Previously writing on footwear brand Dr. Martens (DOCS), in April with the shares up towards 155p I noted CFO ‘retires’ & trading warning but CEO Kenny Wilson reckons he looks forward to sharing more details at the full year results! and concluded that it remained a 2021 IPO Roll-Call of Shame avoid/sell. The shares most recently closed at 156.3p… but are currently heading towards 140p on the back of the results Kenny Wilson reckoned he was looking forward to sharing more details at!

The FY22 numbers from Wood Group (WG.) today had good, less good and “we are currently in an offer period” uncertainty angles. On the latter point, it cannot comment further on the surprise Apollo bid approach last month. I am not smart enough to predict bid outcomes, but what I do observe is that if you hold Wood Group shares it is all about the turnaround plan its capital markets day five months ago excited me so much about. And on that basis, the newish CEO and the old school CFO are doing a good job.

I3 Energy (I3E) has enjoyed a miraculous turnaround in fortunes over the past couple of years, thanks to buying new assets at the right time and benefitting from high oil and gas prices since then.

Hello Share Smashers. One way of prizing out a bit more protection against disaster in these dodgy times is to put some of your dough into a trust which you respect. It’s rather like getting a second opinion. One of my favourite such businesses is City of London Investment Group (CLIG), which specialises in emerging markets.

UK provider of IT and communications services to businesses and public sector organisations, CloudCoCo Group (CLCO) states that it “is pleased to provide an update on its progress for the year ended 30 September 2022”... and the shares have currently responded approaching 40% higher to 1.325p. So how well is its trading going?

Energy and water systems company Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) has announced contract wins “taking cover for its FYJan24 revenue target to 85% (from prior 72%). The order book continues to provide full revenue cover for the FYJan23 revenue target”. What of a current 14.5% higher share price to 300p in response?

Oil has been showing signs of weakness in recent months after hitting highs of nearly $140/barrel – for Brent – earlier this year, and has suffered over concerns about the economic situation in many countries in the coming months.

Earlier this year I took a look at online fashion retailer BooHoo (BOO) and noted that whilst I saw long term value from the share price at the time, it could well get even cheaper in the near term.

Energy and water systems company Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) states that it “is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended 31 July 2022”...and the shares have currently responded approaching 14% higher in response to the announcement to 262p. So what’s the news?

Previously writing on company which describes itself as “a world leading specialist in high-end embedded computer products for critical applications” Concurrent Technologies (CNC), in May with the shares falling below 80p I noted “order book increased”… but what about order delivery ability?, stating component shortage potential for disappointment. The shares last closed at 83p but are currently falling towards 70p on the back of half-year results.

Caerus Mineral Resources (CMRS) is a company that I tipped as a speculative buy when it IPO’d, and after initially performing well, the share price has since crashed.

System1 Group (SYS1) has announced the appointment of Conrad Bona as a non-executive director, stating “his experience will further strengthen the board's skillset and will contribute to our future success”... though along with a “Review of strategic options”. So what’s going on?

Previously writing on antimicrobial company Byotrol (BYOT), in March with the shares up to 3.15p I questioned the overall performance despite it arguing a significant improvement in product sales. So what of now-announced results for its year ended 31st March 2022?

Whilst I’m generally wary of investing in small oil and gas companies, occasionally one comes along that appears to be in the right place, at the right time, and with the right assets and management team.

Cyber security group Falanx (FLX) has issued a trading update noting full-year organic revenue growth of circa 14% and “the pipeline is not only much larger in terms of financial value but also has a high level of advanced prospects”. So what of a current approaching 22% share price rise to 0.70p?

Hello Share Munchers. On my mission to find shares with a chance of rising in price in a bear market, I’d like to commend this company to your further research. SSE plc (SSE) is an electricity supplier that’s beefing up its investment in the green revolution.

Packaging company DS Smith (SMDS) has announced results for its year ended 30^th April 2022, with it emphasising “a strong improvement in profitability and high cash generation… The new financial year has started well, building on the momentum”. This sounds good.

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?...

Previously writing on digital location, identity verification and fraud software group GB (GBG), in February last year with the shares at circa 860p I noted forecasts for an earnings per share decline and only just above that of then in the year after that are not, I suggest, what the valuation demands, avoid / sell. With the shares having last closed at 489.4p, what of now-announced results for the group’s year ended 31st March 2022?...

