. The formal sale process continues, and management says that it wants to conclude this as soon as possible so the future of the business is clarified. Strike Ltd has decided not to make an offer.
Online builders’ merchants CMO Group (CMO) increased like-for-like 2022 revenues by 2%, but the market remains tough. In 2022, revenues increased from £76.3m to £83.1m, helped by acquisitions. Gross margins held up at 19.9% as sales of higher margin products offset the decline at Total Tiles, where there were problems with pricing. Overheads were increased following flotation on AIM and that is why operating margin dived from 3.5% to 1.5%. There was a boost of around £200,000 to operating profit due to a reduction in deferred consideration for a past acquisition. Pre-exceptionals profit fell from £1.5m to £800,000. Overheads are being reduced. Employee numbers are 15% lower than the peak last year and delivery costs are being controlled.
A&E Television Network is cancelling its contract with video editing technology developer Blackbird (BIRD) at the end of June. Last year, this contract contributed less than 10% of 2022 revenues of £2.85m. Blackbird is growing its revenues, including from licensing, but this contract loss will hold back the overall rate of growth. Blackbird has £9m in cash, down from £10m at the end of 2022.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) is ranking targets for its Big Bear property on the Schreiber-Hemlo project in Ontario. Additional mining claims have been acquired at Winston Lake, Ontario. Results from the magnetic surveying at Tocheri Lake, Ontario, should be available early in the third quarter.
Credit hire company Anexo (ANX) reported flat 2022 pre-tax profit of £23.9m even though housing disrepair work helping to improve revenues. There were additional costs for vehicle emissions litigation against VW, which has some way to go before it is settled. A decline in pre-tax profit to £18.1m is forecast for 2023 as new credit hire business is reduced. That should help to improve cash collection and reduce debt.
Marwyn Investment Management has decided not to invest in footwear retailer Unbound Group (UBG) because of concerns about current trading. Marwyn had planned to inject £10m into the business at a placing price of 10.5p. That was the same level as the withdrawn offer from WoolOvers Group. Unbound has admitted that trading has worsened in the first quarter of the current year. Cash flow has to be carefully managed and banking covenants may have to be waived. Additional funds will be required.
Mineral sands project developer Capital Metals (CMET) has signed a potential 100% offtake and investment agreement with LB Group, which is the largest manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigments and sponge. LB Group will fully fund the Eastern Minerals project in Sri Lanka up to the estimated cost of $81m in the preliminary economic assessment. After that the joint venture will fund additional costs on a 50/50 basis. The plan is to build up production to 1.65 million tonnes per annum. Most of the due diligence for the deal has already been done.
Coal miner Bens Creek (BEN) says shareholder MBU Capital has sold a 29.9% stake at 18p a share to Singapore-based Avani Resources, which trades raw materials for steel and power production.
Brazil-focused gold producer Serabi Gold (SRB) has signed a strategic exploration alliance with Vale, which will assess large scale copper projects on the Palito Complex. There are four phases during which Vale can earn up to 90% of the project. Serabi would have a put option to sell the other 19% for $10m and a 1.5% net smelter royalty. There will be an initial $5m investment in exploration.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) published an AGM statement Manufacturing revenues are 14% ahead in the first quarter and distribution revenues 4% higher. There are bank facilities to finance further expansion.
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) says first quarter revenues were 5% lower. There is still some destocking in the current period. Lower freight costs will help margins. Finance director Will Hoy and related parties have been acquiring shares at up to 110p each.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 May 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Technology investment company Asimilar (ASLR) is leaving AIM, but it will retain its Aquis quotation. Trading in the shares recommenced following the publication of the latest accounts. Chris Akers raised his shareholding from 9.13% to 10.3% and that helped the share price to recover from its low during the week. At the end of September 2022, net assets were 5.53p a share. A general meeting will be held on 18 May and the AIM cancelation should happen on 26 May.
Fuel additives supplier SulNOx Group (SNOX) has received a general meeting requisition from RemNOx Ltd, which wants to remove chairman Radu Florescu and appoint three new directors. It also wants to remove chief executive Ben Richardson. RemNOx is controlled by Angela Bravo.
Four shareholders are requisitioning a general meeting at TruSpine Technologies (TSP) and they want four directors to be removed. They also want three nominees to be voted onto the board, which includes two of the requisitioners: Peter Houghton and Todd Michael Cramer.
OTAQ (OTAQ) published a nine-month update showing revenues of £2.6m up until the new year end of December 2022. There was a £300,000 EBITDA loss. There are a range of aquaculture products that are becoming ready for commercialisation. First quarter 2023 trading was in line with expectations and the outlook for the second quarter is better.
MBH Corporation (M8H) increased 2022 revenues by 31% to £142.8m, while operating profit was £3.4m, down from £5.16m. There was organic growth from all the main operating sectors.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) had an interim cash outflow from operating activities of £548,000. There is £736,000 in the bank at the end of January 2023. The company has commenced prototype testing of the wind element of its hydrogen production system.
BWA Group (BWA) has appointed John Byfield and Jonathan Wearing to the board, while Alex Borelli has stepped down. High levels of rutile have been identified in samples from the Dehane 2 rutile sands project in Cameroon.
