Blog
Provides refreshingly forthright, objective comment on small cap companies. Informed opinion, based on first-hand research, but pulls no punches in exposing management weaknesses.
Stanley Gibbons - stamps its foot down with latest acquisition
Posted 02/09/10
Stanley Gibbons Group, the market leading stamp dealers and collectibles group, this week announced the acquisition of the business and assets of Nigel Haworth, a specialist stamp dealer who formerly traded as M & N Haworth for a consideration of £0.3 million .
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Stanley Gibbons
Clyde Process Solutions – in line but predicting remains difficult
Posted 01/09/10
The AIM quoted provider of pneumatic conveying and air filtration solutions, reported a trading performance in line with management expectations.
The Group has seen its share price decline from a high in 2007 of c133p to the current level of 55p and today’s news failed to deliver any boost to the share price.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Clyde Process Solutions
Cambria Automobiles (AIM:CAMB) – promising pre-close but the share price keeps falling
Posted 01/09/10
We commented earlier on AIM quoted Vertu Motors and another UK automobile retailer Cambria Automobiles also issued a strong pre-close statement today.
Cambria Automobiles was admitted to trading on AIM in April 2010 and operates from 25 sites with a total of 37 dealer franchises. Take your pick from Aston Martin, Jaguar, Volvo, Ford, Fiat, Mazda, Honda, Renault, Citroen, Seat, Lotus, Nissan and Triumph – we have a preference for the first name on the list!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Cambria Automobiles
Vertu Motors – all rather positive but the outlook remains cautious
Posted 01/09/10
The UK’s 8th largest motor retailer issued a positive trading update ahead of its half year for the six month period ending 31st August 2010.
Vertu was launched five years ago by former senior managers from Reg Vardy and is smaller than its main UK focused rivals but growing rapidly, largley through acquisitions but also organic growth.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Vertu Motors
Tanfield – will private investors save the day?
Posted 26/08/10
Today’s announcement from Tanfield that it is trying to finalise an equity fundraising as an open offer at a substantial discount to the current share price surprised the market sending the share price down over 45% at one point.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Tanfield
Corac Group - new agreement is a big vote of confidence in the technology
Posted 25/08/10
Having announced somewhat disappointing interim results earlier in August (Revenues £0.05m, net loss £2.41m with no major revenues received from JIP partners), the AIM quoted developer of energy efficient compressor technology has announced a new agreement with an independent exploration & production company with gas interests in the United States – Texas based?
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Corac
Wheat, fertilizers, what’s next? Plain old water would appear to merit greater attention
Posted 18/08/10
While all the recent talk has been about the rising price of soft commodities, notably wheat, an even greater problem surely surrounds the worldwide shortage of potable water. Although the world isn’t short of water per se (annual human and animal consumption is much less than 1% of the world’s total water supply) the world does appear to be running short of clean affordable drinking water.
AIM quoted Modern Water (AIM: MWG) owns and develops a portfolio of water technologies that helps address the global problems of fresh water availability and the treatment and disposal of wastewater.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Modern Water
China Shoto (LON:CHNS) -need re-charging!
Posted 16/08/10
Following on from its AGM statement on 22nd June the leading Chinese battery producer and the largest supplier of back-up batteries to China’s telecommunication operators updated the market today with an announcement with the somewhat gloomy title of ‘Factory Closure & Trading Update’.
We warned previously after the AGM statement (Commentary 22nd June 2010) that things weren’t looking too good and it appears they remain tough.
