AIM movers: New contract for TPXimpact and TV programme delays hit Facilities by ADF

Andrew Hore
-
0
AIM movers: New contract for TPXimpact and TV programme delays hit Facilities by ADF

Digital transformation services provider TPXimpact (LON: TPX) has won a three-year contract worth up to £19m and the trading statement confirms full year expectations. Noel Douglas will become finance director at the beginning of April. The contract is with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and relates to modernising the planning system. The General Election had delayed project awards, and this is a positive sign. Interim revenues fell 9% to £38m, but there should be growth in the second half. Full year pre-tax profit of £5.5m is forecast. The share price rose 17.7% to 36.5p and the prospective multiple is nine.

Star Energy (LON: STAR) is selling land at Alton for £6.3m. This used to be the site of the Holybourne oil terminal. The sale depends on planning permission and that should happen in the middle of 2025. The share price increased 19.3% to 8.27p.

Security technology developer Thruvision (LON: THRU) has raised £1.375m at 11p/share. This will fund working capital. The share price improved 17.7% to 10p.

Property fund adviser and investor First Property (LON: FPO) says it had a good first half and there were one-off profits from the trading of properties by a fund, where the company has an investment. There is also the early receipt of fees from disposal of properties in another fund. Full yar pre-tax profit will exceed expectations. That is before any movements in property values. The interims will be published on 21 November. The share price recovered 10.7% to 15.5p, which is still a discount to NAV of more than two-fifths.

FALLERS

Film vehicles and services provider Facilities by ADF (LON: ADF) has been hit by filming delays and the cancelation of projects. It had appeared that there would a strong recovery in the second half following the Hollywood writers’ strike. Revenues have been reduced from £48.6m to £35.1m and margins have been hit by competition for limited contracts. This means that Facilities by ADF will not do much better than breakeven in 2024. There should be a recovery in 2025, but revenues have been cut from £67.3m to £56.8m – including a 12-month contribution from Autotrak. The 2025 pre-tax profit is forecast to be £7.9m, with earnings of 6.8p/share. The share price dived 41.1% to 30.75p, which suggests that the market is not confident that the 2025 forecast can be achieved and whether the potential work will come through.

Testing services provider Microsaic Systems (LON: MSYS) shares have returned from suspension following publication of interim figures. First half revenues increased by 83% to £255,000 thanks to Modern Water. The Microsaic revenues halved. The loss more than halved to £536,000. Cash used in operating activities was £929,000. On 11 November 2024, net cash was £257,000. The share price declined 20.9% to 0.85p.

Electrical retailer Marks Electrical (LON: MRK) increased interim revenues by 9% to £58.8m, which was better than expected even though average order values fell. Margins dipped and there was some disruption from the implementation of a new IT system, so underlying pre-tax profit fell from £1.16m to £820,000. That was before the £1.88m cost of installing the IT system. The share price fell 12.8% to 51p.

Premier African Minerals (LON: PREM) failed to gain disapplication of pre-emptive provisions at its general meeting. There were 62.9% of the shares voted in favour, but it required 75%. This will limit the company’s ability to raise money. The share price is 10.7% lower at 0.031p.

AstraZeneca shares present an opportunity after strong Q3 results 

UK Investor Magazine
-
1
AstraZeneca shares present an opportunity after strong Q3 results 

The UK’s second-largest listed company by market cap (at the time of writing) presents an opportunity for investors after releasing another robust set of results.

Shareholders will be delighted to see the Pharmaceutical giant post a 21% increase in sales in Q3. The company’s diversified product range is enjoying a broad increase in demand, with particular strength in oncology and cardiovascular drugs.

Higher sales are translating into higher profits, and the group upgraded its profit growth guidance to the high teens on a percentage basis from the mid-teens.

“AstraZeneca’s third-quarter results have delivered a second guidance upgrade in as many quarters. The numbers exhibited the breadth of the product range with high growth levels seen in Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic disorders and BioPharmaceuticals,” said Derren Nathan, head of equity research, Hargreaves Lansdown.

“The quarter included the now customary peppering of strong clinical results and regulatory approvals. And Astra’s not taking anything for granted.”

AstraZeneca’s scale and ability to produce such substantial revenue increases should supersede any concerns about a Chinese probe that may have created a buying opportunity for investors.

“Over the last month, the emergence of a Chinese enquiry into marketing practices surrounding Astra’s lung cell treatment Tagrisso has wiped around £30bn from the company’s market value,” Nathan said.

“Based on similar occurrences in recent history, this would seem overdone. Given the impressive financial performance and continued progress from the cutting-edge pipeline, those brave enough to exploit the current weakness in the valuation may be well rewarded.”

Gold prices sink as the safe haven trade loses its shine 

UK Investor Magazine
-
0
Gold prices sink as the safe haven trade loses its shine 

Gold prices fell again on Tuesday after a cratering fall on Monday as traders unwound their hedging trades after the US election. Gold surged in the run-up to the election on a mix of concerns about Trump’s inflationary policies and broader safe-haven positioning, which saw gold break to fresh highs on numerous occasions.