Investment company MaxRets Ventures (MAX) had net assets of £497,000 at the end of October 2022, including £411,000 in cash. Annualised running costs are £280,00. There are two cannabis-related investments and no new investments have been made in the past year.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) has made a new investment in Kluster, an AI platform that helps clients to generate revenues.
EDX Medical (EDX) has raised £1,725m at 6p a share. Bridgemere has become the second largest shareholder with 11.6%.
PanGenomic Health (NARA) says a subsidiary has signed a definitive master service agreement with Psy Integrated Health. Patient biomarker data will be collected to assist in optimising treatments. Psy will be paid $45,000 for the initial work.
Equipmake Holdings (EQIP) has been awarded a £1.6m grant, on a matched funding basis, to help it further develop its electrification technology for electric vehicles.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has published exploration data for the Cottesloe project in Western Australia. This shows high grades of silver, cobalt, lead and zinc.
Marula Mining (MARU) published its quarterly activities update. This was an active quarter. There is an increasing focus on battery metals. The company is debt free.
At the end of January 2023, Kasei Holdings (KASH) had net assets of £2.05m, including cash of £473,000. Since then, £164,000 has been raised from Aalto Capital at 12p a share. However, this is less than the £500,000 expected.
Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP) raised £100,000 at 0.1p a share. This will take the cash pile up to £500,000. Costs have been brought down to a minimum.
Convertible loan notes worth £161,000 were converted into Valereum (VLRM) shares at 4.7112p a share.
AIM
Deutsche Bank is bidding 339p a share for Numis Corporation (NUM), which values the AIM nominated adviser at £410m. On top of the cash bid there will be an interim dividend of 6p a share for the six months to March 2023, plus an additional dividend of 5p a share. The first dividend will be paid in June and the second dividend will be paid after the effective date of the takeover.
Zoo Digital (ZOO) has raised £12.5m at 160p a share and a retail offer could raise up to £500,000 at the same price – it closes on 5 May. The cash will help to finance the acquisition of one of its Japanese media localisation partners from a leading technology company. This should be earnings enhancing. Management says that full year revenues will be $90m, which is lower than expected. This disappointment is due to lower margin dubbing revenues.
Fiinu Group (BANK) says a lack of money has slowed progress in gaining a full banking licence. A decision has been taken to withdraw the fintech’s licence application and reapply in a few months. Management will then focus on securing between £34m and £42m of cash. Once this is obtained the application process will be resumed. Fiinu has developed the Plugin Overdraft, which provides customers with an overdraft facility without the requirement to switch banks.
Trading conditions were tougher for Focusrite (TUNE) in the content creation market and that was only partly offset by a bounce back in the audio reproduction sector as live events returned to past levels. Group interim revenues fell from £92.9m to £86.2m, even after the inclusion of recent acquisitions. A fall in freight charges helped gross margin edge up to 47.1%. Even so, pre-tax profit fell from £16.3m to £10.9m. Net debt was £13.2m after the cost of acquisitions. The dividend was still raised from 1.85p a share to 2.1p a share.
IT training provider Northcoders (CODE) reported an 86% increase in revenues to £5.6m in 2022 and pre-tax profit jumped from £100,000 to £600,000. There was net cash of £1.7m at the end of 2022. Revenues of £6.1m are already in the order book for 2023 and the full year forecast is £9.5m. The pre-tax profit should double to £1.2m.
Management process automation software provider ActiveOps (AOM) made better gross margins on forecast revenues of £25m and a positive EBITDA in the year to March 2023. A £500,000 loss was forecast. There was £15.4m in cash at the year-end. The newly launched CaseWorkIQ software is starting to gain momentum. The full year figures will be published in July.
Smoove (SMV) says it is in bid discussions with PEXA Group. These are at an early stage but could lead to a cash bid for the online residential property services provider. Australia-based PEXA Group offers online property services through the Property Now content hub that are similar to those offered by Smoove. There is no indication of bid price.
WoolOvers Group announced on Tuesday afternoon that it will not be making a 10.5p a share bid for footwear retailer Unbound Group (UBG).
Parkmead Group (PMG) produced more condensate than expected from the LDS-01 well in the Netherlands, so the well has been temporarily shut-in to enable work to handle the greater volume. This will mean that 2022-23 pre-tax profit will be lower than expected, but still doubled at £15.1m. Longer term, the prospects appear brighter. Gas reserves appear to be greater than anticipated and the high gas price is prompting greater exploration activity.
Fire Angel Safety Technology (FA.) has been hit by supply problems and that particularly hampered sales of higher margin products. A delayed contract also held back progress. Costs have fallen but EBITDA will be below expectations in 2023. Price increases will help revenues from the second quarter onwards. Shore Capital has withdrawn its forecasts.
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) has an increasingly attractive outlook for 2023. The iodine price remains relatively high at near to $70/kg and the new IO#9 facility should be up and running before the end of June. There are more potential sites for plants. Iodine derivatives sales are also increasing. Net income was $7.2m in 2022 and it is expected to improve to $8.1m this year.
