Previously writing on photonic components and systems manufacturer Gooch & Housego (GHH), in June with the shares at 900p I concluded that ‘I suggest the company will now do well to get even close to the full-year earnings per share of last year (41p) – the prior half-year was 15.7p. With the share price still looking to demand, at least, smooth growth, I currently continue to avoid’. The shares last closed at 828p... and now a “Trading Update and Directorate Changes” announcement.

Financial services group STM (STM) has issued a “Board Changes and Trading Update” including “we will be making a number of appointments in the coming months to refresh the board around the future strategy of the group” and, with “the pipeline remains encouraging”, that it believes full-year profit expectations will be met. So what of a current more than 8% lower share price to 22p, a circa £13 million market cap?

Previously writing on Lebanese and Eastern Mediterranean restaurants group Comptoir (COM), in June I noted founder, Creative Director and 47.6% shareholder Tony Kitous voting against AGM resolutions including the re-election of Richard Kleiner as Chairman and that, if the Chairman and CEO Chaker Hanna don’t resign, a director change General Meeting would be requisitioned. There has now been a “Board changes and appointment of Nomad & Broker” announcement.

Operator of 69 bars across the UK, trading mainly under the Revolution and Revolución de Cuba brands, Revolution Bars Group (RBG) states that it “is pleased to announce a trading and property related investment update for the year ended 2 July 2022”. With the shares having currently responded up a few percent to 15p, how ‘pleasing’ is the update?

Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) is “pleased to update that… trading in the first half of the year to 31 January 2023 has been encouraging” and that current global challenges are creating further demand for the work it does. So what of a share price currently slightly lower today to 260p?

The whisteblower tells truly salacious stories - I shall speak to them at length, later. I discuss FinnCap (FCAP), the fraud Supply@ME Capital (SYME), IQE (IQE), the chocolate teapots at the FCA, and MGC Pharmaceuticals (MXC). Gotcha!

Previously writing on construction software company Eleco (ELCO), in May with the shares down to 88.5p I concluded that the valuation didn’t look to discount the risks and thus still avoid / sell. What though now with the shares last closing at 70p and a trading update the company states it “is pleased to provide”?

Allergy Therapeutics (AGY) has issued a trading update for its year ended 30th June 2022 emphasising “effective cost controls implemented alongside the group's significant clinical progress” and “in 2023, sales are expected to return to their previous near double-digit growth levels”. So what of a current share price response to 17p, approaching 7% lower?

Previously writing on geospatial software group IQGeo (IQG), last week with the shares sparking higher towards 140p I questioned ‘emphasises “important project” selection, but how do the financials look now?’. So what of now a trading update?

These are the most-read articles and most listened-to Bearcasts of the week. The most read non-Tom article is Do I dump my EasyJet shares, after it screwed me so badly as a customer? by Chris Bailey at number five or number 11 if you include Bearcasts.

The notion that Sam Smith quit in order to get her leg over, is this morning blown out of the water by a Peel Hunt AGM warning. If Peel is getting battered, how do you think its notably inferior rival, FinnCap, is doing? When is your warning, your smugness? With results in the next couple of weeks, I suggest.

Previously writing on geospatial software group IQGeo (IQG), approaching a year ago with the shares at 122p I concluded the valuation looked challenging. The group has today though announced “Global top 5 telecom operator selects IQGeo” and what of the shares sparking higher towards 140p?

Pass the sick bag. You might think that Sam Smith opted to quit as boss of FinnCap (FCAP) the other day was because in the three and a half years since its IPO the shares have slumped by a third despite City advisers hauling in record fees for the past two years. But as the bear market growls it is a matter of when, not if, FinnCrap serves up a dire profits warning so it is better to walk now before the merde really hits the proverbial. But today's Femail section of the appalling Daily Mail suggests there is a lot more to the story. For starters did you know that the firm Sam started was in the the FTSE 100?

Describing itself as “a leading innovator in plant-based specialty polymers used as essential ingredients in everyday consumer products”, Itaconix (ITX) has issued an AGM statement emphasising “revenues substantially ahead of any prior half year. Demand has remained strong right into this week”. So what of a current 5.75p share price, circa £26 million market cap – approaching 30% ahead on this latest announcement from the company?

Software for customer marketing company Pelatro (PTRO) has issued an AGM Statement including that “contracts announced in the last month in both the telco and the non-telco space demonstrate our continuing success in building the group's recurring revenue base… we are confident of delivering a performance in line with expectations for 2022”. So what of a share price of 27.75p, down from above 40p last Autumn?...

Describing itself as “a leading provider of specialist products using printed circuit technology”, Trackwise Designs (TWD) has issued a trading update including that it “expects to deliver FY22 adjusted operating profit, and adjusted profit before tax, in line with market expectations… Cash of £3.2m has been received this month relating to asset financing for capital equipment now on site and commissioned at Stonehouse… will significantly increase Trackwise's production capacity to meet expected demand for Improved Harness Technology across its target markets”. So why currently a more than 18% share price fall below a 50p share price?...

Fonix Mobile (FNX) has announced that “selling shareholders… have successfully sold a total of 6,666,667 placing shares at a price of 150 pence per placing share… in order to satisfy strong institutional demand”. If it says so!...

Okay, Sam has a few things to be smug about. She set up FinnCap (FCAP), and 24 years later, it is an AIM-listed Nomad and broker. Furthermore, she has done it all despite - as per hundreds of sycophantic interviews - being a woman in what is largely a male-dominated world. How very ESG, la dee da dee da. But…

Industrial communications products company Filtronic (FTC) is “pleased to report top line growth and that adjusted EBITDA is set to exceed market expectations despite the challenges of the global semiconductor shortage. This strong trading performance will enable us to continue to make strategic investments in the future of the business”. So what of a share price currently up 25%, above 11p?...

Online prize competitions company Best of the Best (BOTB) has made announcements today which have currently sparked the shares more than 20% higher to 475p. So what’s the news?...

On Monday ready meals group Parsley Box (MEAL) announced sellout of 4,000 Platinum Jubilee-targeted hampers, with CEO Kevin Dorren “delighted to be working with so many highly regarded brands” on them. However, there were no financials included and today a “Trading Update”, and the shares down to 17.5p, a £12.7 million market cap.

Marketing software company Pelatro (PTRO) “is pleased to announce that it has been selected by an African telco to provide its mViva Campaign Management Solution… helped us penetrate the growing African market further”. What of a share price response currently a few percent higher towards 28p?...

Previously writing on group now describing itself as “a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments” Kromek (KMK), in July with the shares down towards 15p I reviewed “well-placed to capitalise on the substantial opportunities”, concluding still a sell. It today provides an update, with its year ended 30th April.

Iofina (IOF) has announced first quarter production of 103.8 metric tonnes of crystalline iodine from its five operating IOsorb plants in Oklahoma, USA, in line with its budgeted projections and that “iodine spot prices have reached $60/kg and above, up 20% since the beginning of the year”. This sounds encouraging.

Describing itself as “a leading innovator in plant-based specialty polymers used as essential ingredients in everyday consumer products”, Itaconix (ITX) states that it “is pleased to update the market on current trading”. So what of the detail and a currently slightly higher to 5p share price?...

I discuss: Twitter and the bid from Elon Musk; Petropavlovsk (POG); Canadian Overseas Petroleum (COPL); FinnCap (FCAP); today's trading statement; and problems with Greek workmen.