With the uncertainty of the election firmly behind us, safe haven positioning no longer has its attractions, and a strengthening dollar is also weighing heavily on prices. 

“Gold is under intense pressure on multiple fronts. Institutional sell-offs have driven prices down nearly 3% since Monday, pushing it below $2,600 for the first time since September 20. The trading narrative has shifted sharply from risk-off hedging to an ‘America First’ stance. The steady unloading of GLD holdings by the SPDR Gold Trust and other major institutions since November underscores this pivot,” said Dilin Wu Research Strategist at Pepperstone.

Wu continued to explain that central banks are also reducing their purchases of gold, reducing demand from one of the largest players in the market.

“Adding to the pressure, central banks have slowed their gold purchases, with the People’s Bank of China pausing for six months. With both institutional and central bank support waning, gold’s near-term outlook appears increasingly bleak. If U.S. CPI and retail sales data this week exceed expectations, the dollar index could test 106, further tightening the screws on gold.”

Team Internet Group – A dealings enquiry? Massive share buyback programme value loss created on borrowed money – Calls for corporate control change 

Mark Watson-Mitchell
-
0
Team Internet Group – A dealings enquiry? Massive share buyback programme value loss created on borrowed money – Calls for corporate control change 

What a total debacle! 
It would not be at all surprising to hear that shareholders in Team Internet Group (LON:TIG) are very concerned about the way this cash-generative global internet services business has fallen out of grace. 
Despite yesterday morning’s ‘resilient’ Q3 unaudited financial results for the nine months to end-September – which declared that its “Increasing gross margins and cost control provide the basis for sustaining bottom-line profitability and increased adjusted EPS” – the market gave its own views of the disappointing statement. 
Questionable Dealing Activ...

The Evolution of UK Venture Capital and University Technology Transfer with GenIP’s Prof. David Gann CBE

UK Investor Magazine
-
0
The Evolution of UK Venture Capital and University Technology Transfer with GenIP’s Prof. David Gann CBE

The UK Investor Magazine was thrilled to welcome Professor David Gann CBE, Non-Executive Director of GenIP, to the podcast for an insightful conversation around technology transfer, UK startups and Generative AI.

Professor David Gann OBE explains the strides forward the UK’s venture capital industry has made over the past 20 years and the critical relationship between venture capital and University technology transfer offices.

Drawing on his experience as Chair of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, Non-Executive Director of VenCap and previous position as the Chair of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, David provides deep insight into the UK’s strengths in innovation and how technological discoveries are commercialised.

New admission: Attractive valuation for Applied Nutrition

Andrew Hore
-
1
New admission: Attractive valuation for Applied Nutrition

Applied Nutrition has grown impressively over its ten-year history, and it has also shown that it is a strong cash generator. The company’s sports nutrition and health products are sold internationally, but it is still early days in the US.
The indicative price range was 136p to 160p and it was initially planned that 137.4 million shares would be sold by existing shareholders. In the end, 112.5 million shares were sold at 140p each. That raised £157.5m, but there was £153.7m left after expenses.
The share price opened at 150p, and it has fallen back to 140p. There were 5.82 million shares trad...

AIM movers: Aquis recommends bid and Woodbois returns from suspension

Andrew Hore
-
0
AIM movers: Aquis recommends bid and Woodbois returns from suspension

Aquis Exchange (LON: AQX) is recommending a bid from rival exchange trading business SIX Exchange. The offer is 727p/share in cash, which values the company at £225m. There had been several previous proposals from SIX. The combined business will have greater pan-European scale and be able to expand internationally. SIX is particularly interested in the Aquis technology and there is also potential to develop the Aquis Stock Exchange a pan-European market. The share price jumped 113.6% to 705p. The company joined AIM in June 2018 at 269p/share.

Alaska-focused oil and gas explorer Pantheon Resources (LON: PANR) has commenced drilling of the Megrez-1 well, which is in the eastern area of the Ahpun field. The reservoir sections being targeted are younger and shallower than previous Alaskan wells. Newly elected President Trump says he supports an Alaskan natural gas pipeline to supply the Alaska LNG project. SP Angel suggests that a US listing could be sought in 2025. The share price increased 20.4% to 27.275p.

Angle (LON: AGL) says the DNA analysis of circulating tumour cells using Parsortix can identify EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer patients that are developing resistance to treatment with AstraZeneca drug Osimertinib. This drug has annual revenues of $6.7bn and the findings could provide additional revenues for the pharma services business.  The share price recovered 21.2% to 10p.

Nostra Terra Oil & Gas (LON: NTOG) has reached cash positivity and it has completed the phase 1 workover programme. Production has increased following the new management starting in May and it will continue to rise. The share price improved 13,3% to 0.0425p.

FALLERS

Trading in Woodbois (LON: WBI) shares has recommenced after Allenby was appointed as nominated adviser. Two independent non-execs have been appointed. Paul Shackleton has worked as a nominated adviser and Clive Roberts also has a capital markets background. A new boss has been appointed to the Gabon forestry business and a shipment of existing pre-sold stock is underway. The share price declined 15.3% to 0.25p.