MAIN MARKET
Mears (MER) reported 2022 pre-tax profit of £35.2m and higher than expected average net cash of £42.9m. The dividend has been increased by 31% and a £20m share buy back has been launched. The order book covers 98% of 2023 forecast revenues – pre-tax profit is likely to be flat.
Castings (CGS) has beaten forecasts for the year to March 2023. Pre-tax profit will be 8% ahead of the estimate at £16.8m. Demand from HGV manufacturers is still improving, and production inefficiencies resolved, helping the second half to be much better than expected.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 17 April 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
PanGenomic Health (NARA) joined the Access segment on 12 April. The shares were already listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange. No new money was raised. The share price has stayed at 4.5p during the week and no trades have been reported. The Canadian share price is C$0.07 and it has fallen from C$0.25 since trading commenced last July. PanGenomic Health has three digital health platforms. NaraApp is a mobile app provides information tailored to an individual and their treatment regimen. Mindleap.com provides holistic mental wellness information and access to professional services. Mujn Diagnostics is a digital therapeutics platform. This is used by professional to access individual information from the Nara App to monitor a patient’s treatment.
After the market closed on Friday Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) announced a £12m share issue at 925p a share. Chairman and chief executive Henry Angest will invest £6.75m of that money. The cash will be used to grow the loan book.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) is asking shareholders permission for cancelling the Aquis quotation. It has already delisted from the Canadian Stock Exchange. Management wants to reduce costs and complains that the market valuation is below NAV. The quotation on OTC QB will also not be retained.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd (GSVR) announced positive drilling results at the San Ignacio mine Some of the drilling has encountered high grades. There could be a new area of thick mineralisation. This will help to extend the mine life.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has been awarded an £11m grant from the UK government under phase 2 of the Longer Duration Storage Demonstration competition. This will deploy a 30MWh vanadium flow battery.
Cannabis supplier Ananda Developments (ANA) says preparations are underway for a medicinal cannabis flower processing facility. The MRX1 cannabidiol medical cannabis oil will be launched commercially in June and it may be used in two randomised controlled trials.
NFT Investment (NFT) has announced a general meeting on 26 May to gain shareholder approval for a proposed tender offer by April 2024. The tender will be for up to 857.1 million shares and the price will be the greater of 3.5p a share or NAV for each share.
Gunsynd (GUN) investee company Omega Oil and Gas (ASX: OMA) says initial results from the Canyon-2 well in Queensland have exceeded expectations. Cadence Minerals (KDNC) investee company Evergreen Lithium joined the ASX on 11 September. Cadence Minerals has a 8.74% stake in Evergreen Lithium and the share price nearly doubled to A$0.57 during the week.
Watchstone Group (WTG) had £11.5m in cash at the end of March 2023. NAV was 29p a share at the end of 2022.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has filed for insolvency of Lizza in Germany. Lizza was losing money when it was acquired last September. The losses are continuing, and sales have dropped. Alternative European distribution partners will need to be found. There will be a Euro1m write-off.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had an NAV of 309.57p a share at the end of March 2023.
Mark Horrocks has increased his stake in Lift Global Ventures (LFT) from 11% to 12.3%.
AIM
Spectral MD (SMD) is merging with Nasdaq-listed SPAC Rosecliff Acquisition Corp 1. The share price improved to 44p. The deal values Spectral MD at $170m, or 101p a share. In June 2021, the AIM flotation price was 59p. The AIM quotation will be cancelled. There is likely to be a $15m placing. This will provide additional cash to finance the commercialisation of the DeepView woundcare analysis technology. The transaction should complete in the third quarter.
Consumer electronic and electrical appliances retailer Marks Electrical (MRK) has beaten expectations in the fourth quarter and the full year forecast has been upgraded along with those for the following two years. Revenues in the fourth quarter to March 2023 were one-fifth higher at £24.8m and this means that full year revenues are 21% ahead at £97.8m. This has led to a 2022-23 pre-tax profit upgrade from £5.8m to £6.2m, which is still below the £6.4m reported for the previous year. Net cash is £10m.
Footwear retailer Unbound Group (UBG) has received a proposal from Marwyn Investment Management, which wants to inject £10m into the business at a placing price of 10.5p. That is the same level as the potential offer from WoolOvers Group (the offer also includes a contingent value right relating to the proceeds of an insurance claim). The shareholders would get an opportunity to invest at the same price and Unbound says it prefers the new proposal.
Womenswear retailer Sosandar (SOS) reported improving revenues and margins, although pre-tax was lower than expected in March. Full year pre-tax profit is still expected to be £1.6m and it could be more than £3m in 2023-24. More partnerships with other retailers are likely to be secured.
Currency and payment services provider Argentex (AGFX) says nine months revenues were 63% ahead at £41m, although the underlying operating profit fell from £11m to £9m. # Net cash is £26.2m. The final dividend will be 2.25p a share. The year end is being changed from March to December.
Legal services provider Ince (INCE) is appointing Quantuma as administrator after a major creditor will no longer support the business.
It does not appear that there will be anything left for shareholders when the sales of the remaining subsidiaries of MJ Hudson (MJH) are completed.
