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Quoted Micro 8 November 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
There are three companies on the shortlist of the AQSE company of the year award at the Small Cap Awards 2021. They are medical IT provider DXS International (DXSP), oncology and dermatology treatments developer Incanthera (INC) and Kent-based wine maker Chapel Down Group (CDGP).
Brewer Daniel Thwaites (THW) was hampered by lockdowns in the six months to September 2021, but they were not as bad as in the first half of the previous year. Revenues increased from £221.8m to £47.8m, while the business returned to profit with £7.5m before tax. Net debt was £61.4m at the end of September 2021. Government support has come to an end and there are inflationary pressures, only partly offset by beer duty changes.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) is a shell focused on quantum technology and predominantly companies in NATO countries. There are no other quoted companies offering a potential investment in this sector. The plan is to put together a portfolio of quantum technology company investments, which are most likely to be at the seed or early stage. Quantum computing uses the laws of quantum physics to increase the speed of computation. Nearly £2.5m was raised after expenses at 5p and the share price ended the week at 6.625p (6.25p/7p). The NAV is 1.65p a share, so the current share price is more than four times that level. Helium Special Situations has taken a 4.57% stake.
Kashei Holdings (KASH) intends to build up a portfolio of investments in cryptocurrencies and blockchain. The portfolio will include digital assets, listed investments, venture capital opportunities and staking digital assets into liquidity smart contracts and perform staking services. There should be around £3.7m available for investment, although 10% of that will be required for working capital, following the placing at 16p a share. The current mid-price is 20.25p (19.5p/21p). Pro forma NAV is 13.1p a share.
Samarkand Group (SMK) is acquiring Napiers the Herbalists, which it has been trading with for three years. The initial consideration is £1.7m in cash with deferred consideration of £100,000. There is also contingent consideration of up to $700,000. In the year to March 2021, revenues were £1m and EBITDA was £240,000.
All Star Minerals (ASMO) signed exclusive heads of terms with a company with gemstone assets and another company with diamond assets. It has terminated the gemstone deal and extended the potential diamond deal. The potential acquisition has white and coloured diamonds and an off-take and financing agreement. Ian Harebottle, the interim chief executive of All Star Minerals, owns 25% of the diamond company.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has signed heads of terms to acquire Aftech, which is a sheet metal fabrication company that fits in with existing subsidiaries. Aftech has net assets of £780,000 and net debt of £90,000. Full year revenues are estimated to be £1m with EBITDA of £175,000. Vulcan will pay £1.55m in shares and this may represent 21.5% of the enlarged share capital.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has submitted a request to the FDA to consider the Cervi-LOK system as a breakthrough device technology. That would enable the device to generate higher margins.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) had crypto assets of $4.22m at the beginning of November 2021. That is more than double the value at the end of June.
Rutherford Health (RUTH) increased interim revenues by 36% to £4.85m in the six months to August 2021. September revenues were more than £1m. More oncologists have been trained to use the company’s technology. Rutherford Health will continue to lose money.
Pioneer Media Inc (PNER) has acquired CryptoPunk 8869 for $433,700.
Asia Wealth Group Holdings (AWLP) increased interim revenues from $894,000 to $940,000, while pre-tax profit improved from $117,000 to $123,000. There was $1.36m in the bank at the end of August 2021.
AIM
Online electrical retailer Marks Electrical (MRK) specialises in kitchen appliance, audio visual products and small electrical appliances and has been growing its share of the market. Since 2014, Marks Electrical has increased its market share from 0.41% to 1.22%. A placing raised £2.63m after expenses at 110p each and shareholders sold shares worth £25m. The company’s warehouse has enough capacity to cope with revenues of £180m, more than treble last year’s level. The shares ended the first day at 110.5p.
Devolver Digital Inc (DEVO) is the latest video games publisher to join AIM. The Delaware-based company’s original focus has been indie games produced by third parties, but more recently it has been acquiring companies with their own IP. The cash raised by the company in the placing will be used to acquire strategic partners and finance the development of third party and in-house games. Nearly £30m was raised after expenses and the price has risen from the placing price of 157p to 187.5p. The overall video games market is forecast to grow from $177.8bn to $218.7bn in 2024.
Escape rooms operator Escape Hunt (ESC) is acquiring Boom Battle Bars, which offers competitive socialising activities along with drinks and food. The total cost is £17.38m, with £9.88m in cash and deferred consideration of up to 25 million shares. The shares are subject to an earn-out based on revenues number of sites open. Escape Hunt raised £15m at 30p a share and could raise up to £2.2m from a one-for-12 open offer at the same share price. The acceptance date is 19 November. The enlarged group will be renamed XP Factory.
Self-storage sites operator Lok’nStore (LOK) had a much more significant than forecast uplift in its NAV at the end of July 2021. It increased from 555.5p a share to 731.1p a share. This year the dividend has been raised by 2p a share to 15p a share. The additional sites in progress will add 38% to space over the next few years.
Bleepa communications technology developer Feedback (FDBK) is raising £10m in a placing at 0.7p a share to take advantage of opportunities and finally build up revenues. There is also a one-for-15 open offer to existing shareholders that can raise up to £500,000 more. The CareLocker technology that is being piloted in Sussex could be a game changer. Combined with Bleepa it can store patient records individually in the cloud instead of in one place where it is easier to hack.
Gensource Potash (GSP) was already quoted on the Toronto Venture Exchange before joining AIM, and its focus is the Tugaske potash project in Canada. Gensource owns 67% of the vehicle that owns the project and has arranged finance to cover the C$352m cost of building the mine. The Tugaske project’s proven and probable mineral reserve is 14.1 million tonnes and there is a likely minimum expected mine life of more than 56 years, based on annual production of 250,000 tonnes of saleable muriate of potash. The share price ended the first day at 27.5p.
Remote tracking and monitoring technology provider Starcom (STAR) is changing its name to t42 IoT Tracking Solutions and rebranding its products. There will also be an eight-for-one share consolidation.
MAIN MARKET
In the six months to August 2021, Braemar Shipping Services (BMS) revenues grew by 11% to £47.4m, while pre-tax profit improved from £4.47m to £4.92m. The order book is 28% ahead at $55.5m. Net debt has fallen to £14.7m. There is a 2p a share interim dividend.
IT services provider Triad Group (TRD) reported a decline in interim revenues, but pre-tax profit jumped from £1,000 to £670,000. There is a 2p a share interim dividend. There is cash of £5.34m. high utilisation levels are continuing.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 October 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Lush co-founder Andrew Gerrie plans to float a new shell called Silverwood Brands on the Aquis Stock Exchange. The strategy is to acquire and develop consumer brands and pay with shares and cash. Hotel Chocolat (HOTC) founder Angus Thirlwell is an adviser. Silverwood Brands was formed in August. There are currently 100 shares, which were issued at par value of 1p. A pre-IPO subscription of £1m recently closed.