The new ‘windfall’ tax on UK oil and gas producers has been all over the news this week, and whilst many of the public seem to be celebrating the fact that these ‘evil’ companies and their investors are going to take a hit, I’m not so sure the new rules are quite so great.

Hello Share Traders. Water Intelligence (WATR) was one of my big winners - until fairly recently when it began a share price decay. I think this fall is unwarranted and is perhaps partly due to a prolonged bout of profit-taking after months of rises. This is a company whose time has come. And its latest quarterly update was not at all bad, even if it’s caused a 10% dip in the shares.

itim Group (ITIM), an omni-channel technology platform company for store-based retailers, “is pleased to announce three new customer wins and extensions of existing contracts for an increase in Annual Recurring Revenue of £1.8 million”. How does this compare to a share price, more than 7.5% higher on the news, of 114p?...

OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) has issued a trading update commenting that 2021 “total invoiced sales for the group were £2.2m (2020: £1.5m) an increase of 46.7% on the previous year and in line with market expectations” and including that it “has made good progress against its stated aims of focusing on a smaller number of large partners in key strategic markets and expects to see the benefits of these in 2022 and beyond”. What does that mean at the bottom-line?

Provider of business technology jargon(oops) an “intelligent operations platform for the deskless worker”, Checkit plc (CKT) has announced a trading update including “the group delivered bookings growth of 95%… Cash at 31 January 2022 was £24.2m (31 January 2021: £11.5m)… The board remains confident in the significant opportunities presented by the growing deskless worker industry”. So what of a share price of 46p, down from 66p reached last year?…

The 1980s was a great decade in many ways with the best music, best prime minister, massive new excitement about capitalism and much, much more. It was a great decade to be a teenager and learn about shares through reading the Daily Mail.

Once a month or so we do have a household food delivery from Ocado (OCDO) and, as observed back in September, I am a bit of a fan. Helped by its M&S (MKS) link, the quality is a little better in my opinion than our normal delivery faves Morrison and J Sainsbury (SBRY) but the cost is somewhat higher. Still, it is better than going to a rip-off restaurant and – let’s face it – cooking your own food is hardly impossible. However good luck if you fancy a few Christmas specials from the Ocado delivery range because when I last looked the next deliveries are in 2022. Today’s Q4 trading statement was hardly shabby either as it observed ‘strong underlying demand trend…conviction to invest and accelerate growth’, even before the Christmas demand.

Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced results for its year ended 30^th September 2021, emphasising “operational improvements supporting growth in net revenue, profit and free cash flow”.

Engineering and Technology recruitment company Gattaca (GATC) has announced results for its year ended 31st July 2021 and that “since February we have seen the markets returning to growth across the majority of our major sectors, which has led to a candidate short market”. Why then currently a share price down 13.5% at below 180p?…

Previously writing on online beach holiday retailer On the Beach Group (OTB), in July with the shares at 325.5p I was cautious with already the travel market impact duration and disruption having been more than imaginable. The shares last closed at 337.5p but are currently back below the noted July level. Why, with a full-year trading update including recent “stimulated bookings… confidence that there is pent up demand for travel, and positions the business well as we enter 2022… On the Beach continues to thrive”?…

Biopharmaceutical data analytics company IXICO (IXI) has made a trading update including that year ended 30th September 2021 EBITDA is “expected to be materially ahead of market expectations of £1.2 million and prior year (2020: £1.3 million)”. Why then is the share price little changed at circa 84.5p?…

Hello, Share Lovers. In the past, this old punter has avoided companies with ‘Cloud’ in the title. But despite my earlier forebodings, there’s a lot of good business going on in ‘clouds’ these days. That’s because more and more companies and individuals find it’s cheaper and easier to ‘outsource’ data to the ether.

It is your money that is being pissed away by the State and with the tax burden at record highs the Taxpayers’ Alliance served up two examples of rank hypocrisy and incompetence that will leave you fuming.  First up is the greed and hypocrisy of TUC leaders and, yes you are paying to support this rotten system for these days most Union bosses represent workers in the public sector.  Next up is the shocking amount local councils have recklessly speculated on commercial property as they “knew better” than Mr. Market as prices tumbled. Of course they did.

I’m surprised to see Central Asia Metals (CAML) showing some share price weakness prior to the release of its interim results next week, as I’ve no reason to suspect that they will disappoint the market – in fact I would expect them to be good!