MAIN MARKET
Property investor Town Centre Securities (TOWN) has sold part of the Whitehall Riverside development in Leeds and reinvested some of the cash to acquire the 50% it does not own in build to rent company Belgravia Living. The disposal raised £13m, compared with a book value of £10m. There was £3.5m spent to acquire the rest of Belgravia Living. Along with the initial investment, the book value of Belgravia Living is £10m and the net annual rental income is £920,000.
First Tin (LON: 1SN) still had £13.8m in the bank at the end of 2022 and this is enough to pursue the development activities at the two main tin projects until the end of 2023. Progress is being made with the definitive feasibility study at Taronga in Australia. A resource statement is expected in the next couple of months. There should be a resource update for Tellerhauser in Germany by July. This project is eligible to move straight to construction and the operational permitting process. This will reduce the development timeframe by up to 18 months.
A CVA has been approved for Mode Global Holdings (MODE) subsidiary Mode Global. The winding down of trading operations is progressing.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 3 April 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) reported an increase in revenues from £17.2m to £19.9m in 2022. The pre-tax profit improved from £3.6m to £4.5m. that reflects the operational gearing. All three parts of the business were profitable. In the cash of the Aquis Stock Exchange this was probably the first time it has made a profit in any of its incarnations. This was on the back of a 48% increase in issuer fees because of the 22 new companies joining the market.
Wine maker Chapel Down Group (CDGP) increased underlying pre-tax profit by 22% to £1.7m in 2022. Singer expects this profit level to be maintained in 2023 before more than doubling to £4m by 2026. Net cash is £3.3m. NAV is 38p a share.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) reported better than expected 2022 results. Pre-tax profit jumped from £4.6m to £20m and the dividend was raised by 11% to 42p a share. The loan book increased by 11% to £2.2bn. NAV is 1411p a share.
Good Energy (GOOD) 2022 revenues jumped from £146m to £248.7m as energy prices increased, while the energy supplier returned to profit. There was net cash of £19m at the end of 2022. The book value of Zap-Map is £13m. Management is seeking to expand its energy efficiency services operations.
Ananda Developments (ANA) published a medicinal cannabis research round-up. The sublingual spray shows promising results in diabetes type 2 patients. There has also been progress in explaining the mechanisms of action of CBD alleviating bladder pain syndrome. Shareholders voted for the acquisition of MRX Global.
A £289,000 interim cash outflow at Tectonic Gold (TTAU) was partly offset by the £101,000 of proceeds of the sale of shares in Kazera. There was net cash of £46,000 at the end of 2022.
Visum Technologies (VIS) made an interim loss of £457,000 on revenues of £120,000. The first US location for its theme park video technology was opened in November. Debt financing has been secured for rides and attractions. Existing sites in Europa Park and Linnanmaki will reopen in April. The financial position is expected to improve.
Valereum (VLRM) has sold shares in subsidiary Valereum Collections raising £70,500 at 625p a share. Valereum retains a 99.8% stake in the company, which will operate the group’s NFT programme. The Valereum share price dived 23.6% to 5.25p, which is a new low for the year.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $500,000 in Hydra Ventures, which supports and incubates decentralised autonomous organisations, in return for 5,000 HYDRA tokens. This is part of a $10m fundraising.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had net assets of 77.78p a share at the end of February 2023. There are 13 companies in the investment portfolio. Castlefield Investment Partners has reduced its stake from 45.9% to 42.1%.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has made a sale of a 1.5MWh energy storage system to STS Group for a solar storage project in Hungary.
ChallengerX (CXS) had £92,000 in cash at the end of 2022, and a £250,000 subscription announced in February has yet to be received. The development of the company’s marketing platform requires more money.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) has entered into an agreement with Vorensys for the use of the RentGuarantor services. Vorensys provides tenant referencing services.
CRUSHMETRIC Group Ltd (CUSH) has issued an unsecured convertible bond with a principal of S$250,000 (£151,000), which has a coupon of 10% and matures in February 2026.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) boss Mads Jensen bought 3,000 shares at an average price of 83p each.
Shares in Asimilar (ASLR) fell ahead of the trading suspension on 3 April due to the accounts not being published in time.
AIM
Scottish gold producer Scotgold Resources (SGZ) has been hit by falling ore grades at the Cononish gold mine. The average gold grade in January was 5.65g/t. compared with an estimated grade of 7.35g/t. A different part of the mine is being developed and the production process is being changed. Shore has its forecasts under review because of concerns about the financial position of the company.
Daisy Group is making an agreed bid for ECSC (ECSC), which values the cyber security services provider at £5.4m. The bid is 54.02p for each share in cash. ECSC joined AIM at the end of 2016, when it raised £5m at 167p a share.
Cameroon-focused oil and gas company Bowleven (BLVN) had $2.45m in cash and investments at the end of 2022 and it is considering its options for raising more money. Bowleven will need cash to invest in the Etinde project, although there will not be progress there until Perenco completes the purchase of New Age’s operating interest. Bowleven’s interest in Etinde is estimated to be worth more than $150m.