Boanerges (BNRG) has agreed to acquire the business and assets of digital ecommerce company WeShop, where AIM-quoted Brandshield Systems (BRSD), Vela Technologies (VELA), Primorus Investments (PRIM) and IamFire (FIRE) are shareholders. The payment will be 33.33 million shares at 75p each, compared with a market price of 77p, following a May flotation at 20p a share. Boanerges intends to leave Aquis and join the JP Jenkins matched bargain facility. Boanerges is offering to acquire any shares bought since the Aquis flotation at 75p each. Boanerges believes it has the cash it requires to develop the WeShop business, and it may seek a listing in the future.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) says customer deposits have increased by 19% to £2.8bn so far this year, while loans have risen by one-quarter to £1.97bn. Assets under management are 14% higher at £1.3bn.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has sold its investment in Office for Public Management for £469,000, having invested £250,000.
Dispersion Holdings (DEFI) has acquired Accru Finance for £8.75m in the form of 250 million shares. The vendors will own 29% of Dispersion and the founders Philip Blows and Digby Try will join the Dispersion board. The former will become chief executive. Accru is developing cryptocurrency trading platform, which is yet to get FCA approval.
Altona Rare Earths (ANR) has agreed to acquire a 51% interest in the Chambe rare earths project in Malawi and this new deal is likely to delay the move to the standard list. An initial payment of one million shares will be held in escrow until the exploration licence is transferred to a new company in which Altona can increase its interest to 70%.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) reported revenues of £5.23m in the year to March 2021. There was a loss of £3.42m. Net debt is £3.4m.
There was a £891,000 cash outflow at Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP) in the six months to July 2021. There is still £1.77m in the bank.
AIM
Bens Creek Group (BEN) has acquired coking coal mining assets in West Virginia, and it believes it can restart production before the end of 2021. The estimated coal resources are 17.2 million in-place tons with proven and probable reserves of 2.34 million tons. Bens Creek raised £5.8m, after expenses, at 10p a share when it joined AIM. Bens Creek announced an offtake agreement for washed Hi-Vol-B metallurgical coal with Integrity Coal Sales, which has agreed to take 22,000 US short ton of coal each month for a 12-month period. This deal starts in January and covers 50% of expected production volumes. The current market price is $277/short ton and the price paid will depend on the market price at the time. This deal sparked an uptick in the share price, which reached 13.25p by the end of the week.
Devon-based Tungsten West (TUN) is developing the Hemerdon tungsten and tine mine near Plymouth and it joined AIM during the week. The share price ended the week at 63p, up from the 60p at which £39m was raised before expenses. Hemerdon was previously owned by Wolf Minerals, which went into administration, and acquired by Tungsten West two years ago. There had previously been more than £170m invested in the mine. There is an estimated mineral resource of 325Mt at 0.12% tungsten. A bankable feasibility study was completed in March.
Disinfection products supplier Tristel (TSTL) reported lower revenues and profit but that was down to stockpiling in the comparative period. Revenues were 2% lower at £31m, while pre-tax profit fell by one-quarter to £5.4m, which is similar to the 2018-19 level. Profit growth should recommence this year, but it will take time to beat the 2019- 20 figure. Tristel is shedding non-core products, which will reduce costs. Progress continues with US product approvals.
ASX-listed Future Metals (FME) did not raise any cash when it gained a secondary quotation on AIM. The share price ended the first day of trading at 12.25p and then fell to 10.5p. The company was previously quoted on AIM as Red Emperor Resources and has returned following the acquisition of 100% of the Panton PGM project in Western Australia. There is definitely a resource. A bankable feasibility study was completed by previous owners in September 2003, and it was reviewed in 2011. There is a JORC mineral resource of 14.3Mt at 5.2g/t PGM and 2.4m ounces of gold. There is also nickel, cobalt and copper mineralisation.
Solid State (SOLI) has an order book at record levels. The order book has increased by 48% to £61.5m with orders stretching further ahead than in the past. Interim pre-tax profit is estimated to have risen from £2.6m to £3.3m. Operating margins benefited from a change in product mix.
Internet domain name registry and services provider CentralNic (CNIC) is continuing to perform ahead of expectations. Organic growth was 29% in first nine months of this year. CentralNic expects full year EBITDA of at least $32m, up from $22.1m in 2020.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) is trading in line with expectations of achieving a full year underlying operating profit of at least £39m. Revenues are 36% higher than the 2020 figure. Gross margins are slightly lower due to cost pressures.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 6 September 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Rutherford Healthcare (RUTH) says a UK investor has agreed to acquire 19 million shares at 65p each. That will raise £12.35m. Rutherford is also issuing 64 million shares to acquire UAE-based Proton Partners International Health Care Investments, which owns the Gulf International Cancer Center in Abu Dhabi.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has made a new investment in Craft Prospect, a Glasgow-based satellite engineering business. There will be £800,000 invested in ordinary shares for a 11.3% stake. The cash will be used for recruitment and product development.
VSA Capital Group plans to join the Aquis Stock Exchange on 9 September. It was previously quoted on AIM, although it cancelled the quotation in April 2013. London-based VSA provides corporate finance and broking services and has an office in Shanghai. In the year to March 2021, the main subsidiary VSA Capital increased revenues from £2.14m to £2.98m and pre-tax profit jumped from £278,000 to £746,000. Group net assets were £4m at the end of March 2021.
Polygon Global Partners has increased its bid for Watchstone Group (WTG) to 38p a share, up from 34p a share, which values the company at £17.5m. Watchstone still believes the bid is too low. In the middle of August 2021, there was £14.1m in the bank and £1.8m in escrow. There are potential litigation claims on top of that.
KR1 (KR1) has participated in the Moonriver (MOVR) crowdloan and Kusama (KSM) parachain auction. KR1 contributed 5,000 KSM to the crowdloan auction. In return KR1 has received 19,666,35 MOVR and will receive a further 45,888.15 over 48 weeks. KR1 has already sold 15,643.19 MOVR in return for 5,162.25 KSM. KR1 also invested $500,000 in return for Exponent (XPN) tokens. Exponent is an open source platform.
In the year to December 2020, MiLOC Group Ltd (ML.P) increased revenues from HK$15.4m to $20.5m and it moved from loss to a profit of HK$6.22m. The healthcare company sharply reduced its distribution costs and other admin expenses. This reflected the termination of an endorsement agreement and a write-back of a previous over provision for fees.
First half revenues of Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) were $2.78m, with $2.18m generated in the second quarter. The interim loss was $5.5m.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has identified seven targets at the Cottesloe project in Western Australia.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) has launched an issue of €25m 4.8% five-year bonds that will be listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange. They will help to refinance existing bonds.
Evrima (EVA) is raising £720,000 at 5p a share plus warrants to subscribe for shares at 10p each. This will finance investments in existing investee companies and new investments.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised a further £163,000 at 1.7003p a share.