The factory closure itself relating to a business in which CHNS only has a 59% interest and which accounts for approximately 3% of the Group’s total production capacity doesn’t look that significant. However, it remains a ‘closure’ of a business that should be going through expansion, rather than the contraction that is now clearly the case.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under China Shoto
Zetar Plc (LON:ZTR) prelim results show tasty returns
Posted 21/07/10
Zetar, the AIM listed confectionary and snack company, yesterday announced its preliminary results for the period ending 30th April 2010. The company, which was listed on the 6th January 2005 (Share price 100p), and acquired its first business, Kinnerton, on 13th April 2005 for £32.2m, set out with a strategy to acquire, or make investments in, companies or businesses engaged primarily in the confectionery and snack foods or related markets.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Zetar
VANTIS TENON: – now it’s Administrators acquiring Administrators
Posted 30/06/10
RSM Tenon, the fully listed accounting and businesses services group, has been quick to take advantage of the demise of Vantis, which fell into administration yesterday (as we anticipated!), by snapping up certain business and assets of Vantis for a cash consideration of up to £6.8 million, from the administrators of Vantis.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Tenon Group | Filed under Vantis
ACM Shipping: decent results and ‘unexpected’ diversification into dry cargo
Posted 24/06/10
The leading international shipbroker announced decent preliminary results for the year ended 31st March 2010 but for us there was news of somewhat unexpected diversification into dry cargo.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under ACM Shipping
NWF Group PLC (LON:NWF) another record year, trading ahead and new long-term financing also secured
Posted 16/06/10
NWF Group, the specialist distributor set up in 1871 with an eclectic mix of activities, aimed originally at supplying farmers with food, feed and fuel recently announced the expectation of another record year for the Group with trading in the year ending 31st May 2010 ahead of market expectations.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under NWF Group
BP –the pension fund managers should be doing more to help
Posted 11/06/10
There has been lots of press coverage how the cut in the dividend would be a blow to millions of savers with approximately £1 in every £7 received by UK pension funds coming from BP. It’s also worth remembering that there are probably a large number of US pension fund holders are well. However, very little seems to have been made of the crucial role being played by the pension fund managers and large institutions who are the major shareholders in the oil giant.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under BP plc
BP – the ‘Baracking’ needs to stop!
Posted 10/06/10
President Obama’s motivational skills are coming into question as he continues his tirade against BP and more particularly the company’s Chief Executive, Tony Hayward, who has honorably been prepared to face the music, almost single handedly, since the Deepwater Horizon rig sank back in April.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under BP plc
VANTIS (AIM:VTS): Are the administrators close to falling into administration themselves?
Posted 04/06/10
Vantis, one of the UK’s leading accounting, tax, business recovery and advisory groups recently announced that, as part of its ongoing plan to reduce its level of debt, it is reviewing a number of alternative courses of action. About time some would say!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Vantis
IS Pharma plc (AIM: ISPH), results marginally miss estimates but no big deal in the grand scheme
Posted 02/06/10
The company, which provides specialist pharmaceuticals and equipment in core areas such as Oncology and Neurology saw revenue up 17% to £14.2m (2009: £12.2m).
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under IS Pharma
Advanced Medical Solutions (AIM: AMS) seals the deal with new distributors in North America
Posted 02/06/10
Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc (AIM: AMS), the global medical technology company, today held its annual general meeting.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Advanced Medical Solutions
RWS Holdings half year report shows strong operational performance despite fluctuations in currency
Posted 02/06/10
RWS Holdings, Europe’s leading provider of intellectual property support services and technical translations, today released its half year report for the six months ended 31st March 2010.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under RWS Group
‘Plug the damn hole’ – BP‘s day of reckoning!
Posted 26/05/10
Work at MC252, otherwise known as the Macondo Prospect and now infamous as the location of one of the worlds largest oil spills, today continues at a frantic pace.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under BP plc
Nichols (LON:NICL) - On another day of tumbling share prices the Vimto boys shine!
Posted 20/05/10
Nichols, the soft drinks group famed for its Vimto brand issued a reassuring AGM statement boosting the shares up 3% - that’s about as good as it gets when the FTSE fall 25%!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Nichols
Which companies are benefiting from Gulf oil spill activity? – we offer some pointers!
Posted 19/05/10
Many consider that Clean Harbors Inc (CLH) and Nalco Holding Inc (NLC) could be big beneficiaries of the oil spill in the Gulf. We aren’t so sure and consider that Superior Energy Services (SPN) may actually offer some hidden attractions that aren’t currently factored into its valuation
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Clean Harbors Inc | Filed under Nalco Holding Inc | Filed under Superior Energy Services
British Petroleum (LON:BP) oversold relative to cost of oil spill clear up?