Cybersecurity group specialising in digital identities, derived credentials and access control, Intercede (IGP) has announced “delays have been experienced with a number of large new opportunities that had been expected to close this year… revenues are lower than market expectations… expected to be in the region of £9.9-10.0m”. What of a share price fall in response from 58.5p to currently 46p?…

Intercede (IGP), “the leading specialist in digital identity, credential management and secure mobility, is pleased to announce that a large US Federal Government order totaling $3.4m was received on 29 March”. What of a share price currently up to 64p in response?…

Engineering components coatings company Hardide (HDD) is “delighted that the first half of the year has started strongly with sales expected to be over 40% higher than the same period last year… optimistic that the increasing demand from existing customers and the high-volume potential of a number of projects will result in the group achieving its previous upward sales trajectory”. The shares have responded up to 33.5p, but what does the company’s AGM update mean financially?…

Previously writing on SRT Marine Systems (SRT), in January with the shares up to 47p I noted interims having shown a more than £3 million loss on revenue of £4.7 million, with a swing to a £1.4 million net current liabilities position and also £1.7 million of non-current liabilities and that I retained caution HERE. Now the company’s “pleased to announce… concluded its Bookbuild process, successfully raising gross proceeds of £4.9 million through the placing”. So what about a more than 11% share price fall to 34.25p in response?…

Nomad and broker Finncap (FCAP) led by smug Sam Smith the City’s fave female entrepreneur, so we cannot say anything bad about her company, floated on the AIM Sewer on December 5 2018 at 28p per share. Today, after a ramptastic, but odd, trading statement, the shares are …. 28p to sell, 29p to buy if you are nutso.

Parsley Box (MEAL) has served up unaudited 2021 numbers which are mouthwateringly awful and announced a £5.9 million placing and £1.1 million open offer which is not underwritten. The price of 20p is a small premium to yesterday’s close but a big discount to when FinnCrap started scuttling around the City with the begging bowl out.

Mothercare plc (MTC) has made a “Statement re Russia”. As a “global specialist brand for parents and young children”, what does it have to say?…

Sam runs Finncap (FCAP) which earned vast fees floating Parsley Box (MEAL) at 200p last March. The shares are now 17.5p. As a belated celebration of International Women’s Day I have dropped Sam a note.

A trading update from infection prevention and control-focused company Byotrol (BYOT) commences, “Our second half performance (six months to 31 March 2022) is showing a significant improvement in product sales compared to our first half, and the order book remains strong into year end” and includes “if we do not conclude any large IP sales, we would expect overall revenues to be no less than £6m, with positive underlying EBITDA for the year… we expect our cash position at year end to be no less than £1m”. The shares have currently responded up to 3.15p, but what of they still down from above 5p as recently as December?…

Last April 15 musicMagpie (MMAG) joined the AIM sewer at 193p. Today, after publishing its first annual results, a tale of disguised cashburn and a deteriorating outlook the shares trade at just 112p.This is another example of the greed and stupidity of the 2021 IPO bull market. This time it is Peel Hunt which should hang its head in shame.

Previously writing on payment technology for business communications company PCI Pal (PCIP), in November with the shares further lower below 70p I questioned how “excellent” the start to its current year?. Now half-year results and the shares at 58p, though up from a prior close 53.5p.

Previously writing on vehicle telematics company Quartix Technologies (QTX), in October with the shares at 450p I concluded that the cash flow and growth of the recurring revenue of the fleet subscription base saw me retain scepticism of the valuation. So what now following 2021 results emphasising “Strong fleet subscription base growth in all regions and planned acceleration of growth” and with the shares at 385p?…

I start with Ms Lingerie on Expenses after the latest bombshell.  Then it is ADVFN (AFN), Union Jack (UJO) with its spoof from the Eurasia (EUA) playbook, Seraphine (BUMP), Peel Hunt (PEEL) and FinnCap (FCAP).

Previously writing on ‘infection prevention products’ company Tristel (TSTL), in October with the shares down to around 500p I concluded that still the valuation suggested entry into the US at a vast value indeed is needed and to avoid / sell. With the shares having last closed at 417.5p, what of today-announced half year results?…

Shares in company describing itself as “a leader in plant-based specialty polymers used as essential ingredients in everyday consumer products” Itaconix (ITX) are currently more than 18% higher on the day to 5.85p, so what’s the news?…

As I explained in the free to access podcast yesterday, shareholders in Omega Diagnostics (ODX) should be blaming the company and its advisers FinnCap and Paul “Queenie” McManus of Walbrook PR for their losses. I have written to the Oxymorons at AIM Regulation asking for an investigation into CEO Jag Grewal, CFO Chris Lea, Geoff Nash and Alice Lane at FinnCap and into Queenie himself.

On Wednesday I wrote on logistics group DX (DX.) argues “pleased to provide” trading update, but what about the murkier and murkier “corporate governance inquiry”?!, noting the intra-day-announced “immediate effect” resignation of the Audit & Risk Committee directors with no further detail provided and then the suggested routineness of the inquiry “proceeding, and the company will provide a further update in due course”! Now “Resignation of Auditor”. Dear, oh dear!

Broadcast and streaming service markets technology group Pebble Beach Systems (PEB) has announced that it “expects to report results ahead of market expectations for the full year 2021” and “underlying order growth was circa 17%, with H2 14% higher than H1”. This sounds like good news although the shares at a 12.5p offer are unchnaged on our original share tip of four months ago. For now!

Previously writing on self-described “leading innovator in plant-based specialty polymers used as essential ingredients in everyday consumer products” Itaconix (ITX), last month as the shares rose to 6.25p I questioned new major application order from a leading European supplier, or not?, concluding caveat emptor, avoid / sell. The company now states that it “is pleased to update the market on trading for the full year to 31 December 2021”, so what of a further share price fall currently to 4.2p?…

Online prize competitions company Best of the Best (BOTB) has announced results for its half-year ended 31st October 2021 including “in line with market expectations as updated in August 2021”. However, I previously noted that “updated” was actually a massive profit warning, concluding with the shares around the mid 600p’s I want to see some evidence of the earnings “uptick” potential before reconsidering from the watchlist. The shares last closed at 606p but are currently below 450p, so what’s going on with the apparently “in line” results?…

Marketing and communications data technology company Access Intelligence (ACC) has made a trading update headlined “Year to 30 November 2021: a transformative year”. That sounds positive… but the current share price response is to 116.5p, more than 23.5% lower! So what’s the story?…

Previously writing on technology products principally for the gaming and broadcast industries company Quixant (QXT), in May with the shares rising above 150p I noted it emphasising its order intake but supply and competition risks together with an above £100 million market cap saw me avoid. What now after a full-year trading update?…

You do not need the brains of, the amazing, Rachel Riley to work out that Omega Diagnostics (ODX) needs to do a placing PDQ or it is in serious danger of going tits up, But for those Bulletin Board Morons who, having the brains of a park bench, are in denial here are the maths:

AIM-listed Graphene play Haydale (HAYD) has appointed FinnCap as Nomad and Broker. So is it fundraising ahoy?