AIM
Capital equipment manufacturer Mpac (MPAC) had a strong first half with a combination of acquisitive and organic growth in the Americas. Revenues were one-fifth higher at £44.2m, with organic growth of 2%. Pre-tax profit was 88% higher at £4.7m. Net cash was £10.3m at the end of June 2021. Healthcare and food have been the main markets for the company’s packaging and automation equipment, but a new contract has been signed to supply battery cell assembly equipment. The full year pre-tax profit forecast has been upgraded to £8.2m.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) is returning £26m to shareholders following the recent disposal of Quickline. That will be 45p a share in cash via the issue of B shares by October. There should still be net cash of £1.7m at the ned of November 2021 with deferred consideration due next year. Interim revenues from continuing operations improved from £10.6m to £13.1m. Growth is coming from Australasia, but the Nordic region is expected to return to growth next year.
Mercia Asset Management (MERC) has made a £1.6m direct investment in Locate Bio, which had previously been backed by the manager’s funds. Locate Bio’s products help to accelerate the repair of bone and cartilage. The total of £10m raised by the company will be used to support trials of its technology.
Pennant International (PEN) says interim revenues improved by 17% thanks to a strong performance by the software division. The three-year contracted order book has fallen to £25m, but there are potential contracts in the pipeline. Pennant should return to profit this year.
Interim revenues have trebled to £820,000 at in-game digital advertising firm Bidstack (BIDS), but there is still a long way to go before it reaches profitability. Losses will continue in 2021 and 2022, although there is enough cash in the bank to cover these, following a £10.8m fundraising.
Trading at Manchester-based Northcoders (CODE) has been strong since the software training company joined AIM during the summer. Applications are 162% of 2019 levels and there is 90% revenue visibility for 2021. There are plans to open a new office in Birmingham.
Real-time financial data software provider Arcontech (ARC) reported flat full year revenues and pre-tax profit of £3m and £1.1m respectively. Even so, the dividend was raised by 10% to 2.75p a share.
Bangladesh Bank has approved the acquisition of a majority stake in Sanofi Bangladesh by Beximco Pharmaceuticals (BXP).
MAIN MARKET
Innovaderma (IDP) has completed its product portfolio review and medical device products have been classed as non-core. Packaging of core personal care products has been refreshed and they are available via Amazon. There are plans to use influencers to build sales.
Dealings have commenced in Caracal Gold (GCAT) following its acquisition of Kilmapesa gold mine. There are plans to increase production to 50,000 ounces of gold each year.
One Heritage Group (OHG) has become aware of financial issues with owned associate company One Heritage Maintenance, where it owns the equivalent of a 34% stake. The stake was valued at £285,000.
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.
MAIN MARKET
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 14 June 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Clarify Pharma (PSYC) joined the Access segment on 11 June and raised £1.96m at 2.5p a share. Prior to flotation, Clarify Pharma raised £100,000 at 0.1p a share and £1.19m at 1p a share. Pro forma NAV, after flotation expenses, is £2.97m. That is equivalent to 1p a share. Management includes Michael Edwards and Jonathan Bixby from NFT Investments (NFT) and other recent Aquis new admissions. Clarify Pharma will focus on investing in psychedelic medicine businesses and products in the UK and Canada. The share price ended the day at 2.875p (2.75p/3p).
Angelfish Investments (ANGP) is changing its Igraine (KING) and DiscovOre (ORE) is subscribing £2m at 2.5807p a share (post consolidation) for a 24.6% stake. Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi is a director of both companies. Angelfish will become a biotech and medtech investor and it will have co-investment rights with Excalibur Healthcare Services, which is run by Professor Sir Chris Evans. He will also become an Angelfish director. Angelfish will take a 2% stake in Excalibur Medicines Ltd, which has the rights to a potential drug for diabetics suffering from Covid-19. Angelfish will pay £600,000 in cash plus issue £500,000 of deferred shares at 5p each, which could be converted into ordinary shares is the trial of the potential Covid-19 treatment is successful. Every 1,000 existing shares will be consolidated into one new share.
Ananda Developments (ANA) plans to acquire 100% of cannabis grower DJT Plants Ltd. Ananda already owns 50% and it will issue 790.5 million shares, equivalent to £7.3m, to Anglia Salads for the other 50%. Stuart Piccaver will become joint chief executive of Ananda.
KR1 (KR1) has invested the equivalent of $4.45m in KSM tokens in Shiden Network, a smart contract platform on Kusama. Once the parachain auction is completed the KSM will be returned and KR1 will receive Shiden tokens. KR1 made a similar investment in the Karura crowdloan.
Rural Broadband (RBBS) has 2,571 monthly fee-paying clients for its broadband services. Annual run rate revenues are £820,000.
Veni Vidi Vici (VVV) had £272,000 in cash and NAV of £359,000 at the end of 2020. The company has since raised £220,000 at 50p a share. This will help finance the A$300,000 that the company has to spend over the next three years on the 51% owned Shangri La gold, copper and silver project.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) raised £100,000 at 1.675p a share.
Virgata Services has extended its bid for Walls & Futures REIT (WAFR) until 21 June. Acceptances currently total 9.3% of the share capital.
UK SPAC (SPC) has withdrawn its application for a move from AIM to Aquis.
AIM
NWF (NWF) is trading ahead of expectations and net debt will be lower than anticipated at the end of May 2021. The fuels division has a strong year thanks to the cold winter. The food distribution business improved its trading, but the unstable patterns of demand are hampering profit. Feed margins were under pressure.
AB Traction has increased its stake in construction dispute and property services provider Driver Group (DRV) from 17.32% to 18.27%. That was after Driver reported a 11% decline in revenues to £25m, while underlying pre-tax profit fell from £1.3m to £1m. The comparatives were tough, but gross margins were maintained at 25.6%. Europe and the Americas performed strongly, but the other regions lost money. Net cash was £7.2m at the end of March 2021. A full year pre-tax profit of £2m, down from £2.5m, is forecast.
Cambria Automotive (CAMB) is recommending an 80p a share cash bid, which values the motor dealer at £80m.
Mind Gym (MIND) is increasing its development spending on digital assets, but the benefits are yet to show through. Even so, the learning and development services company returned to profit in the second half. Revenues began growing again in the fourth quarter. In the year to March 2021, revenues were 18% lower at £39.4m, while underlying pre-tax profit slumped from £6.6m to £300,000. Even so, there was £5.9m of cash generated from operations. This level of cash generation will not be repeated, but advance payments mean that cash generation is impressive. There is £16.8m in the bank, after spending £2.8m on new digital products. Two of these products will launch later this year. The first quarter is well ahead of the same period last year.
Drug discovery company Redx Pharma (REDX) plans to move its main cancer treatment, RXC004, into phase 2 studies later this year after the phase 1 safety study is completed. This treatment is designed to prevent tumour growth. The main focus is colorectal, pancreatic and biliary cancer. Lung fibrosis treatment RXC007, the ROCK2 selective inhibitor, has started clinical trials. Redx still had £39.9m at the end of March 2021 and this cash should last until the end of 2022.
MAIN MARKET
JLEN Environmental Assets Group Ltd (JLEN) started investing in battery storage projects in the year to March 2021. JLEN generated £39.5m in cash from operations, up from £36.2m the year before. The proposed increase in UK corporation tax from 19% to 25% has reduced the NAV by around £20m due to its effect on deferred tax provisions. NAV was cut from 97.5p a share to 92.2p a share. The total dividend was 6.76p a share in 2020-21.