Posted 12/05/10
The share price of BP has been badly hit by the terrible oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under BP plc
WILLIAM RANSON (LON:RNSM) - new Director gets scared off quickly!
Posted 30/04/10
William Ransom, the natural healthcare company, has surely established a record for the shortest appointment of a senior Director.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under William Ransom
IS Pharma (LON:ISPH)
Posted 30/04/10
The specialist pharmaceuticals company launches more brands internationally
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under IS Pharma
Stadium Group PLC (LON:SDM)
Posted 30/04/10
Electronic services provider looking at a ‘pipeline of new business oppurtunity’?
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Stadium Group
Intelek (AIM: ITK) profit before tax expected to be slightly ahead of ‘management’ expectations
Posted 07/04/10
The designer and manufacturer of electronic systems for satellite and microwave communication and specialist manufacturer for the aerospace market spoke of low levels of business from commercial markets but that the government and defence business has been a source of strength in all operating divisions.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Intelek
Norman Hay (AIM: HNN) results considered ‘extremely satisfactory’ despite a fall in pre-tax profit
Posted 07/04/10
The Industrial Equipment and Coatings specialist announced its preliminary results for the year ending December 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Norman Hay
Specialist Energy Group Plc (LON: SEGR) Audited results send the share price soaring!
Posted 31/03/10
The AIM quoted niche engineering group for the energy sector announced the audited accounts of its subsidiary sending the share price soaring over 40%!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Specialist Energy Group
JAMES HALSTEAD (LON:JHD) Record breaking interims and “Steady progress in heavy seas
Posted 31/03/10
The AIM quoted manufacturer and international distributor of commercial floor coverings issued record breaking interim results.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under James Halstead
Gas Turbine Efficiency (LON:GTE) - a cracking 1st quarter and the share price gets a boost
Posted 25/03/10
Hot on the heels of its recent announcement of an agreement to provide gas and steam turbine major outage field services to Tampa-based Entegra Power Group, the AIM quoted energy and aviation products and services group, impressed with news of an increase in expected revenue for the first quarter of 2010 sending the shares soaring 28%.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Gas Turbine Efficiency
Palm Inc (NASDAQ:PALM) - we warned you back in October 2009!
Posted 19/03/10
The latest news from Palm isn’t good and the long term survival (let alone growth!) of this business is now surely in doubt.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Palm Inc
Jetion Solar Holdings (LON:JHL) – move to the Hong Kong market is seriously good for the share
Posted 19/03/10
Following closely in the footsteps of other China based companies, the manufacturer of high quality solar cells and modules has announced that it intends to seek a listing on the main board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong by way of introduction.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Jetion
TEG GROUP (LON: TEG) - “waste” the investment story for 2010!
Posted 17/03/10
The AIM-listed green technology company, which develops and operates organic composting and energy plants, announced encouraging preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under TEG Group
WYNNSTAY GROUP (LON:WYN) Just for Pets attracting all the attention
Posted 16/03/10
The supplier of agricultural products to farmers and the rural community and specialist retailer announced that trading in the first four months of the current financial year has been encouraging. The sdhare price may have climbed off its low of c161p back in March 2009 but this ‘traditional’ looking business merits attention in 2010.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Wynnstay Group
TIKIT (AIM:TIK) Encouraging results and cash still flowing
Posted 11/03/10
Tikit Group plc, the leading provider of consultancy, services and software solutions to major UK, European and US law firms and accountancy practices, reported preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Tikit Group
Digital Barriers (LON:DGB) - +28% on AIM debut; a sign that the market is starting to overheat or…
Posted 04/03/10
Shares in Digital Barriers plc, a company founded by Dr Tom Black and the former senior management team of Detica Group plc rose a whopping 28% on their AIM debut today – a sure sign that the market is getting overheated or simply a management team that justifies a premium rating?