SRT Marine Systems (SRT) has made an announcement titled “£40 million SRT-MDA System Project Award”… and the shares have currently responded more than 10% higher to 47p. So what’s the detail?…

Provider of specialist products using printed circuit technology Trackwise Designs (TWD) “is pleased to announce that it has conditionally raised gross proceeds of £6.0 million… Oversubscribed… This fundraise will enable the delivery of a step change in our IHT commercial proposition”. An oversubscribed growth fundraise… so a good price then relative to a last closing 145p share price?…

Previously writing on manufacturer of plastic and paperboard packaging Robinson (RBN), in August with the shares at 112.5p I concluded the forecasts looked challenging and continue to avoid. So what of a trading statement today?…

Infection prevention and control products company Byotrol (BYOT) states that it “is pleased to announce” results for its half-year ended 30th September 2021. I previously concluded in April with the shares at 7p to avoid, they last closed at 5p…and are currently further lower at 4.275p. So what’s going on with trading?…

Photonic components and systems manufacturer Gooch & Housego (GHH) has announced results for its year ended 30th September 2021 emphasising “delighted with the trading performance of the group in the year… looking forward, the board is very optimistic”. What though of the shares, currently slightly up from a last close 1120p but down from I previously writing?…

Previously writing on financial markets technology and related services group Arcontech (ARC), in September with the shares down to 140.5p I questioned “confident we will return to growth”. The shares most recently closed at 126.5p and are currently heading towards 100p on the back of a “trading update”. It means a profit warning then…

Online prize competitions company Best of the Best (BOTB) has made a trading update including that it “remains confident about the prospects for the business, both in the second half of the financial year and beyond”. Why then are the shares still around the mid 600p’s compared to 1600p as recently as August?…

Previously writing on payment software for business communications company PCI-PAL (PCIP), in September with the shares at 76p I noted announcement of patent lawsuits filed against it, to “defend itself robustly” but that the valuation looked to demand, at least, smooth delivery and that I continued to avoid. So what following patent case and trading updates, and the shares currently further lower below 70p?…

Previously writing on industrial communications products company Filtronic (FTC) I avoided the shares, concluding there looks some way to go to justify a £19 million+ market capitalisation and there’s also a disappointing recent years’ track record to overcome. The shares had recently led it to an above £27 million market cap, but there is currently a sharp fall back today on an AGM Statement…

British Honey Company (BHC) which makes honey but not money listed on the Aquis lobster pot at 110p on March 16 2020.  Amazingly the shares are now 114p but given the shenanigans of the past 18 months that is both unsustainable and ludicrous.

Previously writing on ‘infection prevention products’ company Tristel (TSTL), in July with the shares at 620p I reviewed why they were down in response to ‘confident for strong growth’ update. Today full-year results, and the shares are further down.

Previously writing on “digital identity, credential management and secure mobility” cybersecurity group Intercede (IGP), in July with the shares at 115p I questioned “Connect Partner Programme & Q1 Contract Wins” share price rise justified?. The shares last closed at 91.5p and are currently further lower at 87.5p on the back of a trading update.

Previously writing on maritime surveillance and management systems company SRT Marine (SRT), in November with the shares below 40p I concluded I await the current ‘jam tomorrow’ to start being delivered before reconsidering from avoid. The shares last closed at 37.5p and are currently slightly higher on the back of a half-year trading update.

Previously writing on engineering components coatings company Hardide (HDD), last month on the shares rising to 37.5p I questioned argues contract award ‘delight’, but is the share price rise justified?. The shares last closed at 31p but are currently up to 35p on the back of a “pleased to provide” year-end trading update.

Previously on LED lighting, electronic and electro-mechanical systems group LPA (LPA), I wrote trading warning, argues “victims of our own success”. Really? in March with the shares at 75.5p. They were still above 70p this morning, but at 11:53am a “Year End Trading Update”-titled announcement. If a scheduled such trading update why the intra-day release?…

Photonic components and systems manufacturer Gooch & Housego (GHH) has announced “profits are expected to be slightly ahead of management’s previous expectations”. The trading update has helped the shares slightly higher to 1285p…but is still meaningfully down from over 1500p reached in July justified?…

It was just 23 days ago when Parsley Box (MEAL) issued its second profits warning since 200p a share IPO on March 31. I warned things would get worse but the savant of our own comments section PierotLunaire boasted as pompously as ever that he was set to complete his due diligence by tasting a mail order meal from the firm before joining his City fund manager chums on the shareholder list and filling his patrician boots at 117.5p. Of course the fund managers and PL always know better than old Tom.  Today the shares are 64p after yet another warning!

Updating last month on Trinidad and Tobago oil and gas explorer Touchstone (TXP), we noted significant upside potential from the then 85p share price including drilling Royston-1. The shares previously closed at 84p but now we have Royston-1 drilling results and the shares are 103.5p.

Previously writing on Xeros Technology Group (XSG), in July with the shares higher to 232.5p I concluded at that juncture still a jam tomorrow avoid / sell. The shares last closed at 200p and the group has today announced results for the first half of 2021, emphasising “significant milestones with a number of market launches taking place”. So why are the shares currently at 185.5p?…

Yes, you read that correctly, the US ADR placing of Argo Blockchain (ARB) involved ELEVEN different brokers. Jefferies, Barclays, Canaccord Genuity, Stifel, GMP, Compass Point, D.A. Davidson & Co, Ladenburg Thalmann, Roth Capital Partners, finnCap and Tennyson Securities are the team batting for Argo and will no doubt boast that they raised £82.4 million having targeted just £75 million. But…

Payment software for business communications company PCI-PAL (PCIP) has noted a patent infringements lawsuits press release from competitor Semafone and that its directors “believe that the Semafone claims have no basis… PCI Pal will defend itself robustly against all allegations of patent infringement”. The shares, at 76p, are still though currently more than 14% lower.

Previously writing on engineering components coatings company Hardide (HDD), in March with the shares at 32p I reviewed is still well down from 2020-commencing more than 60p justified? – concluding at that juncture I retained prior scepticism and avoided. The shares last closed at 28p, but on the back of a “Contract Award” announcement are currently 37.5p. Is this justified?…

After the July lack of profits warning, you might have thought that interims today from Parsley Box (MEAL) could not make things any worse. You would be wrong. Anyone buying into the IPO on March 31 when the company raised £5 million and existing shareholders dumped £12 million of shares, would look at the unfolding horror and feel physically sick. This is what happens in bull markets, shit floats, smart folks cash out and fund managers show they are as dumb as anyone else and buy into it all, albeit with other folks’ cash.

Financial markets technology and related services group Arcontech (ARC) states it “is pleased to announce its final audited results for the year ended 30 June 2021” and that “as the market comes out of this difficult period we are confident we will return to growth”. So why are the shares, at 140.5p, currently more than 15% lower on the announcement?…

Tracsis (TRCS) states that it is “pleased to provide” a trading update for its year ended 31st July 2021, and it includes “a strong end of year recovery” and “anticipate further recovery in activity levels through Q1 of FY 21/22, supported by the recently announced Government-backed insurance scheme for the live events sector”. So why are the shares currently slightly lower in response, at 1020p?…

Previously writing on enterprise innovation management technology and services company Sopheon (SPE), in June with the shares at 925p I concluded that with all the change, following “review”, and the current valuation, I’ll continue to monitor but on the shares currently continue to avoid. They last closed at 880p but are currently above the June price on the back of half-year results. So, what’s the story?…

Trinidad and Tobago oil and gas explorer Touchstone (TXP) has made a second quarter operational and financial update, including emphasising it is confident its funding capacity together with operations are sufficient to complete a budgeted four well development program as well as drilling Royston-1, one of a number of milestones it forecasts to achieve in the second half of the year.

Previously writing on manufacturer of plastic and paperboard packaging Robinson (RBN), in June I reviewed sales growth… so why significant share price decline? with the shares down at 112.5p. They last closed at 122.5p, but what now of half-year results which currently see the shares at…112.5p?