Associated British Engineering (ASBE) lost £49,000 in the six months to March 2021. NAV is £1.06m, including £383,000 in cash.
Sure Ventures (SURE) has raised £662,500 at 100p a share. The NAV was 92.06p a share at the end of March 2021.
Cellular Goods (CBX) has secured a supply agreement with Willow Biosciences, which will supply ultra-pure, biosynthetically-produced cannabigerol for use in the company’s cannabinoid-based skin care products.
Aircraft leasing firm Avation (AVAP) generated revenues of $91m in the nine months to March 2021. Key customers are starting to run more flights.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 24 May 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
British Virgin Islands-based Boanerges (BNRG) is a SPAC seeking to acquire technology companies involved in big data, machine learning, telematics and internet of things. Boanerges floated on 17 May 2021 when it raised £500,000 at 20p a share. In April, an initial £51,500 was raised at 0.1p a share and a further £75,000 was raised at 10p a share. That means that pro forma cash is equivalent to 1p a share. The shares are trading at 24.5p (23p/26p).
Bid expenses could cost Walls & Futures REIT (WAFR) up to £210,000. The 50p a share bid is rejected by the company’s board, which says that it represents a 51% discount to NAV and a 62% discount to the market value of its properties, after cash is deducted. Management is offering shareholders the opportunity to vote on a winding up of the company if the bid does not become unconditional. This would require 75% of the votes to be carried.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) continued to be hit by lockdowns in the six months to March 2021. Online demand for the beer brands remained strong and management says that bookings for pubs are building up since the lockdown was eased. There is even hope that people holidaying in the UK will boost its hotels.
Early Equity (EEQP) is acquiring Farina Investments, which provides services to the insolvency sector, for £1.9m in shares at 0.5p each. This is effectively a business that is involved in the acquisition and disposal of distressed assets. The deal will increase Early Equity’s stake in Lotto Studios, which is launching a social casino game with ITV Studios, to 20%. The deal also brings a 10% stake in life sciences company Pure Sea Nutrients. A further £90,000 has been raised in a placing at 0.5p a share.
The AGM has been postponed and there were some irregularities in the voting process.
Incanthera (INC) is continuing with discussions with two global cosmetic companies for its Sol skin cancer technology. The idea is to use Sol as a skin cream to protect sun damaged skin. Net cash was £960,000 at the end of March 2021. Incanthera recently raised £1.14m at 12p a share. There is enough cash to get into the second half of 2022. There could be an upfront payment from a deal, but the big money will take longer to be generated. More cash will be required to push ahead with other products.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) says that joint testing with Aion Therapeutic reveals that their combined formulations are effective in killing HER2+ breast cancer cells grown in 3D cell culture. HER2+ accounts for one-fifth of breast cancer. Apollon’s Jamaican medicinal cannabis formulations were particularly good at killing living HER2+ cancer cells directly.
Ananda Developments (ANA) says that its 50%-owned subsidiary DJT Plants has been granted a licence to grow >0.2% THC cannabis for research activities by the UK government. Building of the research facility will commence immediately. There will be 65 strains grown at the facility and plans to extract distil and isolate cannabis products. The business had previously grown cannabis for GW Pharma. The focus will be neuropathic pain, Parkinson’s Disease and epilepsy. Directors Charles Morgan and Melissa Sturgess have each been issued with 100 million shares as contingent consideration following the grant of the licence.
Gledhow Investments (GDH) had net assets of £2.35m at the end of March 2021, up from £907,000 12 months earlier. That includes £374,000 in cash.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) subsidiary M+G Olympic has won more than £500,000 of orders for swimming pools.
All Star Minerals (ASMO) is negotiating the acquisitions of a company with gemstone assets and another company with diamond assets. This is an area where the management team has experience. Further cash will need to be raised to complete due diligence.
NQ Minerals (NQMI) has raised a further £224,000 at 7p a share. Chief executive Walter Doyle has left the company. Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has raised £1.4m at 10p a share and each share has one-half of a warrant exercisable at 20p a share. Wishbone will refine the locations of drill targets at the Red Setter projects and then use the cash to finance the drilling. Sativa Wellness Inc (SWEL) has completed a placing raising $4.61m at 7.875 cents per unit. A unit comprises one share and one-half of a warrant exercisable at 10.5 cents a share. Love Hemp (LIFE) has raised £348,000 via the exercise of warrants at 1p each.
AIM
Compliance and energy saving services provider Sureserve (SUR) reported an underlying interim pre-tax profit was 31% higher at £4.4m. Energy saving’s profit contribution fell by three-fifths, but higher margins for the much larger compliance division meant a much higher profit. A full year pre-tax profit of £12.9m is forecast.
Tracsis (LSE: TRCS) should get additional opportunities from the Williams report on the rail industry. The report was in line with expectations. Great British Railways will take up the overall responsibility for the integrated rail network. The reforms are due in 2023, although there could be delays. Things like digital tickets, simplified fares and season ticket flexibility provide opportunities for Tracsis.
Accrol (ACRL) says that adjusted earnings for 2020-21 will be in line with expectations even though sales will be lower than expected due to a decline in the market. Accrol has 16% of the toilet tissue market and it should return to growth when the comparatives do not include the Covid-19 related panic buying. There are plans to increase capacity at the main Leyland plant.
Surgical devices developer Creo Medical (CREO) says trading was ahead of expectations in the first quarter of 201. This has led to a 10% increase in forecast revenues to £22.1m. There will still be a loss of £30m. The recovery in elective surgery is increasing demand for surgical devices.
Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS) is building up its electric vehicle infrastructure business and it could move into profit in the next year. The TriConnex utility connections business is also growing revenues, although profit was flat. However, group revenues were one-quarter lower at £64m, because civil engineering business Tamdown continues to report lower revenues and profit. Nexus did make an overall operating profit. The 2020-21 pre-tax profit has been upgraded to £3.6m and it could reach £6m next year.
PerkinElmer has made a 382p a share bid for Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings (IDH).The bid is at one-third of the share price high around one decade ago. The share price has not been at this level for nearly seven years.
MAIN MARKET
Dukemount Capital (DKE) has secured a joint venture with flexible power company HSKB, which will be renamed DKE Energy. The 50%-owned business will develop two gas peaking facilities which will produce 10MW of power. These will cost £6.25m and the intention is to secure a 15-year, inflation linked contract. Dukemount director Paul Gazzard founded HSKB.
One Heritage Group (OHG) has signed a construction finance facility with Lyell Trading. The facility is for £3.5m and lasts 18 months at a nominal interest rate of 9.6%. The facility will be used to finance Oscar House, a development of 27 apartments in central Manchester. The development should be completed in the first quarter of 2022.
Mast Energy Developments (MAST) says that the Brodesley reserve power project has reached construction ready status.
Lee Marks has been appointed chief executive of NMCN (NMCN) and interim chief executive Robert Moyle is retiring from the board after a transition period.
Kanabo Group (KNB) has signed an agreement with Pure Origin, which will manufacture and package Kanabo’s CBD wellness products from its facility in Wales. There will be a dedicated production line for VapePod products. This deal will lead to a full international product launch.