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Digital Barriers
IS Pharma (LON:ISPH) snaps up the rights to Episil
Posted 04/03/10
The international speciality pharmaceutical company is on the acquisition trail again!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under IS Pharma
Stadium Group (“LON: SDM”) Excellent results and positive outlook
Posted 03/03/10
Stadium Group the leading provider of Electronic Manufacturing Services (“EMS”) announced excellent results for the year ending 31st December 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Stadium Group
“NASDAQ:PALM” - we told you back in October that Palm was up against it
Posted 26/02/10
Palm announced this week that its phones aren’t selling as well as it had hoped – surprise surprise!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Palm Inc
Vertu Motors (AIM:VTU): Current year ahead but outlook less certain
Posted 25/02/10
The AIM quoted motor retailer issued a positive trading update in advance of its preliminary results for the year ending 28 February 2010.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Vertu Motors
SKY HIGH (AIM: SKHG): Positive trading statement
Posted 22/02/10
Sky High one of the leading traffic survey and analysis specialists in the country issued a positive operational update.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Sky High
STADIUM GROUP:Well ahead of market expectations
Posted 22/02/10
The AIM listed provider of electronic manufacturing services announced that, as a result of strong trading in the final quarter of the year, results for the year ended 31 December 2009 are likely to be ahead of market expectation by approximately 10 to 15%.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Stadium Group
AEA Technology (AAT): Trading in line and net debt better than expected
Posted 17/02/10
The market leading energy and climate change consultancy, published its Interim Management Statement for the period from 1 October 2009 to 16 February 2010.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under AEA Technology
ENFIS GROUP (AIM:ENF): the LED specialists could be interesting to follow
Posted 17/02/10
Enfis announced the results of its strategic review and a further update on current trading.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Enfis Group
The Indian Film Company: IC update
Posted 16/02/10
Since September 2009 Network 18 Holdings Limited and its associates own in aggregate 80.4% of the existing issued ordinary share capital of the Company.
Half yearly results to end September weren’t great and it’s extremely hard to see what value is in this stock for minority shareholders
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under The Indian Film Company
CERAMIC FUEL CELLS (AIM/ASX: CFU): yet another BlueGen sale
Posted 12/02/10
The AIM/ASX developer of high efficiency and low emission electricity generation units for homes and other buildings, has sold yet another of its ‘BlueGen’ power and heating units in Germany, to leading German gas utility E.ON Ruhrgas.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Ceramic Fuel Cells
Mattioli Woods (AIM:MTW) - Director sale doesn’t look good
Posted 12/02/10
Group’s Marketing and Sales Director, sold 50,000 shares at a price of 230p per share.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Mattioli Woods
Pressure Technologies welcomes shareholders to its AGM
Posted 09/02/10
Unlike some small caps, and indeed blue chips, it’s refreshing to note that the management of Pressure Technologies welcomes smaller shareholders to its forthcoming AGM this Wednesday 10th February.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Pressure Technologies
CARLUCCIO’S (AIM:CARL) Reassuring trading update despite the disruption from the weather
Posted 05/02/10
The UK based group of authentic Italian restaurants with integrated food shops, announced an update on trading prior to its AGM.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Carluccios
William Sinclair: helping the UK’s gardeners
Posted 07/01/10
There were encouraging results from AIM quoted William Sinclair Holdings, the UK’s leading producer of commercial horticulture and branded garden products and owner of the J Arthur Bower’s brand, a name that will be familiar to all those gardeners out there!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under William Sinclair Holdings
Eredene Capital: one to follow in 2010?
Posted 21/12/09
Eredene Capital (AIM: ERE), the AIM quoted investor in Indian infrastructure developments, could be one to follow in 2010.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Eredene Capital
KBC Advanced Technologies: contract award saves the day?