Writing on online prize competitions company Best of the Best (BOTB) in May with the shares at 2775p I noted house broker finnCap’s forecasts of earnings per share of more than 143p for the just commenced year and 165.5p for the year after that compared to 37.5p for the company’s year ended 30th April 2020 and that there has surely been lockdown benefit to it in the subsequent period (last year’s earnings per share 122.5p), stating concern on the sustainability of some of the recent earnings. Today there has been a “Trading Update” – and the shares have collapsed to 830p!

There was no RNS when the papers below were filed on April 7. There is no mention in the annual report which came out 22 days later. That is a bit odd given that the cost of this case could run into millions of dollars. Who would have thought after yesterday’s shock revelations HERE that the fine chaps at Argo Blockchain (ARB) would either (again) stand accused of being such rotters and also not tell investors about price sensitive data?

‘Infection prevention products’ company Tristel (TSTL) has announced positive performance against expectations and confidence “for strong growth in the years ahead”. Why then are the shares, at 620p, currently more than 6% lower?…

Previously writing on geospatial software group IQGeo (IQG), in January with the shares rising above 100p I concluded, with what needed to even reach forecasts and the valuation already, I continued to avoid. What now following it “pleased to announce an update… following the close of the company’s first half ended 30 June 2021”?…

March-listed provider of ready meals that do not need to be stored in a fridge or freezer, Parsley Box (MEAL) has made a trading update which emphasises “Strong H1 2021 growth driven by repeat purchase rates and average order value”. Why then are the shares currently at 142p, 15.7% lower?!…

There is a “Trading and operations update” announcement today from carbon ceramic brake discs company Surface Transforms (SCE). Hopefully it’s good news as reader Russ (hi) will likely get dreadfully upset if reporting otherwise (as well as that this is not a 100+ page review of the carbon ceramic brake disc industry).

Xeros Technology Group (XSG) is “delighted to be partnering with two domestic washing machine manufacturers” and the shares have responded slightly higher to 232.5p. So what’s the partnerships detail and valuation?…

A “Connect Partner Programme & Q1 Contract Wins”-titled announcement from cybersecurity provider Intercede Group (IGP) sees the shares currently 13% higher at 115p. Does this response look justifiable?…

Manufacturer of plastic and paperboard packaging Robinson (RBN) has updated on trading including “sales in the first five months of the year are 17% ahead of the same period in 2020”. So why are the shares, at 112.5p, currently approaching 20% lower?…

Previously writing on printed circuit technology products manufacturer Trackwise Designs (TWD), with the shares at 225p I concluded with the bottom-line delivery needed to reasonably justify the valuation and what I still consider fundraising shame, I currently continue to avoid. The shares last closed at 226p, but are currently below 200p on the back of updates including full-year results…

Previously writing on enterprise innovation management technology and services company Sopheon (SPE), in March with the shares down from 895p I concluded that the valuation saw me continue to avoid. Today an AGM update – and the shares currently 4.5% higher on the day at 925p. What’s the story now?…

Previously writing on Amino Technologies (AMO), in February with the shares at 128.5p I concluded I continue to consider there looks some recovery value here. What about now, with the shares at 158p on the back of a trading update?…

Payments software for business communications company PCI Pal (PCIP) “is pleased to announce that the positive trading momentum since the end of Q3 has continued” and that it is “to accelerate the repayment schedule of its outstanding debt of £1.7 million”. What of the shares, currently up on the update to 92.5p, but down from approaching 120p last month?…

Previously writing on Revolution Bars Group (RBG), in March with the shares at 29p I was cautious with assumptions on government restrictions having proven dangerous and also the debt and prior challenges. Now the self-styled “leading UK operator of 66 premium bars, trading under the Revolution and Revolución de Cuba brands, is pleased to announce the results of its Bookbuild launched yesterday”. Hmmm…

Previously writing on supplier of technical fluid power components and services Flowtech Fluidpower (FLO), last month we concluded, at worst, hold tight and probably still a recovery buy as trading recovery continued. There has also since been a notable director shares purchase, BUT…

Online organiser of weekly competitions to win cars and other lifestyle prizes Best of the Best (BOTB) “is pleased to provide” a trading update for its year ended 30th April 2021. Why then are the shares, at 2775p, currently more than 10% lower?…

Following yesterday’s shock revelations here of fine upstanding behaviour by no one at all in the Open Orphan (ORPH) camp apart from the company’s saintly boss Cathal Friel, the company’s retained broker, FinnCap (FCAP), has it appears been forced to issue a short statement.

Xeros Technology (XSG) has announced the first deployment of its ‘XOrb’ and ‘XDrum’ technology platform in the commercial laundry market – this with the largest commercial washing machine manufacturer in China, Jiangsu SeaLion Machinery Co., Ltd. Exciting stuff?, Er…

This is a tale which leaves no one involved, other than Open Orphan PLC (ORPH), looking like angels. It is also an invitation to you from Sam Allen at Walbrook PR to front run a broker upgrade.

Shares in technology products principally for the gaming and broadcast industries company Quixant (QXT) are currently higher, above 150p, on the back of an update at its AGM including “order intake remains strong, providing us with further improved order coverage for our internal full year budget”. What does that mean financially though?

A trading update from infection prevention and contamination control products company Tristel (TSTL) includes “surface disinfectant product sales have continued to gain market share and UK sales for this product range to end of third quarter were £2.3m, 47% higher than in the same period last year” and “sales of our 13 overseas subsidiaries and to our international distributor network have increased by 7% over the comparable period last year”. So why are the shares, at 563p, currently approaching 16% down?…

Supplier of technical fluid power components and services Flowtech Fluidpower (FLO) has announced results for the 2020 calendar year and since an “encouraging performance in Q1 with revenue and margin slightly above expectations”. Still recovery value?

Infection and prevention control products company Byotrol (BYOT) “is pleased to announce an update on trading” – and the shares have currently responded more than 14% higher to 7p. What’s the story?…

Self-styled “operator of a leading marketplace for the global promotional products industry” Altitude Group (ALT) is “pleased to provide an update on trading for the financial year ended 31 March 2021” and the shares have currently responded more than 7% higher to 44p, but how ‘pleasing’ really is the update?…

The AGM of LED lighting, electronic and electro-mechanical systems group LPA (LPA) was today and there is an accompanying “AGM Trading Update” announcement. Should be routine-enough then… but the shares are currently at 75.5p in response, down approaching 12%!…

An AGM Statement from engineering components coatings company Hardide plc (HDD) commences that, “The company is in a sound financial position with new proceeds of approximately £1 million received from the recent fundraising. As expected, trading remains largely stable around the same levels experienced in the second half of last year” – and the shares have responded higher to 32p. Is still well down from 2020-commencing more than 60p justified?…

Braemar Shipping Services (BMS) has made an update commencing that “strong trading in the last two months has meant that underlying trading performance for the year ended 28 February 2021 will be above market expectations*”. So why are the shares currently below 230p, approaching 10% lower?…

Previously writing on vehicle telematics company Quartix (QTX), in October with the shares at 340p, I noted it “pleased with the progress we have made so far in 2020” but questioned value. Today it “is pleased to announce its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2020”. So what’s the outlook now?…

Gooch & Housego (GHH), a “photonic systems, components and instrumentation for applications in the Aerospace & Defence, Industrial, Life Sciences and Scientific Research sectors” company, has made a trading update noting “improved levels of demand” and “good progress streamlining our manufacturing sites”. So potentially interesting?…