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has started to deliver two Covid-19 diagnostic tests. The saliva-based test will be used by the Italian team at the Olympic Games in Japan.
S&U (SUS) says monthly motor finance collections are above budget and the number of customers on payment holidays has fallen to 1,200. The Aspen bridging loan division is lending more for each deal and profit is reaching record levels.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 17 May 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
United Win Asia has invested £3.15m in Samarkand (SMK) at 115p a share, which is the same as the original placing price but well below the market price. United Win Asia is part of a logistics group and this fits well with Samarkand’s ecommerce platform.
Clarify Pharma plans to raise £5m at 3p a share, which would value the life sciences company at £10.5m. The focus is psychedelic-based substances that can be used to treat PTSD, Alzheimer’s and depression. Investments will be identified in the UK and Canada. The board is dominated by the same team, including Michael Edwards, that floated decentralised finance (DeFi) focused investment company Dispersion Holdings (DEFI) and NFT Investments (NFT), which is investing in a portfolio of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Michael Edwards is also chairman of Pioneer Media Inc. This is a company that has floated on the Canadian Stock Exchange and plans to gain a quote on Aquis. Pioneer is seeking investments in eSports and mobile gaming. The expected admission date is 25 May.
Pharma C Investments is an early-stage investor in the medical cannabis sector. The focus will be on markets that already have legislation and regulations. The plan is to raise £1m and the expected admission date is 26 May.
Greencare Capital (GRE) has appointed Richard Tonthat as chief executive. The cannabis-focused investment company recently made its first two investments after its original acquisition fell through. Richard Tonthat has worked at Grant Thornton and British American Tobacco, when it made a large cannabis acquisition in Canada.
ASX-listed Pacific Nickel has completed the acquisition of 80% of Kolosori Nickel and Gunsynd (GUN) has received 682,790 Pacific Nickel shares at 8 cents each for its stake. The current Pacific Nickel shareholding is 1.95 million shares. There will be deferred consideration if a mining lease is granted, and the mineral resource is confirmed. Gunsynd could receive a further 1.14 million shares if this is achieved.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) is acquiring corporate finance adviser Innovative Finance Srl for an initial €2.45m with a further €2.45m payable depending on performance over three years. Eight Capital Partners previously had an option to acquire a 60% stake. Concreta Srl will own 9.9% of Eight Capital Partners and chairman Dominic White will own 29.9% – he is also loaning the company €1.1m.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that a second batch of iron ore has been shipped from stockpiles at the Amapa project in Brazil. The cash will be used to pay creditors, including ex-employees. The remaining creditors need to be paid before Cadence acquires a 20% stake in Amapa. A further investment of $3.5m would take the stake to 27%.
R Oldfield has been buying shares in Shepherd Neame (SHEP). He bought 6,356 shares at 1032p each, a further 2,500 shares at 1038p each and 16,144 shares at 1035p each.
Incanthera (INC) is presenting at the Shares and AJ Bell investor evening webinar on 19 May.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised £70,000 at 1.5p a share. Vulcan subsidiary Orca Doors is gaining orders, which cover six months of capacity. Ananda Investments (ANA) has raised £15,000 from the exercising of warrants at 0.45p a share.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (ESO) had a NAV of 495.69p a share at the end of April 2021.
AIM
Motor dealer Vertu Motors (VTU) performed In the year to February 2021, revenues fell from £3.1bn to £2.5bn, while underlying pre-tax profit improved from £23m to £24.6m. Net cash, excluding leases and vehicle stocking loans, was £1.4m at the end of February 2021. The net tangible asset value is 50.2p a share. At the beginning of May, CIP Merchant Capital (CIP) bought 1.55 million Vertu Motors shares at just over 40.3p each.
Business restructuring company Begbies Traynor (LSE: BEG) has acquired Midlands-based MAF Property, which is a finance broker. The deal could cost up to £11.75m, with £3m in cash and shares upfront and the rest depending on profit growth. The pre-tax profit forecast for the year to April 2022 has been raised from £16.5m to £17m.
Nightcap (NGHT) has raised £10m at 23p a share and strong demand meant that existing shareholders Raymond Blanc and David Moore sold part of their stakes. The original plan was to raise £4m.
e-Therapeutics (ETX) has raised £22.5m, including £920,000 via Primary Bid, at 24p a share. The cash will be used to expand the company’s drug discovery and development operations. There are plans to complete a first in human clinical study for one RNAi asset and advance two or three other RNAi therapeutic programmes through preclinical development.
Great Western Mining (GWMO) has completed an initial six-hole drilling programme at the Trafalgar Hill project in Nevada. All six holes intercepted intercepted the main shallow structure. In the next few weeks there will be further drilling and more analysis and news about these drilling results.
Gaming Realms (GMR) has extended its SLINGO agreement with Scientific Games. The four-year licensing deal includes the opportunity to launch SLINGO digital lottery games.
Trellus Health has the rights to technology that can be used to manage irritable bowel syndrome. It can reduce unplanned hospital visits by 85%. The US-based company expects to join AIM on 28 May.
STM (STM) has sold its Jersey trust and company services business for net cash of at least £1.4m. That reduces the 2021 profit forecast by £100,000 to £2.5m.
Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) says April crude palm oil production was lower against strong comparatives, but that was offset by higher prices. Arden still expects a move into profit this year – €600,000 is forecast.
MAIN MARKET
Medica Group (MGP) reported a one-fifth reduction in full year revenues to £36.8m. The lack of elective surgery meant that demand for teleradiology services was reduced. However, demand for emergency services slightly increased. There was an initial contribution from the Irish business bought last year. The 2020 underlying pre-tax profit fell from £11m to £4.74m. The US business was acquired this year and an Australian joint venture has been launched.
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) expects interim operating profit to double to £18m. Operating margins are being maintained even though costs of some components are increasing. Net debt should remain at around £18.3m.
Haysmacintyre and a partner have been reprimanded and fined for its audit of the Associated British Engineering (ASBE) accounts for 2017-18. This was not undertaken in the appropriate manner.
Cizzle Biotechnology (CIZ) has reversed into standard list shell Bould Opportunities. Cizzle is is developing a test that could make diagnosing lung cancer more accurate by preventing false positives. A placing raised £2.2m at 10p a share. Pro forma cash is £1.89m, which is slightly higher than the NAV. The cash will be used to make progress towards gaining CE marking for the biomarker test.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 10 May 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Virgata has published its offer document for the 50p a share bid for Walls & Futures REIT (WAFR) and the first acceptance date is 27 May. Walls & Future REIT management are still arguing that the bid is too low because it is at less than 50% of NAV. Virgata points out that shareholders would not be able to sell their shares in the market for anywhere near NAV and that costs, including director pay, exceed income. Liquidity is certainly and that means that it has been difficult to raise cash to scale up the business.