Posted 18/12/09
News of a material contract award and trading update
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under KBC Advanced Technologies
Advanced Medical Solutions(AIM: AMS): all going to plan
Posted 18/12/09
The global medical technology company announced a reassuring update on trading prior to its close period for the year ending 31 December 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Advanced Medical Solutions
Animalcare: Director buying gives confidence
Posted 18/12/09
James Lambert, non-exec Chairman of Animalcare recently purchased 29,909 shares at a price of 95p per share.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Animalcare Group
PALM: As anticipated, they are finding it tough and marketing spend will have to be ramped up
Posted 18/12/09
The 2nd quarter earnings announcement from Palm was clearly disappointing and hardly supportive of the lofty valuation assigned to the business
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Palm Inc
RWS Holdings: cash still flowing nicely and one to follow in 2010
Posted 14/12/09
Europe’s leading provider of intellectual property support services (patent translations and technical searches) and technical translations, announced decent preliminary results for the year ended 30th September 2009in what could be viewed as a fairly turbulent year for the world of patent translation.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under RWS Group
Thoughts from Copenhagen!
Posted 11/12/09
It’s well known that the Danes pioneered the wind energy industry but with all those pigs (approx 25 million) they are a force to be reckoned with in biogas as well.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Pressure Technologies
HALLIN MARINE is taken out at a big premium – who’s next from the sector?
Posted 11/12/09
The big news from AIM to close the week was the announcement of the takeover of Hallin Marine (AIM:HMS), the by the US listed Superior Energy Services, Inc.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Hallin Marine
ZYTRONIC: Excellent results with exports surging
Posted 09/12/09
The specialist manufacturer of touch sensors and optical filters for electronic displays, announced excellent results for the year ending 30th September 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Zytronic
BOND INTERNATIONAL: Disappointing trading update and the share price takes big hit
Posted 09/12/09
The specialist provider of software for the international recruitment and human resources industries, issued a disappointing trading update for the year ended 31 December 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Bond International Software
James Halstead (AIM:JHD) : The AIM star still shines bright
Posted 04/12/09
James Halstead plc, the commercial flooring company, and in our opinion one of the true stars of AIM, has done it again with an upbeat AGM statement and news of another special dividend.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under James Halstead
OpSec Security: management confident
Posted 03/12/09
The supplier of anti-counterfeiting technologies and services recently announced interim results for the six months ended 30th September 2009. Plenty of cash on the balance sheet to reassure!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under OpSec Security Group
Plexus: a first dividend
Posted 03/12/09
Plexus Holdings, the AIM quoted oil and gas engineering services business, issued a highky encouraging AGM statement and news of an inaugural dividend
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Plexus
Silverdell: lots to encouarge
Posted 03/12/09
Silverdell, the specialist in hazardous waste services, providing consulting and contracting solutions, recently reported its preliminary results for the full year ended 30 September 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Silverdell
CVS: another small acquisition
Posted 03/12/09
CVS, one of the UK’s leading providers of veterinary services, recently announced another small acquisition.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under CVS Group
Dewhurst: outstanding results
Posted 03/12/09
Dewhurst, which recently celebrated its 90th birthday, issued what surely should be considered an outstanding set of full year results for the year ending 30th September 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Dewhurst
Brulines: results looks highly encouraging so why the 9% share price fall?
Posted 01/12/09
The market leading provider of real time monitoring systems and data management services for the UK leisure sector, announced its interim results for the six months ended 25 September 2009. The cash generation should encourage!.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Brulines Group
Datong: bargain country?
Posted 01/12/09
The designer and manufacturer of advanced high performance intelligence gathering equipment, which was previously embroiled in a patent infringement claim relating to a 3rd party product for which DATONG acted as a reseller, announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2009. Thankfully the outlook appears a lot rosier!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Datong
SDI Group: Pleasing contract wins and cash in the bank
Posted 30/11/09
AIM quoted SDI Group which designs, builds and supports integrated materials handling solutions for international retail, wholesale, fulfilment and e-commerce distribution operations, issued its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2009. The group has had an interesting time since arriving on AIM in June 2007.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under SDI Group
African Medical Investments: funding in place and big potential
Posted 30/11/09
Hot on the heels of the announcement of a US$47m equity line agreement secured through Harbinger Capital Partners, the AIM listed company operating in the African healthcare sector announced encouraging results for the six months to 31st August 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under African Medical Investments
Borders: another business destroyed by private equity?