Footwear retailer Unbound Group (UBG) has received a 10.5p a share potential offer from WoolOvers Group. There would also be a contingent value right that would give shareholders the proceeds of any insurance claim related to business interruptions due to Covid lockdowns. Unbound management says it would be likely to accept this offer. The recent fundraising was at 15p.
Building and architecture software supplier Eleco (ELCO) reported 2022 results that were the first 12 months of an 18-month period where the switch to a focus on SaaS is holding back revenues, which dipped 3% to £26.6m. Pre-tax profit was better than expected at £3.6m and net cash was £12.5m. The final dividend is 0.5p a share with a special dividend of 0.58p a share on top. This year’s pre-tax profit is expected to be £3.8m.
Sustainable fuels developer Velocys (VLS) has risen on the back of the latest UK government consultation paper on sustainable aviation fuel, which identifies the Fischer Tropsch process as part of the main technology. This can be supplied by Velocys, which has active projects in the UK and US.
Video games developer tinyBuild (TBLD) is investing in new games, so there has been a reduction in net cash. However, the strong back catalogue means that the business is resilient and not dependent on one game becoming a hit.
MAIN MARKET
Used car finance and property bridging loans provider S&U (SUS) reported full year results in line with expectations. In the year to January 2023, underlying pre-tax profit dipped from £47m to £41.4m, after higher bad debt provisions of £13.9m. Even so, the provision is still relatively low. Used car prices continue to rise, but at a lower rate than early last year. Net debt was £192.4m at the end of January 2023, compared with committed facilities of £210m. The dividend was raised to 133p a share.
Standard list shell Marwyn Acquisition Company II (MAC2) has appointed former Curtis Banks Group chief executive Will Self as the chief executive – pensions division. This year, AIM-quoted Curtis Banks was acquired for 350p a share in cash by Nucleus Financial Platforms, which valued the SIPP administrator at £242m. Will Self will lead the search for suitable financial services acquisitions. The strategy has been further refined to include themes including changing population demographics, intergenerational wealth transfer, social and family support and concentration of wealth.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 July 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
In the six months to March 2022, S-Ventures (SVEN) reported an increase in revenues from £1.5m to £4.1m, although it remains loss making. The full benefits of acquisitions and the consolidation of warehousing has yet to show through. Even so, VSA has cut its 2021-22 revenues forecast from £11m to £9.4m S-Ventures will continue to lose money.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) improved interim underlying pre-tax profit from £6.5m to £10.7m. NAV is 1300p a share. The interim dividend is 17p a share. Customer loans increased by 5% to £2.1bn. Assets under management dipped to £1.3bn after the decline in stockmarkets. A West End long leasehold property has been sold at a value of £60m and a yield of 3.75%.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) has acquired Bournemouth seaside bar and restaurant Urban Reef. This takes the total number of pubs owned by the Faversham-based brewer to 300.
Psych Capital (PSY) says that investee company Awakn Life Sciences has received C$2.5m of UK government funding for the phase III trial for a ketamine-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorder. Awakn will finance the other C$1.25m cost of the trial.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) is selling Orca Doors for £1. That gets rid of net liabilities of £751,000 and continued cash outflows. The fire door supplier has been hit by lockdowns and requires additional investment.
Ananda Developments (ANA) subsidiary DJT Plants has successfully self-crossed the first generation of cannabis plants. This will continue for six generations. The performance of various cannabis cultivars is being assessed.
AQRU (AQRU) subsidiary Accru Finance is partnering with Quickbit, a Sweden-based fintech, which will offer the Accru yield generating products to its customers.
Black Sea Property (BSP) has completed the purchase of Star Mil EOOD for a total consideration of Euro5.15m. The company owns a Black Sea hotel complex. A loan of Euro4.2m helped to finance the purchase.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has made its first sales of Shinju Japanese whisky to Austria and Switzerland.
Lombard Odier has reduced its stake in Chapel Down Group (CDGP) from 9.97% to 4.99%. Mark Horrocks has increased his stake in Quetzal Capital (QTZ) from 5.3% to 6%. A company related to Marula Mining (MARU) chief executive Jason Brewer has acquired 100,000 shares at 2.75p each.
Oscillate (MUSH) has acquired 2.5 million warrants in fully listed Dev Clever (DEV) for £250,000. The warrants are exercisable at 1p each up until 21 January 2024. Dev Clever is currently undertaking a reverse takeover.
AIM
Business restructuring business Begbies Traynor (BEG) increased underlying pre-tax profit from £11.5m to £17.8m in the year to April 2022. This was a combination of acquisitions and organic growth. The dividend has been increased from 3p a share to 3.5p a share. Net cash improved from £3m to £4.7m. Insolvencies are increasing, although the higher margin administrations are still relatively low. This could change over the next year or so, making the outlook positive.
Credit provider Morses Club (MCL) says an increasing level of customer redress claims means that it is considering a scheme of arrangement. This could provide certainty about the potential total level of claims over a set period. Management is talking with the FCA. The scheme would have to be approved by the majority of claimants. There will be an additional provision of £45m in the 2021-22 accounts and underlying pre-tax profit could be below £3.5m. Tighter controls mean that sales are declining, and Morses Club won’t make a profit in 2022-23. Fewer competitors could help Morses Club recover in the following year.