Samarkand (SMK) is making its first acquisition following its admission to the Aquis Apex segment. The cross-border trading group is paying £2.41m in cash and shares (at 139.67p each) for Zita West Products and 51% of Babawest, where a further £400,000 will be loaned. Zita West Products supplies nutritional supplements for fertility and pregnancy, and it has worked with Samarkand for more than three years. Babawest supplies nutritional products for mothers and babies. In the year to September 2020, Zita West Products made an adjusted pre-tax profit of £241,000 on revenues of £854,000. Interim revenues were 60% ahead at £636,000. Samarkand can use its ecommerce technology and contacts in China to grow sales.
Third quarter revenues dipped at National Milk Records (NMRP), but like-for-like revenues were 1% greater at £5.42m. That excludes the former heat detection operations. The growth has come from newer areas, such as Johne’s and surveillance testing. There was a small decline in milk recording revenues, but they are recovering and the next quarter comparisons will not be as strong.
British Virgin Islands-based technology-focused shell Boanerges Ltd plans to float on 17 May. It appears that the share issue will be relatively small because Richard Griffiths will have his stake diluted from 75% to 71.7%. Internet of Things, big data and telematics are some of the areas where the directors are seeking acquisitions.
Rutherford Health (RUTH) is drawing down £15m from its infrastructure investment facility, which means that all £40m will have been drawn down. This will be invested in the company’s cancer treatment facilities.
Sativa Wellness (SWEL) increased 2020 revenues by 38% to £1.99m. Transaction costs increased the loss from £3.8m to £4.8m. There are 30 wellness clinics in operation, and they are adding to the range of tests on top of the Covid-19 tests. The benefits of CBD products launched last year should show through in 2021.
URA Holdings has distributed its shares in Ananda Developments (ANA) to its own shareholders. This has increased the stakes of directors Charles Morgan (to 8.65%), Melissa Sturgess (to 13.2%) and Peter Redmond (to 1.47%).
Western Selection (WESP) has increased its stake in electrical and gas services provider Bilby (BILB) from 11.93% to 12.18%. This was before the trading statement that revealed that Bilby generated 2020-21 revenues of £60m and EBITDA of £3m. Net debt was £2.7m at the end of March 2021, prior to commencing paying £1m of VAT liabilities. The full yar results will be published in early July.
Christopher Potts has taken a 5.94% stake in DiscovOre (ORE).
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) non-executive director Bryan Burrough has acquired 8,600 shares at 737.5p each.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has raised £3m at 15p a share and every two shares will be issued a warrant exercisable at 25p. Chief executive Scott Livingston invested £500,000 in the placing and his stake is 49.1%. Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised nearly £75,000 at 3.2p a share.
AIM
Virgin Wines (VINO) says that sales and profit are ahead of expectations in the year to June 2021. Liberum had forecast revenues of £70.3m, up from £56.5m last year, and the outcome is expected to be at least £73m. The easing of lockdowns could hamper growth, but the expanded customer base will help Virgin to continue to grow.
Bars operator Nightcap (NGHT) is making its first acquisition since joining AIM. Nightcap is paying £2.5m for Adventure Bars Group with £1m in shares being paid initially and up to £1.5m (at the same share price) dependent on performance in the two years from 1 July 2021. The cost is much higher than that because the acquisition comes with around £4.3m of borrowings, of which between £1.28m and £1.78m will be repaid and a £110,000 convertible (at 21p a share) issued to the lender. Nightcap is trying to raise a further £4m.
IPTV technology developer Mirada (MIRA) says trading was in line with expectations in the year to March 2020. That means that revenues were around £12m and the loss was around £3m. Trading improved during the second half and revenues were higher than in the first half. New opportunities mean that Mirada should improve its performance this year. Demand is building up in Asia.
A positive trading statement by concrete levelling equipment supplier Somero Enterprises (SOM) has led to a 15% upgrade in forecasts earnings to 39.9 cents a share. That has led to an increase in the expected dividend to 27.9 cents a share. Trading has been strong in the US, while Europe and Australia are recovering.
Coral Products (CRU) is paying an interim dividend 0.5p a share and the ex-dividend date is 13 May. Coral is selling the Haydock facility for £3.5m, but has to spend £650,000 on the roof before the sale is completed. Book value is £2.5m. Coral will lose the £300,000 a year of rental income.
Appreciate Group (APP) says 2020-21 figures are in line with expectations. Even so, the underlying pre-tax profit of the financial services and savings business has been slightly upgraded by Edison. The pre-tax profit is still likely to slump from £11.4m to £4.5m, before recovering to £7.2m in 2021-22. Digital sales are becoming increasingly important.
Trinity Exploration and Production (TRIN) has acquired a 100% interest in the PS-4 lease block, onshore Trinidad, for $3.5m. Average daily production was 83 barrels during 2020.
Software company WANdisco (WAND) increased its loss in 2020-21, but it is expected to fall sharply this year. That is because revenues are forecast to jump from $10.5m to $37m. WANdisco could even move into profit next year. The LIVEdata software is thought to be the only credible petabyte data analysis product capable of migrating data to the cloud on the market.
One Media IP Group (OMIP) has acquired the writer’s share of producer royalties, which covers more than 250 tracks by Kid Creole and the Coconuts. This deal has been done through Harmony IP, which gives artists the chance to access future income by selling a portion of their rights. This high profile deal could attract other artists to the Harmony IP proposition.
Initial drilling results from the Hamersley iron project owned by Alien Metals (UFO) shows new iron ore zone targets in the Hancock area of the project. The interpretation work outlines much larger target areas. Results from 36 more drill holes are due later this month.
Bacanora Lithium (BCN) says that there has been a 67.5p a share cash bid approach from Ganfeng International Trading. The bid is near to the share price high at the beginning of the year, which was the highest it has been for nearly three years. Ganfeng owns 50% of the Sonora lithium project and already holds 28.9% of Bacanora.
Anglo African Oil & Gas (AAOG) has lost its AIM quotation because it has failed to acquire a new business. It has entered into an option to acquire a 25% interest in the Saltfleetby gas field in east Lincolnshire for £8m in shares. The deal is dependent on at least £1m being raised and the shares becoming quoted on a recognised market.
Nu-Oil and Gas (NUOG) has left AIM, but it continues to make progress with the acquisition of Guardian Maritime. The cash generative business sells a retro-fitted system for ships that stops pirates boarding vessels. This deal should enable the shares to be admitted to the standard list by the end of June.
MAIN MARKET
Standard list shell East Star Resources (EST) commenced trading on 4 May, and it is seeking resources opportunities. The shell raised £1.73m net of expenses at 5p a share. The existing shares were previously issued at 1p each. The share price ended the week at 6.25p.
Tirupati Graphite (TGR) has developed a graphene-aluminium composite. This has conductivity properties comparable to copper. Tirupati is talking with potential customers who would want to replace copper because of the composite’s lower weight. Power and propulsion systems are one area where there is interest.
Cardiff Property (CDFF) has increased the interim dividend from 4.8p a share to 5p a share. There was a dip in pre-tax profit from £387.000 to £365,000, but there was a lower tax charge. The Thames Valley property markets has shown signs of slowing down and rental income will be lower this year. The current share price is 1850p, compared with a NAV of 2445p a share – although there is a potential tax liability on any disposal of the investment in Campmoss of 265p a share.