Posted 24/11/09
I see it’s been reported that Borders the book sellers has stopped taking orders for new books on its website while the retailer “is in discussion with potential buyers” with some publishers also reported to have severed links with the retailer.
Continue reading... | Permalink
IS Pharma : Variquel® approval and management continues to shine
Posted 23/11/09
IS Pharma (LSE: ISPH), the international speciality pharmaceutical company, and a real star EIS qualifying issue from 2007 continues to deliver.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under IS Pharma
Proventec: cleaning up!
Posted 23/11/09
Proventec, the provider of specialist steam cleaning and coatings technologies, issued interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2009. Much like Pure Wafer, the past few months have largely been all about cost cutting and survival!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Proventec
Pure Wafer: banks supportive!
Posted 23/11/09
The worldwide leader in the provision of wafer reclaim services, issued its Preliminary Results for year ended 30th June 2009. Things appear to be improving!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Puer Wafer
Lonzim: A great opportunity at current levels?
Posted 20/11/09
LonZim( AIM : LZM ), the investment company focused on Zimbabwe and another Lonrho offspring is participating in the ProActive Investors Presentation on Thursday 26th November. Having floated at 100p and having now made a number of portfolio investments it could represent an interesting buying opportunity.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Lonzim
PLASTCS CAPTAL: interims reassure and give the shares a boost
Posted 20/11/09
Interim results for the 6 months ending 30th September 2009 from the niche plastics products manufacturer reassured the market and gave the share price a much needed boost. Investor’s Champion has followed the plastics specialist since float.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Plastics Capital
Avia Health Informatics gets off to a flyer!
Posted 19/11/09
The specialist software group to the healthcare market, which has been admitted to AIM this week following the acquisition of The Plain Software Company Limited, got off to a great start.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Avia Health Informatics
Byotrol; can it really clean up?
Posted 19/11/09
The developer of anti microbial hygiene technologies, continues to make progress although it’s still early days.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Byotrol
Aero Inventory: we implore small shareholders to write to the LSE
Posted 18/11/09
Jim Tucker, the KPMG partner and lead administrator said he was in early stage discussions with parties, including both trade and financial buyers, about purchasing all or part of the struggling company. Mr Tucker is apparently of the opinion that it could take between two and three years to stabilise and turn round the business – not terribly encouraging for a buyer and perhaps an indication that ‘the business’ as a going concern is surely just about worthless, with the only value residing in the stock!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Aero Inventory
James Cropper: dividend lifted
Posted 18/11/09
The AIM quoted specialist paper and materials group announced encouraging results for the half year ending 26th September 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under James Cropper
Orpak Systems: encouraging results
Posted 10/11/09
Orpak, the provider of card-free secure fuel payment systems based can out with third quarter and nine month results for the period ending 30th September 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Orpak Systems
Victoria: tough times but cash coming through and asset support
Posted 09/11/09
There were reassuring results from carpet maker Victoria, although times are clearly very tough in the world of carpets.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Victoria
Palm: valuation in fairytale land?
Posted 30/10/09
Palm used to produce some wonderful, high quality cutting edge products unfortunately the world (and Apple) has moved on!
It’s really all about the Palm Pre and Palm Pixi.
Other business lines are immaterial relative to the market capitalisation of the business and projected income.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Palm Inc
United Carpets Group – reassuring AGM statement and a decent yielder
Posted 29/10/09
There was a decent AGM statement from the AIM quoted carpet and bed retailer.
Since the beginning of July sales have improved steadily, producing a positive like for like result, up by 2.5% for the period.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under United Carpets Group
Cohort: space exploration contract for an AIM company – impressive!
Posted 29/10/09
Cohort, the AIM quoted independent technology group has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, SEA, has signed a two year, €5m contract to supply Remote Interface Units (RIUs) for the BepiColombo spacecraft mission to explore the planet Mercury – sounds mighty impressive!