Disinfection products supplier Tristel (TSTL) announced a special dividend of 3p a share on top of a final dividend of 3.93p a share. Full year revenues are 4% ahead at £28.4m and adjusted pre-tax profit is 12% higher at £4.5m. The second half was stronger as more patient procedures have been undertaken. FDA approval for the Duo ULT could be achieved next year.
Footwear supplier Unbound Group (UBG) announced a fundraising generating £3.3m at a heavily discounted 15p a share. An open offer, which closes on 8 August, could raise up to £1m more. The footwear supplier is launching an online platform to sell third party branded products to a database of 4.6 million individuals. The cash will help to finance the expansion.
Stanley Gibbons (SGI) intends to cancel its AIM quotation. Graham Shircore is stepping down as chief executive in September and he will be replaced by Tom Pickford. The largest shareholder Phoenix SG believes it is better to cancel the quotation considering the limited free float and additional costs. The 58% shareholder also says that it would reconsider its financial support if shareholders do not agree to the cancelation. Stanley Gibbons remains loss making.
In-content advertising company Mirriad Advertising (MIRI) expects flat revenues in 2022 because of weak market conditions in China. The Chinese operations will be closed next year and that will save annualised costs of £1m. That is on top of the £2.5m of annualised savings expected for the business as a whole. Interim revenues have halved, although US revenues increased. There is £17.7m in the bank and cash should be higher than previously expected at the end of 2022. Cash outflows are still significant, though.
Window fittings supplier Titon (TON) says that supply problems with raw materials and components exacerbated by cost inflation have led to a reduction in margins. There have also been problems with IT, so this year’s figures will be lower than expectations. South Korea sales are disappointing but there should be a small profit contribution.
Restructuring services provider FRP Advisory (FRP) increased revenues from £79m to £95.2m in the year to April 2022, with 11% organic growth. Pre-tax profit improved from £21.2m to £23.1m. There are signs that administrations are starting to increase and that will boost demand for services.
Cambridge Cognition (COG) directors are buying shares following yesterday’s trading update. Chief executive Matthew Stork and finance chief Stephen Symonds each bought 22.950 shares at 113p each. The latter did not previously own shares. The digital brain health products developer increased interim revenues by 31% to £5.9m. The order book is worth £18.6m. There was a small profit and £8.6m in the bank at the end of June 2022.
The merger between Tern (TERN) and Pires Investments (PIRI) is not going ahead because not enough of the latter’s shareholders voted for it. Tern wants to generate cash from exiting one or more of its investments as soon as it is feasible. There will not be any new investments until there is a realisation of an investment, although there are likely to be commitments to existing investments that may mean a fundraising will be required.
An independent decision means that Newcrest Mining can pay $60m to Greatland Gold (GGP) to take up an option to acquire a further 5% stake in the Havieron project. Given the progress that has been made on the project over the past year this is an attractive price, and it is likely to take up the option. The cash will pay off the $50m loan facility from Newcrest and leave money for further investment. Greatland Gold will still own 25% of Havieron.
MAIN MARKET
Palace Capital (PCA) is changing its strategy. It was originally going to reinvest the cash from the sale of its industrial property assets into new regional office investments. Shareholder feedback means that the potential £46.5m raised from the disposal of the industrial portfolio and other non-core assets, after repayment of related debt, will be distributed in dividends or paid back via a tender offer. Three non-exec directors have resigned.
Kin + Carta (KCT) says revenues grew 48% in the year to July 2022. Peel Hunt has upped its 2021-22 pre-tax profit forecast from £16.6m to £16.9m. Net debt is estimated at £2.5m. Kelly Manthey will be taking over as chief executive.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 4 July 2022
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AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) issued a full year trading statement, and it is set to return to profit in 2021-22. The Kent-based brewer and pubs operator says revenues are recovering. Net debt was reduced from £93.2m to £75.3m by the end of June 2022. The estimated 2021-22 pre-tax profit is £7.2m and it is expected to improve to £9.6m in 2022-23.
Chief marketing officer Mark Harvey is leaving Chapel Down Group (CDGP). He has been with the wine maker for six years.
Energy storage technology developer Invinity Energy Systems (IES) generated revenues of £3.2m in 2021 and reported a substantial loss. VSA has cut its forecast 2022 revenues from £26.5m to £14.1m. There are already contracts that have been secured that are valued at £13.8m. The loss is expected to reduce from £21.3m to £17.9m. There should still be net cash of £10m by the end of 2022.
Visum Technologies (VIS) raised £601,000 at 14p a share ahead of its admission to Aquis on Thursday. Visum is the operator of an on-ride video camera system sold or licenced to theme parks, souvenir producers and ride operators. The share price opened at 12p before recovering to 14p
The technology investment company Asimilar (ASLR) reported interim figures, which show a £10.6m loss due to a sharp decline in the Dev Clever Holdings share price, which is currently suspended. Net assets were 25.3p a share at the end of March 2022.