Growth is slowing at Team Internet Group (LON: TIG) as online ad pricing declines. There has also been a reduction in demand for Shinez online marketing services. Shinez was acquired in April and changes in ad network partners has reduced traffic. Third quarter revenues declined 5%. Full year revenues are still forecast to grow from $837m to $843m, which is an 11% reduction on the previous forecast. The lower margins are being offset by reduced expenses, so pre-tax profit is forecast to improve from $77.2m to $79.2m. Net debt should be $95m at the end of the year and this could nearly halve next year. The share price dipped 14.7% to 101.7p.

Security services provider Westminster Group (LON: WSG) says that it is not going to leave AIM following its strategic review. The share price is 13.9% to 1.55p.

Gold explorer and producer Ariana Resources (LON: AAU) has secured a $5m financing agreement with RiverFort Global Partners and $2m has been received. No new shares will be issued. This will fund feasibility studies for the Dokwe gold project in Zimbabwe. RiverFort Global Partners will be the cornerstone investor for the ASX listing. The share price slipped 10.9% to 2.45p.

Oil and gas company Tower Resources (LON: TRP) is raising £275,000 at 0.027p/share. This will finance the business while it moves towards the finalisation of the Cameroon farm-out. The share price fell 6.9% to 0.0207p.

FTSE 100 selling subsides as Croda leads tentative rally

UK Investor Magazine
-
0
FTSE 100 selling subsides as Croda leads tentative rally

The FTSE 100 gained on Monday as London’s leading index tracked a European rally higher, albeit at a slower pace than counterparts in mainland Europe.

“The FTSE 100 broke its losing streak to trade higher on Monday with healthcare and financial stocks doing much of the heavy lifting. There was wider optimism across Europe as stocks recovered from a rocky week but Asian markets remained on the back foot as China disappointed on stimulus,” said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.

“Chemicals firm Croda topped the UK’s flagship index. The shares have had a tough year so the third-quarter sales growth and retained profit guidance contained in its latest update were well received by relieved investors.”

The FTSE 100 has been under pressure since the US election on concerns about ramifications for trade. The hawkish Bank of England interest rate cut last week also took the wind out of UK equity’s sails, with borrowing costs now expected to fall at a slower pace than previously thought.

Soft performance in UK equities last week is at odds with US stocks that surged higher as investors cheered the prospect of deregulation and lower taxes after Donald Trump won his second term in the White House. Despite the strong gains in US shares, analysts remain positive about the outlook for US equities.

“I remain bullish, with solid earnings growth, strong economic growth, and the forceful ‘Fed put’  providing a solid foundation for the market to build upon, while cleaner post-election positioning, and expectations that Trump’s proposed stimulus will provide a renewed economic sugar rush, are also helping to move things along rather nicely,” said Michael Brown Senior Research Strategist at Pepperstone.

Strength in US stocks threatens to leave London’s market further behind, with doubts around Chinese stimulus acting as a counterweight. The FTSE 100’s gains were broad on Monday with a splattering of resources stocks in the red reflecting ongoing frustrations at slow growth in China. Rio Tinto slipped 1%.

Share Tip: Team Internet Group – Did the bad boys hit the shares and are they now covering back? 

Mark Watson-Mitchell
-
0
Share Tip: Team Internet Group – Did the bad boys hit the shares and are they now covering back? 

Investors beware! 
There are always people in the know, when you are not. 
And they take advantage of that knowledge, to the disadvantage of shareholders. 
So it was last Friday when the shares of Team Internet Group (LON:TIG) fell back from the 138p level at which some 202,911 shares were traded the day before. 
They closed the week at 119.20p, on the back of more than five times the previous day’s volumes, with some 1,126,407 shares dealt on the day. 
By the way, the average daily trade runs at around 424,512 shares. 
Today’s Reaction To Poor Q3 Results 
Th...

UK government capitalise on NatWest share price gain by selling down stake

UK Investor Magazine
-
0
UK government capitalise on NatWest share price gain by selling down stake

The UK government has shown a rare sign of financial deftness by selling a £1 billion stake in NatWest following a rally in the bank’s shares appreciated in recent months.

UK Government Investments Limited sold £1 billion of NatWest shares at 380.6p, bringing its stake down to 11.4%.

The new Labour government unleashed a tax raid on businesses and investors to fund spending increases, and although the £1 billion will hardly touch the side of the ‘black hole’ supposedly left by the conservatives, it does demonstrate a semble of financial markets nous.

“The government has taken advantage of NatWest’s share price having just traded at its highest level in nine years to offload a £1 billion stake in the bank,” said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.

“Rachel Reeves is vindicated in her decision in July to scrap a ‘Tell Sid’ public offer of the government’s remaining stake in NatWest. Ditching the share sale was one of the first things she did after Labour won the general election, saying it was ‘a bad use of taxpayers’ money’ as the initiative – created by the previous government – was expected to offer the shares at a potentially large discount to the market price to incentivise take-up by the public.

“By sitting tight and waiting for the market to strengthen, and restricting the sale to institutional investors, Reeves has so far managed to get a better price for the shares. Whether that trend continues remains to be seen.”

1...192193194...1,761Page 193 of 1,761