Previously writing on Amino Technologies (AMO), in December with the shares at 120p I suggested they worth a small speculation again. On the back of results today, they are currently at 128.5p – though that is down from a last close 135p, so what’s the story?…

Previously writing on ‘enterprise innovation management’ software and services company Sopheon (SPE), in July with the shares at 870p I questioned “delighted to partner with Mondelēz”… but share price delight justified?. Today a trading update…

Previously writing on manufacturer of carbon fibre reinforced ceramic automotive brake discs Surface Transforms (SCE), earlier this month I concluded with the shares at 53p that there looks interesting future potential here, but ahead of further balance sheet and revenue detail (results expected in May) and with the already more than £80 million market cap, I currently continue to avoid. Now a placing and proposed open offer…

Geospatial software group IQGeo (IQG) has made a trading update which includes that it “expects to show good growth in all key metrics” and “sees continued strong market demand”. That sees the shares currently 8% higher to above 100p. But what does the growth and demand mean financially?…

A “Trading, OEM Pipeline & Operations Update” announcement from manufacturer of carbon fibre reinforced ceramic automotive brake discs Surface Transforms (SCE) – and the shares currently 4% higher at 53p, capitalising the company at over £82 million. Good news then?…

Ironveld (IRON) has today announced results for its year ended 30th June 2020, concluding “we look forward to providing further updates in the near future”. Hmmm – releasing results on largely ‘no one watching o’clock’ days such as those this week doesn’t tend to mean good news…

Previously writing on cybersecurity group specialising in digital identities, credential management and secure mobility Intercede (IGP), last year with the shares at 27p I concluded including the adventurous investor might consider a small, speculative buy here. Today a “new contract win with a large US defence contractor” and the shares a further more than 8% higher… to 86p! So what of the valuation now?…

Geospatial software group IQGeo (IQG) “is pleased to announce a significant new contract for software and services with a major tier 1 Canadian telecoms network operator” – and the shares have responded higher to above 82p and comparing with a start of the year below 60p. Is this justified?…

Organisational spend management software and services company Proactis (PHD) is “pleased to announce” not just a ‘Contract Win’, but a “Strategic Contract Win”. Hmmm, ramptastic?…

Late March-announced results from Ironveld (IRON) included “your board remains confident that the company’s asset, containing 27 million tons of HPI, together with significant Vanadium and Titanium content, continues to demonstrate robust economics and has a potential value many times in excess of the company’s market capitalisation and balance sheet carrying value” – the market capitalisation then £2.6 million and stated net assets £21.7 million. Today a fundraising, from a £4.3 million market capitalisation with the shares having last closed at 0.65p. Surely a price competitive against that then? – and, given the stated “potential value”, even that unnecessarily dilutive?…

A couple of announcements today from one of the many AIM dogs of Neil Woodford, Xeros Technology Group (XSG) – and the shares currently continuing something of a recent recovery…

Previously writing on Trackwise Designs (TWD), with the shares below 90p I questioned recent fundraising “provision of growth working capital”… or keep-the-lights on funds? – concluding I suggest trading and funding challenges mean this currently still a bargepole / sell. Today a “Fundraising and Open Offer” and the shares down in response – but to a current around 300p, so what’s happened here? Should Tom sack me this weekend?

Online organiser of weekly competitions to win cars and other lifestyle prizes Best of the Best (BOTB) has updated including that it “is very pleased that trading for the period has remained as strong as previously announced on 16 September 2020 and that momentum remains within the business”. The shares are though currently lower at 1355p…

FinnCap (being polite) is house to fully-listed Golden Prospect Precious Metals (GPM), so you would not expect the genius writers to say sell. Since they are also talking my book (I am a proud owner of both ordinary and subscrition shares), naturally I think the writers are extremely clever (despite some comical number) so the broker note is worth a butchers…

“Hardide plc (AIM: HDD), the developer and provider of advanced surface coating technology, announces that it has been notified that on 3 August 2020, Philip Kirkham (CEO) and Robert Goddard (Chairman) bought 20,000 and 37,000 ordinary shares respectively… each at a price of 27 pence per ordinary share.” The shares have currently responded to more than 30p to buy…

A week ago, Malcolm Stacey could have sold his shares in Avacta (AVCT) at more than 200p each. In fact I think the old trading genius might just have done that. Then the company started “sounding out” investors about a fund raise and, not that anyone in London ever breaks insider dealing laws so this is a total coincidence, the shares started tumbling fast. As I write they are off by 5p at 132-5p as it has announced am up to £45 million fund raise at 120p. I don’t blame it.

I refer, of course, to smokers. Before Malcolm gets on his high horse, hear me out. What I say is logical if a bit crazy. In that vein I also discuss the mad idea of buying the ten worst stocks on AIM and ask for your nominations. I start with Catenae Innovation (CTEA), Tern (TERN), Clear Leisure (CLP) and Attis Oil & Gas (AOGL). I also discuss the crazy idea of buying FinnCap (FCAP) shares. I look at the Powerhouse Energy (PHE) ramp and at the curious case of Anexo (ANX) placing today as directors dump shares. The Woodlarks walk appeal is now at 34% please, as I start another training walk this afternoon, donate HERE.

I noted yesterday shares in business spend management software and services company Proactis (PHD) bouncing on a “Reset of bank facilities” announcement, though concluded I considered the valuation still more than sufficient at this point and continue to avoid. Today half-year results – and the shares currently more than 6.5% lower towards 27p in response...

A “Reset of bank facilities” announcement from business spend management software and services company Proactis (PHD) – and the shares currently above 25p, approaching 20% higher...

A “COVID-19 Update & Notice of Results” announcement from Proactis (PHD) including that its business - “business spend management solution provider” - “is based primarily on a recurring revenue, long term, SaaS based contract business model which offers robustness and security in periods of short-term uncertainty and a high degree of visibility… the group has continued to trade well”. The shares have currently responded up to above 20p, but are still down from more than 50p early last month, interesting?...

Previously writing on SRT Marine Systems (SRT), in November I concluded that a market cap of already more than £60 million and the smoothness of the progress being relied on despite, particularly, the noted dependency on customer processes and timings, sees me currently continue to avoid. Today a “Trading Update”…

In today's podcast I look at Telit (TCM) whose, forced, trading statement does not stack up. I look at Finncap (FCAP) where the share price collapse is only just starting, at Bahamas Petroleum (BPC), Mirriad (MIRI) and at Versarien (VRS) and THAT INTERVIEW.

Shares in Braemar Shipping Services (BMS) had fallen from more than 220p in January to last close below 140p. Today a “Pre-Close Trading Update” including “trading results for the second half of the year are anticipated to be approximately in line with market expectations*”… and the shares currently further lower towards 130p…

Are the deadwood press still blowing smoke up the arse of Sam Smith, the boss of FinnCap (FCAP), a woman showing the men how it’s done in the man’s world of broking and corporate finance? Maybe there will be less blowing after a shock profits warning today.

Photonic components and systems manufacturer Gooch & Housego (GHH) has updated including of “high levels of demand for fibre optics, hi-reliability fibre couplers used in undersea cables and our A&D and life science capabilities” and the shares have currently responded above 1350p, more than 6% higher…

NAHL Group (NAH) has updated on trading including its Critical Care division “traded well”, Personal Injury division “marginally ahead of expectations”, “confirms that its guidance for 2019 underlying earnings will be within the range previously announced” and “the board is encouraged by the progress made in transforming the business”. The shares have currently responded towards 50p – er, more than 45% lower!...