Blockchain and digital assets investor KR1 (KR1) says net assets were 423% higher at 122.68p a share at the end of 2021, but that figure is likely to be lower now given the weak cryptocurrency market this year. There was £3.49m in cash on the balance sheet.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) is waiting for the FDA’s response to the request for breakthrough technology designation before filing a 510k FDA submission for tis Cervi-LOK screwless spinal stabilisation system.
Trading in British Honey (BHC) shares was suspended at the end of the week because it has not published 2021 figures.
AIM
A further downgrade for Shield Therapeutics (STX) after its 2021 figures. Most of the 2021 revenues of £1.5m were generated in Europe and not the important US market for the Accrufer iron deficiency treatment. The latest figures show some progress in US Accrufer revenues with first quarter Accrufer prescriptions double the number in the fourth quarter of 2022, taking the total prescriptions for the quarter to more than 3,900. finnCap has reduced its 2022 forecast for US revenues from £8.1m to £6.3m thereby reducing total group revenues from £9.9m to £8.1m.
Shareholders in plant-based polymers developer Itaconix (ITX) have voted against the reappointment of two non-executive directors, including Charlean Gmunder, who was appointed on 19 April this year, and the Itaconix 2022 Equity Participation Plan for non-employees, where 79.16% of votes were against. First half revenues are substantially ahead of the previous record level.
Employee benefits services and insurance provider Personal Group (PGH) has acquired Quintage Consulting Group for £900,000 in cash. This is an employee reward and recognition consultancy providing things such as pay benchmarking surveys.
Footwear supplier Unbound Group (LSE: UBG) says trading has been in line with expectations following a good start to the year to January 2022. The multi-brand platform, that will exploit the extensive database that the company has built up, will launch on 28 July. There are 14 partner brands signed up, including Hush Puppies, and Sketchers.
IG Design Group (IGR) has started to improve operational efficiency in order to move back into profit. Higher freight and supply chain costs hit the business last year. Full year revenues increased from $873.2m to $965.1m, but an underlying pre-tax profit of $32.8m was turned into a loss of $1.3m. A modest rise in revenues is forecast for this year. The order book is already 71% of this year’s budgeted revenues.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) has reported that first half sales are 30% ahead at more than £24m and gross margin has improved.
MAIN MARKET
Standard list shell Alteration Earth (ALTE) is seeking an acquisition in the clean technology or energy sectors. The plan is to do this within 24 months of admission. The shell raised a total o £1.26m by issuing nine million shares at 4p each and nine million shares at 10p each. The share price ended the first day of trading at 30p, but the bid offer spread was 10p/50p. The deal would need to make the enlarged group worth a minimum of £30m.
Hamak Gold Ltd (HAMA) says two rock chip samples from the Nimba licence in Liberia show grades of 45.5g/t and 37.3g/t. These are located where gold in soil anomalies were reported. There are assays to come from channel sampling of surface exposures.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 7 February 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
SuperSeed Capital Ltd (WWW) raised £2m at 100p a share in order to invest in UK based seed technology companies alongside a related fund. The share price ended the week at 70p (65p/75p). The directors can issue up to 50 million additional shares up until 27 January 2027.
Samarkand Global (SMK) says that trading conditions in China will hamper progress for the rest of this financial year. Covid restrictions have hit trading during the Chinese New Year period. Revenues will be lower than expected and higher investment will increase the expected loss. Recent deals will help Samarkand grow in the longer-term, but there are also forecast reductions for the next two years. VSA no longer expects Samarkand to make a pre-tax profit in 2022-23.
Gunsynd (GUN) investee company Low6 has raised $5m and the sports betting platform company agreed to reverse into a Canadian shell, which will list on the TSX Venture Exchange. Gunsynd has raised A$493,000 (£260,000) from the sale of part of its stake in ASX-listed Charger Metals Ltd. This has raised the initial investment and left Gunsynd holding three million shares.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) is selling its A ordinary shares in The Homebuilding Centre back to the company in five tranches. There will be a minimum payment of £50,000 a year. This guarantees Capital for Colleagues will receive its initial investment of £250,000. It still owns 15% of the ordinary shares.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) has raised £4.2m at 20.5p a share via a placing and subscription. A one-for-20 open offer could raise up to £1.52m. Cadence has to invest $6m in two stages to take a 27% stake in the Amapa iron ore project in Brazil.
CBD products supplier Love Hemp Group (LIFE) is attempting to raise £2m at 1p a share and still plans to move to the Main Market in the first quarter of 2022. There are also plans to swap shares for debt. The company is moving to a new facility consolidating all the activities. Chairman Andrew Male and chief executive Tony Calamita, along with others, will accept their remuneration in shares until June 2022. This reduces the cash outflow.
Property investor Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) increased its interim pre-tax profit from £674,000 to £755,000. That is after a loss on disposal of £315,000, although fair value losses reduced from £200,000 to £100,000. Rental income fell 3% to £2.89m. There are £3.05m of assets held for sale. Net assets were 333.1m at the end of October 2021, while net debt is £50.4m.
AQRU (AQRU) has acquired Bison Exchange UAB for €30,000. The acquisition has changed its name to Accru Finance. The company can provide virtual currency exchange and wallet custody operations in Lithuania.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $5m in Starry Night Capital, which is building a portfolio of high-profile non-fungible tokens.