MGC Pharmaceuticals (MXC) says pre-clinical and clinical results for ArtemiC Rescue, which targets viral infections with inflammatory complications, has demonstrated an ability to decrease the markers of inflammation. Phase II clinical trials showed that the treatment could hasten recovery in Covid-19 patients with mild to moderate illness, which should offset the problem of long Covid.
CBD products supplier Zoetic International (ZOE) is raising £6m at 60p each and this will be used to terminate the financing agreement with LDA Capital. That will cost £1.2m and the rest will go on the US rollout of Chill products and launching new products.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 26 April 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) in common with other brewers and pub companies has been hard hit by the closure of pubs. Monthly cash burn during pub closures is £1.5m-£2m. Unsurprisingly, interim revenues slumped from £79m to £55.3m, while an underlying pre-tax profit of £4.88m was turned into an underlying loss of £4.81m. Bottled beer sales were one-quarter higher as people bought the bottles for home consumption. Net debt was £92.4m at the end of December 2020 and had reached £96.5m by the end of March. More than 200 pubs with gardens have reopened and all 316 will be open by 17 May.
Revenues fell by one-third to £50.7m at brewer Adnams (ADB) in 2020. Online sales were 245% higher. This led to a loss of £4.3m. Beer volumes fell by 23% and spirits volumes by 31%. There is no dividend and reduced investment meant that net debt was reduced.
Gunsynd (GUN) has invested £50,000 in the unquoted Media Tech SPAC at 4p a share. The SPAC raised £1.64m and it plans to float in the second half of 2021. Riverfort Global Capital and Sure Valley Ventures are involved in the SPAC, which is focused on media and technology investments, and the latter might want to reverse one of its investments into the company. The sale of shares in Empress Royalty and Eagle Mountain raised £218,000 for Gunsynd.
John Mahtani, who is chief executive of Media Tech SPAC, has increased his stake in Quetzal Capital (QTZ) to 6.08%, while Chris Akers has raised his stake to 15%.
NFT Investments (NFT) has made its first investment. A $1m investment has been made in AEON International, which develops technology for the luxury fashion industry. Hong Kong-based AEON has a customer base that includes Gucci and Louis Vuitton. The AUTHENTIQUE subsidiary offers NFT-based verification technology in order to combat counterfeit goods. A product is being developed that would use unique fashion NFTs and smart contracts to enable fashion brands to earn royalties when a product is resold. NFT is paying its board and management in cryptocurrency.
NQ Minerals (NQMI) says the Hellyer mine generated gross revenues of $17.9m and net profit of $4.8m in the first quarter of 2021.
Interim sales of Wheelsure Holdings (WHLP) more than halved from £116,000 to £56,000, although management expects the second half to be stronger. The interim loss increased from £75,000 to £117,000. Since the end of the interim period, a further £50,000 has been raised and a government loan of the same amount secured. Management is seeking new markets for its rail safety equipment.
Chapel Down Group (CDGP) has completed the disposal of Curious Drinks and each of the minority shareholders will receive 1.57 Chapel Down shares for each Curious share they owned. This has resulted in 1.26 million additional shares being issued.
Watchstone Group (WTG) is seeking to switch from AIM to the Apex segment of Aquis. This should happen on 30 April. Watchstone is classified as a cash shell and trading in the shares would be suspended on AIM on 4 May if no acquisition had been made. The board is pursuing litigation relating to past businesses. This could result in cash being returned to shareholders. Watchstone is also seeking new investments.
Valereum Blockchain (VLRM) has purchased bitcoin mining hardware and they should be up and running in the US within one month. The plan is to have mining operations in a range of geographies.
Indorse, in which Coinsilium (COIN) has a 10% stake, has released a digital analysis tool, which scans the data on NFTs and their underlying assets. Coinsilium also owns 14.12% of the IND tokens in circulation.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has filed its drilling plans for the Red Setter project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. There could be up to 30,000 metres of drilling over four years.
Tyndall Investment Management has taken a 6.85% stake Oncology treatments developer Incanthera (INC) and directors and employees have also added to their stakes at process between 13p a share and 13.5p a share.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) has generated £3m from the sale of shares in Secure Trust Bank (STB) at £12 a share. The stake has been reduced to 4.4%.
Veni Vidi Vici (VVV) has raised £220,000 at 50p a share. Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised an additional £30,000 at 3.9p a share. A subscription at 85p a share has provided Startup Giants (SUG) with £190,000.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has moved to the Apex segment of the market.
AIM
Grease management services provider Filta (FLTA) has been hit by the closure of restaurants and venues, particularly in the US. Revenues fell by one-third last year and the company fell into loss. Trading levels are moving back to previous levels, but the progress depends on the reopening of some of the larger US venues and stadia. There should be a return to profit this year, but it will take until 2022 for a profit to exceed past levels.
The was another positive trading statement from telecoms billing and customer relationship management software provider Cerillion (CER) following a first half of record orders.
Nu-Oil and Gas (NUOG) will lose its AIM-quotation on 5 May because it has not completed a takeover. There is a proposed acquisition of Guardian Barriers IP and Guardian Maritime, but if this goes ahead the plan is to obtain a standard listing. Guardian has developed a product that can be retrofitted to ships in order to prevent pirates from boarding vessels.
Churchill China (CHH) was still profitable in 2020, but pre-tax profit slumped from £11.2m to £800,000. There was £1.8m of cash generated from operations and net cash was £14m at the end of 2020. There is no dividend. Sales of hospitality ceramics halved during the year.
Cora Gold Ltd (CORA) has announced results from its latest drilling campaign at the Sanankoro gold project in southern Mali. The initial results suggest that there could be a significant increase in the DCF valuation of the project, which was £37.8m. The drilling should be completed by the end of July and there will be continuing news flow over the coming months.
MobilityOne (MBO) is not going ahead with the proposed acquisition of Tanjung Pinang Resources.
Team (TEAM) has decided not to make an offer for Tavistock Investments (TAVI).
MAIN MARKET
MGC Pharmaceuticals (MXC) is acquiring Israeli clinical research company MediCaNL in shares for up to A$6m and it will be used to run the company’s clinical trials. That will reduce costs and lead times. Three clinical trials are planned for cannabis-based treatments in 2021.
Town Centre Securities (TOWN) has collected or deferred 92% of the due rent of £5.1m in the latest quarter. The deferred element is £600,000. The other £400,000 remains due and discussions with tenants are ongoing. Since last March, there is £1.8m of rents that remain due. The company has sold the Thornton’s Chambers property in Leeds.
Interim revenues of J Smart Contractors (SMJ) declined from £9.25m to £5.75m, but costs declined at a higher rate so pre-tax profit improved from £265,000 to £890,000. Net cash was £11.1m at the end of January 2021. The interim dividend is unchanged at 0.95p a share. Building materials costs are rising and a lull in contracting work will hit profit. Management believes that property assets should have retained their value even though a valuation will not take place until the end of the year. NAV is £99.6m, while the market capitalisation is £52m.