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Cohort
Jetiion: more Director buying
Posted 28/10/09
New management at Jetion has come out in support of tje shares
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Jetion
H&T Group: all that glistens
Posted 26/10/09
There was a cracking trading update from H&T Group (AIM:HAT), the UK’s largest pawnbroker by size of pledge book, with the Group trading well ahead of current market expectations for the year.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under H&T Group
Judges Scientific: share purchase clarification
Posted 07/10/09
We recently issued a commentary on Judges Scientific in which we stated that on 29th July the company announced the repurchase of 605,247 shares.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Judges Scientific
Tricorn Group: challenging market conditions but lots of potential here
Posted 07/10/09
Tricorn Group, the AIM listed tube manipulation specialist, issued a pre-close trading update following completion of its half year to 30th September 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Tricorn Group
Pressure Technologies: cash balances ahead of expectations
Posted 07/10/09
There was a reassuring pre-close trading update from AIM quoted Pressure Technologies plc for its financial year to 3 October 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Pressure Technologies
Hats off to the management of Stadium Group.
Posted 10/09/09
The main board of Stadium Group, the AIM listed provider of electronic manufacturing services, has set the example for others to follow by agreeing to a 20% per cent cut in pay, twice the level of cut borne by other staff. Bankers, please read on….
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Stadium Group
CADBURY - where are the private equity boys?
Posted 09/09/09
In an interview with Dow Jones, Kraft’s VP for Food Strategy, Michael Osanloo, spoke clearly about how his company views the rejected Kraft bid for Cadbury.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Cadbury
Cadbury - too much to digest?
Posted 08/09/09
All the noise is that any offers will have to be between 800p and 900p with a significant element in cash.
Will management be able hold off the predators?
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Cadbury
FDM Group (AIM: FDMG) - interim results weren’t bad but it’s currently all about the offer!
Posted 18/08/09
The international IT services business known for its so called ‘Mounties’ announced its interim results for the six month period to 30th June 2009.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under FDM Group
James Halstead: confident of meeting market expectations – of course!
Posted 05/08/09
James Halstead, the AIM quoted manufacturer of commercial flooring, and one of our AIM favourites, issued ‘the usual’ confident trading update recently reaffirming that they were ‘fully confident of meeting market expectations for the full year’, despite challenging market conditions in the UK which represents approx 40% of total sales.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under James Halstead
NORTHBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL SERVICES (AIM:NBI) – an AIM company takes a different route to raising
Posted 12/06/09
Northbridge Industrial Services, the AIM quoted industrial services and rental group, probably hasn’t endeared itself to its broker with today’s announcement to raise up to £2m by way of an Open Offer.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Northbridge Industrial services
STRAIGHT (AIM: STT) Contract To Supply Kitchen Caddies In Hertfordshire
Posted 10/06/09
The AIM quoted environmental products and services group announced the award of a contract to provide kitchen caddy food waste containers to over 150,000 households in Hertfordshire.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Straight
Albemarle & Bond (LSE:ABM) – Chairman is selling again
Posted 27/05/09
Hot on the heels of yesterday’s positive trading update, when the group announced that results for the year ending 30th June 2009 are expected to be significantly ahead of market expectations, Charles Nicolson, Chairman of AIM quoted pawnbroker Albemarle & Bond, wasted no time in selling 25,000 shares at a price of 213pence a share (current price 214p).
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KBC Advanced Tech (LSE:KBC) - disappointing statement but reaction looks over the top
Posted 13/05/09
Shares in KBC Advanced Technologies, the AIM quoted consultants to the oil refining, petrochemical and process industries, got thumped today after coming out with a disappointing, trading update.
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GTE (LSE:GTE) - placing demonstrates there is life on the secondary AIM market
Posted 08/05/09
Gas Turbine Efficiency, the AIM quoted provider of proprietary cleantech systems for enhancing the performance of industrial and aviation turbines, announced the raising of £7m at 24 pence per share (current price 28p). In the current small cap climate this represents quite a vote of confidence in this small AIM industrial group, although it also results in quite a large dilution with the raising representing c28% of the enlarged share capital.
Continue reading... | Permalink | Filed under Gas Turbine Efficiency