Pioneer Media Holdings (PNER) has completed the acquisition of Bark Ventures, a NFT play-to-earn game developer, for 2.86 million shares.
Western Selection (WESP) has cut its stake in Northbridge Industrial Services (NBI) from 6.21% to 4.74% while Harwood Capital has increased its holding from 20.4% to 22.56%.
Helium Ventures (HEV) had £704,000 in cash at the end of October 2021. That is after a A$400,000 investment in Blue Star Helium, which has exploration projects in North America.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) is still talking to potential investee companies. It owns 199,993 shares in Arqit Quantum, which has a contract with Virgin Orbit that covers two satellite launches.
Minerals explorer Altona Rare Earths (ANR) plans to continue to develop its rare earths projects Mozambique and Malawi to bankable feasibility study stage, as well as reviewing another acquisition that could be completed by the summer.
BWA Group (BWAP) reports that exploration of the 90%-owned mineral sands projects in Cameroon shows promising returns of rutile, ilmenite, kyanite and zircon over continuous zones.
Valereum (VLRM) has secured a $10m funding facility and this will help to finance the acquisition of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange. It has drawn down $3m which has to be repaid in six months of it can be converted into shares at 36.82p each, which is just below the current share price of 38p. There were also 663,302 warrants issued exercisable at 33.47p.
Clean Invest Africa (CIA) has raised £100,000 at 0.5p a share, with each two shares granted one warrant exercisable at 1.5p each.
AIM
NWF (NWF) reported a jump in interim profit. The fuel and food distribution businesses traded strongly with the former benefiting from concerns about supply shortages last autumn. The feeds business fell into loss, partly due to the loss of a distributor, and there was a £8.4m asset write down. Stripping out that exceptional, underlying pre-tax profit jumped from £2.5m to £4.3m. NWF maintained its interim dividend at 1p a share. Net debt was £7.4m at the end of November 2021. Management is seeking fuel distribution acquisitions to add to the regional network.
Wynnstay Group (WYN) has continued its record of increasing its dividend with an 18th consecutive rise. The total dividend improved from 14.6p a share to 15.5p a share. In the year to October 2021, underlying pre-tax profit was 37% higher at £11.4m. NAV is 525p a share. Wynnstay has increased market share in the feeds market, particularly for dairy and egg production. Agricultural merchanting operations benefited from the improved spending power of farmers. There could be a dip in profit this year.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) improved its interim results and this led to an upgrade in full year forecasts. First half revenues were 57% ahead at £60m and it moved back into profit. Equipment usage levels have risen sharply. Net cash is £3.5m and this is enabling an increase in investment in new equipment. Van Elle had an order book of £39m at the end of 2021. Peel Hunt has increased its full year pre-tax profit forecast from £3m to £3.3m.
Hercules Site Services (HERC) originally raised £4m at 50.5p a share. The existing shareholder also raised £4m. Cirencester-based Hercules Site Services provides construction workers with a wide range of skills including carpenters, bricklayers, ground workers, security and site engineers. It also hires out suction excavators and sometimes there are cross selling opportunities with the labour supply business. More suction excavators are being acquired this year and there should be 20 following this fundraising. Demand for staff for infrastructure projects is increasing.
Electra Private Equity has sold all but one of its core investments, changed its name to Unbound Group (UBG) and moved to AIM. The remaining core business is footwear business Hotter. This is a direct to consumer business, although there are still 23 retail stores, down from 78 three years ago. One of Unbound’s main assets is its customer database. It hopes that selling additional products to that customer base will significantly improve profitability. The first sales of third-party products through the company’s website will be in the second quarter of 2022. The plan is to generate 50% of profit from these products.
Franchised lettings and estate agency business Belvoir Group (BLV) enjoyed a strong end to the year even though the stamp duty holiday ended in the autumn. The 2021 pre-tax profit forecast has been raised from £9.6m to £10m, while the £8.9m forecast for 2022 is maintained at £8.9m.
The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) continued to make strong progress in the fourth quarter despite the ending of the stamp duty holiday. There was a like-for-like increase of 26% in revenues, while the acquisition of Hunters Property meant that they more than doubled to £24.1m.
Freight forwarder and logistics company Xpediator (XPD) achieved 2021 revenues of more than £300m, compared with forecasts of £250m. The pre-tax profit will be much more than £8.5m.
MAIN MARKET
Shipbroker Braemar Shipping Services (BMS) says that 2021-22 revenues will be at least £101m because the strong first half trading has continued into the second six months to February 2022. Operating profit should be at least £9.8m, up from £7.7m. Talks continue about the disposal of Cory Brothers.
Constellation Automotive has taken a 19.9% stake in motor dealer Lookers (LOOK) at the same time as it is completing its takeover of Marshall Motor. This will put Constellation in a strong position if there is a takeover battle for Lookers.
Hiro Metaverse Acquisitions 1 (HMA1) is a SPAC seeking acquisitions in video games, esports and other related areas. It raised £115m at £10 a unit (one share and 0.5 of a warrant).
Andrew Hore