Standard list shell Marwyn Acquisition Company III (MAC3) has raised £12m from an issue of A shares and is considering a £200m fundraising.
Tirupati Graphite (TGR) has opened its second mine at the Vatomina project in Madagascar. The processing plant will be commissioned in the second quarter of 2021. Last week. £10m in and oversubscribed placing at 90p a share. That is double last year’s flotation price.
Wildcat Petroleum (WCAT) has signed two memoranda of understanding. The first is with Crown Energy for its participation in a future initial coin operation by Wildcat. A model to monetise hydrocarbon blocks based on blockchain technology. Crown has blocks in Madagascar, South Africa and Iraq. Nabirm Global has a Namibian exploration licence and the deal is the same as with Crown.
Andrew Hore
Andrew Hore – Quoted Micro 22 February 2021
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
British Honey Company (BHC) is acquiring Union Distillers for an initial £8m in cash and shares. Leicestershire-based Union Distillers has been trading for more than eight years and has its own still and bonded warehouse. There is a range of gins, vodkas, a spiced rum, an absinthe and an espresso vodka liqueur under the Two Birds brand. There could be up to £2m of earn-out consideration payable in cash and shares depending on the target revenues from the Union products. A share issue raised £4.59m at 110p a share, while a convertible loan note issue added a further £1.63m. Union has £250,000 in cash. The deal should be earnings enhancing and cash generative. In the year to September 2020, Union generated revenues of £4.94m and pre-tax profit £1.13m. NAV was £1.52m.
National Milk Records (NMRP) reported flat interim revenues of £10.8m, but pre-tax profit increased by one-quarter to £500,000. Net debt was reduced to £1.1m despite investment in a genomics lab. An unchanged dividend of 1.25p a share will be paid. The outlook is positive for the dairy sector with UK milk prices expected to be maintained at current levels. Finance director Mark Frankcom has bought 9,974 shares at 101.75p each.
Imperial X (IMPP) is making four acquisitions and continues to move towards a standard listing. The purchases involve the issue of 245.6 million shares. Cloudbreak Discovery Corp, Howson Ventures Inc and Cabox Gold Corp are all being acquired, and certain assets of Anglo African Minerals are being bought. Imperial X has a £10m drawdown agreement with Crescita Capital. This lasts for three years.
Upper Thames Holdings (UPPT) is not going ahead with the proposed acquisition of Sweden-based mobile camera systems technology company Ridercam. Instead, the focus will be on blockchain and the linking of conventional currencies with cryptocurrencies. A placing has raised £516,000 at 1p a share. Peterhouse has been appointed as corporate adviser.
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) fell into loss last year as revenues slumped by two-fifths. The hotel has been closed or under restrictions for the period since the year end in October 2020. There is £1.03m in the bank and the NAV is £3.3m.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has bought a 75.1% stake in Ohso Chocolate for £295,000 in shares at 9p each. The remaining 24.9% stake in Ohso could be sold for nearly 1.1 million shares. Ohso is a probiotic chocolate supplier and it generated revenues of £311,000 during 2020. The S-Ventures chief executive and finance director owned 50.6% in Ohso.
World High Life (LIFE) is changing its name to Love Hemp. A general meeting will be held on 11 March. In the first half, revenues were £2.36m and second quarter revenues were nearly double those in the first quarter, although the gross margin fell. A debt of £2.15m has been settled by the issue of 86.1 million shares.
Sativa Wellness Inc (SWEL) has submitted a novel food application for validation by the Food Standards Agency. This covers a range of CBD products.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has identified new gold targets at the Red Setter project in Western Australia. The magnetic survey has discovered targets that are shallower than previously.
Ananda Investments (ANA) has raised £300,000 from two investors. This will finance the first phase of the medicinal cannabis growing facility in Lincolnshire. Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised a further £330,000 at 4p a share.
AIM
Avacta (AVCT) is starting its first clinical study. This is a phase I study for AVA6000, developed from the pre|CISION platform. This is a treatment for solid tumours, including those for bladder, pancreatic, colorectal and breast cancer. The trial will assess safety and dosage levels. Early data could be published before the end of the year.
Transense Technologies (TRT) should move into profit next year as it receives a full year of royalties following the sale of the iTrack business to Bridgestone. In the year to June 2020, there was a £1.3m loss and this year there could be a much-reduced loss this year. Once Bridgestone has built up iTrack sales the royalties will cover group overheads. This will enable Transense to invest in its surface acoustic wave technology and Translogik tyre probes. A 2021-22 pre-tax profit of £357,000 is forecast.
Strong underlying growth in the mobile division helped Blannco Technology (BLTG) to maintain interim revenues at £17.4m. The previous year included £1.4m of one-off contract income. The fastest growth is in Asia Pacific. The prospects for data erasure operations are good and new partners have been signed up. Data erasure is particularly important while remote working is a major factor in companies.
Chamberlin (CMH) is getting a cash injection from Trevor Brown. The £200,000 loan will, subject to shareholder approval, be converted into shares at 6p each and Brown will have a 29.5% stake. The Scunthorpe foundry is busy and profitable, but management is still trying to win work for the Walsall foundry.
Duke Royalty (DUKE) has secured a new client involved in steel fabrication. There is a £6.2m royalty financing agreement with Meteor HoldCo, which makes steel street lighting and guardrail products.
Telecoms testing systems supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) says some revenues appear to have been brought forward into 2020-21 and therefore the full year revenues and profit will be ahead of expectations.
Trans-Siberian Gold (TSG) has published details of the Rodnikova project scoping study, which suggests a potential 14-year life for the project. The JORC resource is 6.3Mt at an average grade of 5g/t gold. Post tax NPV10 is $177.6m – based on $1,600/ounce gold price.
MAIN MARKET
Israel-based cannabis-based products supplier Kanabo Research has completed its reversal into standard list shell Spinnaker Opportunities to form Kanabo Group (KNB) two years after the deal was announced. The value of the deal was £15m in shares and the company also raised £6m at a share price of 6.5p. Kanabo was valued at £23.4m when it was admitted to trading. The share price has risen to 31p – having at one point reached 50.75p – and that values Kanabo at £111.7m. One of the investors in Kanabo is AIM-quoted Vela Technologies (VELA) and it invested £150,000 at 6.5p a share.
MGC Pharmaceuticals (MXC) has expanded its research programme into the use of cannabinoids to treat aggressive glioblastoma brain cancer. The expanded study includes the use of a nanoparticle delivery system. MGC has also secured a three-year distribution agreement with Swiss PharmaCan for its product ArtemiC Rescue as a food supplement. The minimum order quantity is 40,000 units per quarter, which has a retail value of $3.4m.
Path Investments (PATH) is not going ahead with the purchase of DT Ultravert from two vendors including Zoetic International (ZOE) following concerns during the preparation of the potential prospectus. Path has raised £3.5m at 0.25p a share.
Rare earths explorer Pensana (PRE) is dropping its listing on the ASX.
Papillon Holdings (PPHP) has submitted a prospectus to the FCA for the proposed reverse takeover of the Kilimapesa gold project.
Andrew Hore