Solid State (SOLI) was a 500p offer price, October last year, share tip. It has since updated positively and, following a share price rise to well above 600p, there’s this month been director shareholding announcements…

Previously writing on self-styled “a leading provider of innovative, highly engineered technology products principally for the global gaming and broadcast industries” Quixant (QXT), in September with the shares slumping to just over 160p I questioned were even reduced forecasts realistic given customers have informed that order levels will not return to previous levels through “at least” the first half of 2020. Now a “Trading Update”…

Self-styled “multichannel marketing hub software specialist” Pelatro (PTRO) has updated on 2019 that it “expects to report revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the year in line with its expectations” and that it “continues to show strong commercial momentum, evidenced by recent contract wins, and now has 19 customers with fully operational software, of which 5 were won in 2019… The group's pipeline remains strong at about $16m of which about $6m is from existing customers”. The shares have currently responded to 67.5p, 9% higher…

What is it with disgraced Ms Sarah Cope of Anglo African Oil & Gas (AAOG) when she is faced with two deals for her shareholders she always goes for the worse option. Today’s news of a refinancing of the Riverfort funding facility is a case in point. It appears to be a shocking breach of fiduciary duty.

Previously writing on technical fluid power products company Flowtech Fluidpower (FLO), despite house broker finnCap looking for a full-year underlying pre-tax profit rising above £12 million, generating earnings per share of 16.5p – up from 2018’s 14.7p, I noted concern regarding the ability to deliver “another year of solid progress”. Now “Trading Update - for the year to 31 December 2019” commencing; “Market conditions in the second half of 2019, in particular the final quarter, have been challenging”. Uh oh…

On 8 January 2019, embattled and almost insolvent Anglo African Oil & Gas (AAOG) admitted that it had received a legal claim from  Askell Limited but it told shareholders not to worry as “it believes the Askell claim is without merit.” Au contraire.. a City source has given me the full SP and the scale and nature of the claim are massive and should sink the company. As such the RNS was utterly misleading.

“The UK's largest value footwear retailer”, Shoe Zone (SHOE) has announced results for the 53-week period ended 5^th October 2019 and that it “has made a solid start to the year and is trading in line with market expectations. The board is positive about the outlook for the year with the refreshed strategy well underway”…

I guess I am just very stupid and someone brighter than me can perhaps enlighten me but, to a simple mind it seems that Anglo African Oil & Gas (AAOG) has not been entirely upfront on the matter of cash. Let me explain….

In July of this year I forced Anglo African Oil & Gas (AAOG) to fess up to the fact that it had spunked £300,000 on due diligence on a deal it was not doing but which a company largely owned by and run by Anglo’s then boss toxic Dave Sefton and its CEO until today James Berwick was going ahead with. At that point the two men said if it completed the deal, Tunisian would repay the amount in full.

Oh dear, oh dear! There is so much bad news to bury on election day for pariah stock Anglo African Oil & Gas (AAOG), a company we have exposed so many times on this website. Let us start with its former boss, toxic Dave Sefton who is not a man of his word.

Previously writing on self-styled “provider of software and services for Enterprise Innovation Management and Strategy Execution Management”, Sopheon (SPE), I questioned in July no change in “expected commercial momentum”, concluding, with the shares at 800p, with what is currently being delivered and clear commercial momentum risk, avoid / sell. Now “Trading Update”…

A “Full year trading update” from Access Intelligence (ACC) includes “excluding the Pulsar acquisition, Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the order of £1.1m, in line with market expectations” and “the acquisition of Pulsar, which has expanded Access Intelligence's capabilities in social media analysis, audience segmentation and social media marketing evaluation, is very exciting and integration is progressing well”. The shares have currently responded to 47p... er, more than 12% lower!...

I previously wrote on STM Group (STM) in late 2017, concluding, with the shares having been recovering back above 40p, that with uncertainty together with the tardiness of its announcements, if I owned I’d currently sell and await further developments. Latest results in September included it looking to “round-off a solid performance for the year” – and “the cross border financial services provider, today provides the following update on trading” (not ‘pleased to provide’ then?)...

The photos below are from the roof of the Athens hotel in which I am holed up after a day of travel hell which I discuss and offer a warning to the trio of bearcast listeners coming to join me for the olive harvest shortly. In the bearcast I look at Inspirit (INSP), 13 Energy (E3E), Eurasia Mining (EUA) which is run by a top banana bt has a joke valuation and FinnCap (FCAP) which has a joke valuation in light of today's interims and is run by a top er... it is run by Sam Smith.

Previously writing on Netcall (NET), in May with the shares at 51.5p I noted “Trading Update” & “looks forward to giving a further update”. I wouldn’t be…. Today an AGM update – and the shares are currently around 13% higher – though that only taking them to now circa 25p…

Having previously warned on mporium Group (MPM), I note an intra-day (3:03pm) RNS (hmmm!)… “Resignation of NOMAD”. Uh oh…

Xeros Technology (XSG) has updated commencing; “Following completion today of the placing and open offer announced on 31 October 2019 in which certain members of the board participated at a price of 1p per ordinary share, the company provides the following update regarding the holdings of the directors:” – and the shares have currently responded higher, back above 1p…

Having listed on AIM in March 2014 at 123p per share, Xeros Technology (XSG) recently announced it “proposes to raise approximately £5.0 million before fees and expenses by a placing... an open offer to raise up to £2 million before expenses… at an issue price of 1 pence per share”! As Nigel Somerville noted, it another rescue bailout fundraising for what had been styled as a ‘revolutionary’ (this time in the world of washing machines) – and thus, natch, Neil Woodford was a major investor. Now “Results of Open Offer”…

InnovaDerma (IDP) has updated including “strong performances across our topical brands and Prolong… Skinny Tan will benefit from a full-year's contribution from its ranging in 1,300 Boots' stores and continued innovation during this financial year. Boots has also increased shelving for Roots… For the first four months of the new financial year, revenues were 38% higher compared with the same period last year”. Having started 2019 rising above 90p, the shares are though currently a further more than 8% lower on the day at 72.5p. Hmmm…

In today's podcast I look at the news for Neil Woodford dog Xeros (XSG) and what it says about the company, its new Nomad and Broker FinnCap (FCAP) and about the hapless auditors at Grant Thornton Leeds. Then with reference to the photo below it is questions, questions, questions for shameless share ramper Neill Ricketts and Versarien (VRS)

Previously commenting on Shoe Zone (SHOE) we noted it updating disappointingly but the Big Box and Digital growth elements of its strategy progressing, the latest balance sheet was still in decent shape and it not anticipating any change to dividend policy, with even just the ordinary dividend per share for last year totalled 11.5p – and thus to, at worst, hold. Now a “Full Year Trading Update” from this, the UK's largest value footwear retailer…

Photobooth, laundry and other vending equipment group Photo-Me International (PHTM) has updated that “trading has been in line with expectations… the group has continued to make strategic and operational progress in line with its strategy to diversify its range of products and services”. Sounds encouraging – but the shares are currently a further more than 3.5% lower, towards 86p…

In June, with the shares at 220p, I stated on business software, cloud and managed services group K3 Business Technology (KBT) “Trading Update” = Profit Warning Deferral?, questioning the ‘prolonged customer decision-making processes’ really all due to Brexit-related disruption?, “the benefits of transformation initiatives” really coming through across all key areas of activity? Now another “Trading update”…

Company upon company is reporting they’re suffering amidst “heightened macroeconomic and political uncertainties of recent months” – or words to that effect. The quote there was from a trading update last month from Solid State plc (SOLI)… but the update also included that, notwithstanding… “trading in the first four months of the year has been very strong… is confident that profits for the year ending 31 March 2020 will be significantly ahead of expectations… consider there may be opportunities to generate further incremental sales later in the year”…

In June Castleton Technology (CTP) argued “another year of significant progress” and “the combination of a healthy pipeline of new business, together with our new development capabilities and our improved organisational structure, give… confidence for the year ahead and… expect that we will show continued progress in both our financial and operational metrics when we next report”. Now is a next report…

“PCI-PAL PLC (AIM: PCIP), the customer engagement specialist that secures and protects payment card data for companies handling payments by phone, is pleased to announce full year results for the year ended 30 June 2019” – and the announcement includes “the new financial year has started well… PCI Pal is well positioned to build on this year's success”. The shares have currently nudged ahead to 27.5p – but remain down from 36p reached in the summer and more than 78p in early 2018…

In today's podcast I discuss the latest deranged rantings of Chris Frazer, the CEO of Sirus Minerals (SXX). The guy is a total knobhead, a man wheeling out the most lamentable excuses for his own failure. I also discuss a piss poor and incomplete trading statement from smug Sam Smith's FinnCap (FCAP) and look at two AIM zeros in waiting: Sound Energy (SOU) and Funding Circle (FCH) 

SRT Marine Systems (SRT) “is pleased to provide a trading update for the six months trading period ended 30th September 2019” – it includes “forecast half year loss before tax of £1.5m compared to £1.3m for the same period last year”, though “we remain comfortable with market expectations”. What are these expectations then?...

“iomart Group plc (AIM:IOM), the cloud computing company, is pleased to provide its pre-close trading statement for the six months ended 30 September 2019” – but the shares are currently in retreat…

Zoo Digital (ZOO) has updated including arguing “good progress” towards being “a leading next-generation media localisation business that offers a unique combination of software and customer service to the film and TV industry's leading players”. With a current market cap of sub £60 million, sounds good…

I urge you to listen to today's free podcast with Lucian. The sound quality is good and the content excellent. It can be found HERE. In the bearcast I discuss my old pals at Eden Research (EDEN),  Yu Group (YU.),Cenkos (CNKS) and FinnCap (FCAP).

On 23rd July it was “Quixant (AIM: QXT), a leading provider of innovative, highly engineered technology products principally for the global gaming industry, is pleased to provide an update on trading for the six months ended 30 June 2019... H1 2019 was completed as we expected and reported in March, with the lower than anticipated consumption of some major customers improving as we enter the second half… a growing order book during H1 positions us well to deliver a strong second half to the year… The company's interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2019 are expected to be announced on 24 September 2019”. Now, 17th September, “Interim Results”. Hmmm…

“Aggregated Micro Power Holdings plc (AIM: AMPH), trading as AMP Clean Energy, the specialist provider of distributed heat, power and renewable fuels… re-affirms its previous guidance made on 11 April 2019 in respect of the annual results to 31 March 2019; it is expected to show revenues and income of £50m and an EBITDA loss in the region of £1.3m”. Hmmm, at a prior 73.5p closing share price, the market cap is above £46.5 million – and why an update just re-affirming already post-close guidance?...

KRM22 (KRM) was incorporated and listed on AIM in 2018, the latter seeing emphasised “successful fundraising undertaken saw strong demand from a number of institutional and private investors, raising in total £10.32 million through the issue of 10,320,239 new ordinary shares at a price of 100p” and “identified a clear opportunity to deliver significant improvements for our target customers, through our underlying investments, by providing a suite of cost effective risk management tools”. Today a “Trading Update”…

Yesterday AIM Casino listed Altitude (ALT) served up a very nasty lack of sales and profits warning relating to the six months to June 30^th as Steve Moore described HERE. What absolutely stinks to high heaven are three share transactions made by founder and NED Martin Varley. Those trades would have had to be cleared by the board and the Nomad, hapless FinnCap, to whom I have written in today, copying in the regulators. There is another big issue that needs investigating too...

Self-styled “leading provider of technology and information services to the promotional products, print and clothing industries”, Altitude Group (ALT) has updated including “growth in revenue in the US means that the US business is now self-funding and the group retains current cash resources of approximately £3.0m and has no bank borrowings” and “confident that the potential for the business is greater than originally thought”. The shares are currently at circa 60p – around 35% lower!?...

Maintel Holdings (MAI) has updated including first half of 2019 “adjusted earnings per share at 30.0p (H1 2018: 25.9p)… interim dividend per share proposed at 15.1p (H1 2018: 15.0p)” and that it “continues its transformation into a cloud and managed services provider with growth of 32% in unified communications seats on our ICON cloud platform and revenues from cloud and software customers now representing 20% of overall turnover… Underlying demand for our services remains high and our new business pipeline remains strong with some significant project opportunities”. The shares have responded to 425p – er, approaching 3.5% lower!...

Telit Communications (TCM) is a case study on why the AIM Casino is such a casino. Not only does it claim to be running at a cash profit while c$20 million of cash disappears in the first half of the year. But rules are broken and the folks meant to stop that, Nomads such as FinnCrap, do nothing to prevent it happening. And the regulators then do nothing about it. So other folks feel free to offend.

Previously writing on technical fluid power products supplier Flowtech Fluidpower (FLO), in October I concluded with the shares just below 120p that earnings forecasts suggest value but I’d want further evidence of delivery amidst the now prevailing “steadier” market conditions - particularly ability in terms of net cash generation. Today a half-year trading update…

#BoycottHomeDepot is trending on twitter in the US. If you are in the land of the free I urge you to do the reverse. In fact go buy an extra hammer for me today. Then I look at Thomas Cook (TCG), Sound Energy (SOU), Eve Sleep (EVE), the woes of my old friend Jim Mellon's SalvaRx (SALV), Union Jack Oil (UJO) and, in detail, at FinnCap (FCAP) whose results are out today. Mea culpa on Eve, it is actually worse...

Earlier today, Anglo African Oil & Gas (AAOG) and its spineless and morally bankrupt Nomad FinnCap (FCAP) were finally forced to respond to our series of exposes. But their limp dick statement will have fooled nobody and the pressure on Anglo to fire Sefton is mounting. Just to pour a can of gasoline on the flames let’s turn to the £300,000 of shareholders cash question.

After intense pressure from ShareProphets and from those who were signed up to take part in a £2.7 million placing at 5.2p and are threatening to pull out, disgraced David Sefton and Anglo African Oil & Gas (AAOG) have made a statement. But the turd Sefton has misled investors again. How is Nomad FinnCap putting its name to this? Does FinnCrap have no shame? As Sefton dissembles I have some new revelations below....

On July 1 we revealed that having raised cash in a placing he said was not needed just a few days prior at 10p a few months ago, David Sefton was trying to raise £9 million more at c5p for AIM promote Anglo African Oil & Gas, HERE. By Wednesday we exposed the undeclared related party company screwing nature of that fund raise HERE. On Thursday we flagged up that the placing part of the fund raise was in trouble HERE. Now on day seven of the David Sefton P45 watch I have written to Mark Steward at the FCA demanding he act. The letter follows....

Having announced a £2.7 million placing at 5.2p and a shockingly bad undeclared related party death spiral to bring in another £5.5 million yesterday shares in Anglo African Oil & Gas (AAOG) are tumbling are are now just 4.4p to sell. An urgent statement on two matters is needed. Firstly:

I have known that this move was in the offing for a couple of months. Quite simply the official broker to Optibiotix (OPTI), that is to say finnCap, is useless. But an AIM company needs a retained broker so it stays in place. However it is not publishing research nor is it putting forecasts into the market nor is it getting secondary buying of the stock by institutional investors. Finncap is FinnCrap...

Point of sale, payment and loyalty systems group Universe (UNG) has updated including; “Trading in the first half of 2019 has been in line with expectations… as in previous years the trading performance for the full year will be weighted towards the second half. I look forward to providing further updates in due course”. So set to be in line with expectations for the full-year… or not?...

Business software, cloud and managed services group K3 Business Technology (KBT) “is pleased to provide a trading update for the six months ended 31 May 2019” and it commences; “The group continues to progress well, with the benefits of transformation initiatives coming through across all key areas of activity, and the board believes that K3 remains on track to meet current market expectations for this year”… “although”. Uh oh…

Shares in Taptica International (TAP) are up smartly today, but still well down on the week. An AGM statement concluded “the strategic rationale for the merger remains strong and in the best interest of shareholders, as such the board remains optimistic in the medium term”. This was after a recent completion of a merger with RhythmOne – the former Blinkx…

Business and company sales group K3 Capital (K3C) has updated commencing, “The board is very pleased to report that adjusted EBITDA is expected to be at the upper end of the market guidance provided in the recent trading update on 5 April 2019”. Hmmm – adjusted EBITDA and why not remind of what that prior ‘market guidance’ was?...

Ahead of lunch with a scouser I encounter someone just out of prison. There you go, life here in the Grim North. I urge you all to follow the lead of Saintly Tech Queen Vin Murria HERE.Greedy AIM bosses screwing shareholders infuriate me and in that vein I cover: Mirriad (MIRI), EVR Holdings (EVRH) and Argo Blockchain (ARB). I also look at FinnCap (FCAP) where the dam is breaking, Share PLC (SHRE), Frontier Smart Technologies (FST) and Audioboom (BOOM).  

I have known for a while that Yourgene (YGEN) was to upgrade its broker from FinnCrap to Stifel. It is a big upgrade. But I was told that FinnCap would be kept on as joint broker for three months during part of which Stifel is in a research blackout period. Something happened last Wednesday and FinnCap was fired with immediate effect. I shall endeavour to establish what it was but maybe it was just that FinnCrap’s last research note was so bad that it was felt that no research for 40 days was better than another note from the same shite analyst. Perhaps FinnCap did something worse. I am digging. What you, my fellow shareholders want to know about is the placing and acquisition.

Previously updating on point of sale, payment and loyalty systems group Universe (UNG) just over a year ago with the shares lower towards 5p, I wrote 2017 results, outlook “solid”… other than a “significant uncertainty”! – concluding I awaited a more reassuring announcement before considering from the watchlist. Recent results have now been followed by a “Directorate Change”…

Previously writing on technology services provider to the entertainment industry, Zoo Digital (ZOO) it was in January from November “confident in the prospects” to now “significantly below expectations” – I concluding with the shares heading towards 60p that, despite CEO Stuart Green arguing “we are now enjoying a growth in orders from our largest clients and expect to add significant new accounts during the remainder of the second half”, to continue to avoid. Now a “Year End Trading Update”…

“Gooch & Housego PLC (AIM: GHH), the specialist manufacturer of photonic components & systems, announces that trading in the six months to 31 March 2019 was in line with management's expectations”. But I note an 1150p share price is down from approaching 1900p in October and more than 1500p as recently as February. Hmmm…

In today's podcast, my last Monday bearcast from the civilised south as opposed to the Grim North,  I start with a look at another blue chip high yield stock Neil Woodford is being forced to sell as a result of the flood of redemptions. Then I have a revelation of shame about Daniel Stewart (DAN) and executive largesse. Then I look at the Yourgene (YGEN) trading statement and the lamentable research note it produced from FinnCrap (FCAP) which I reproduce in full below. Really: it is time to sack FinnCap and get a proper broker on board Finally a look at Adept4 (AD4) and an appeal to you all to join the roll call of heros HERE

A “Trading Update” from business and company sales specialist in the UK, K3 Capital (K3C)… and the shares currently at 135p in response – down more than 15%. Uh oh…

Chairman of financial advisory group Lighthouse (LGT), Richard Last, emphasises a recommended offer from Quilter plc (QLT) “provides Lighthouse shareholders with the opportunity to realise their investment in full and in cash at an attractive premium to the levels at which the share price has traded in recent months”…

In December I again cautioned on instant-service vending equipment provider Photo-Me International (PHTM), noting a reliance on a swift about-turn from “large order lags” in the current macro climate as the shares headed below 100p. Now, with the company’s year ending this month, a trading update…

An announcement from Intercede Group (IGP) commencing that “Intercede, the leading specialist in digital identity, credential management and secure mobility, is pleased to announce that a large US Federal Government order totaling $4.3m was received” – and the shares have currently responded to 27p, more than 60% higher!...

Previously writing on Transense Technologies (TRT), last month I noted the ramptastic language of the latest announcement doesn’t exactly suggest against the view of timely ‘good news’ “Contract Win”... attempted discounted fundraising ahoy? Now intra-day (Uh oh!) “Interim Results” and “Placing & General Meeting” announcements…

Secure payment cloud platform company PCI-PAL (PCIP) “is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months to 31 December 2018”, with Chairman Chris Fielding emphasising “the management team has made positive progress against our principal strategic and operational objectives”. The shares have responded… er, currently 8% lower to 23p…

An AGM trading update from Gooch & Housego (GHH) sees CEO Mark Webster emphasise “our fibre optic business is performing particularly strongly” and “we remain confident in the potential of the industrial laser sector and our other markets to provide attractive long term growth”. So why have the shares responded currently more than 10% lower, towards 1300p?...

Not just an iTrack order, but a “Significant iTrack Order” emphasised by Transense Technologies (TRT) earlier this week – and the shares now up from a last week close of 52.55p to almost 70p. However, I previously wrote “GE Aviation Contract Win” announcement sparks shares… but reasons for caution?…

With every other Nomad/broker in town having issued a profits warning in the past few months it is only a matter of time before FinnCrap (FCAP) has to 'fess up to. But quite amazingly the shares still trade at their IPO price of 28p valuing FinnCrap at £47 million which today’s ShoreCap (SGR) purchase of rival Stockdale shows to be a joke.

Hello Share Twiddlers. There are few times I’m moved to revisit shares I’ve only recently commended. But occasionally the case for a company’s rosy prospects is so interesting that there’s justification for looking at the latest news. Avacta (AVCT) is a medical pioneer which I chose as a tip for 2019 on this wonderful website over Christmas. So much has happened for this Yorkshire firm lately that it’s hard to keep up with events...

As I warned would happen yesterday, the sale of Telit’s (TCM) auto division to Hong Kong based TUS has again been delayed. We are now told that it won’t meet the 31 January (new) deadline but will happen on or before 20 February after the Chinese New Year. Whatever… the statement itself throws up an enormous red flag, how on earth Nomad FinnCrap (FCAP) signed off on this crap defies belief…it is almost as if it is only in it for the retainers and does not care about doing its job properly.

In today's podcast, recorded before a trip to see Joshua's goat, I look at Frontera (FRR), Flybe (FLYB),  FinnCap (FCAP), Blue jay Mining (JAY) and Blue Star Capital (BLU)