International staffing group Impellam (IPEL) has announced results for the first half of the year and that it is seeing “increasing positivity in our customer demands for our managed service and talent solutions across our markets”. This sounds encouraging.

Recommending shares in international specialist staffing group Empresaria (EMR) at a 70p offer price last month, we stated there looked reason for confidence that following updates will show further evidence of recovery building and that a full recovery can be delivered – also noting cost action taken last year should come through. Now there has been a half-year trading update and the shares are currently up to 80p.

Hello, Share Walkers. It’s been a while since I last commended BT Group (BT.A) for another look. I believe I last suggested the share at about 135p. The price moves slowly, but the direction has been right. As I write, BT is about 180p a pop. Is it time to take profits, then?

Self-styled “the leading UK focused retailer and manufacturer of PVCu replacement windows and doors for the homeowner market”, Safestyle UK (SFE) is “pleased to report… trading and financial performance has continued in line with recently increased market expectations”, including “order book remains at levels similar to 2021’s strong opening position which continues to provide good visibility of near-term revenues”. Sounds encouraging, but what are the specifics?…

Another day of volatility ‘excitement’ in markets today…but you can read more of some of my thoughts on this yesterday HERE, so let’s talk about something else and – for me – that has to be luxury goods company Burberry (BRBY) which published its full year to the end of March numbers today.

Writing on Mind Gym (MIND) a little over a year ago, with the shares at around 125p I concluded the impact in just a matter of weeks here sees me cautious on the shares at this juncture. On the watchlist as a potential future recovery play, but I currently avoid. Today a trading update emphasising “trading in the second half was stronger than expected”. What’s the detail?…

Call me boring but I don’t really like IPOs. Therefore when I was offered the opportunity of participating in the Deliveroo (ROO) IPO a few weeks ago I said something along the lines of ‘thank you but no thank you’, but noted down the thought of having a look when it published some numbers after it had listed. After all, even I have used Deliveroo (admittedly just once) in the last year and have certainly seen its cyclists delivering near me many times.

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) seem to be the new buzz word in the UK markets at the moment, certainly amongst PIs on social media anyway, and it would also seem that a few AIM company directors are getting involved as well.

A “Prod’n orders worth $5m for Modern Water Equipment”-titled announcement from self-styled “environmental and life science AI company” DeepVerge (DVRG), and the shares are currently up around 5%, at above 31p, in response. So what’s the detail?…

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past week or so, you can’t but fail to have noticed the news around a massive ‘short squeeze’ on a number of heavily shorted US stocks, with GameStop ($GME) and AMC Entertainment ($AMC) attracting particular attention.

RockRose Energy (RRE) was one of the real success stories amongst AIM listed oil companies prior to being taken over for nearly £250 million, and now its executive chairman, Andrew Austin, has made a return to AIM with a new venture which listed last week.

Previously writing on remote meetings technology group LoopUp (LOOP), in July with the shares at 177.5p I questioned how sustainable the net cash generation? The shares went on towards 250p, but last closed at 155p and are currently well below 100p on the back of a “Trading Update”…

These days I generally tend to avoid taking risks on oil exploration drills, but on occasions I still can’t resist taking a position, of a size that reflects that risk, and when the drill looks particularly interesting.

TP Group (TPG) has announced results for the first half of 2020, including emphasising “resolute response” and “a strong start to H2 with multiple significant orders secured”. The shares are currently just above 6p in response, more than 13% lower…

Shares in Safestyle UK (SFE) have recently been rising strongly but, on the back of half-year results, are currently around 20% down today, heading towards 40p…

I have always been quite impressed by Abcam (ABC), which I described back in April as ‘a thematic growth investment – and not for widows, orphans or neophyte investors – with an earnings multiple of around 30 times and a play on where profitability might be in a few years time off clever science discoveries and processes’. In that article I observed that following the lead of a big institutional investor who negotiated buying a slug of the company at 1100p. Since then the stock has returned to the 1300p+ range and quite rightly so…

I’ve just seen one of the most ridiculous RNSs that I’ve ever read appear for a company called Adamas Finance Asia (ADAM) – it has announced that it is buying back shares at a higher price than it has just placed them at!

Previously writing on floor coverings company Airea (AIEA), on interims in August with the shares heading down towards 40p I concluded the suggested pace of the recent trading deterioration and self-admitted “challenging” present outlook currently see me continue to avoid. The shares having previously closed at 38.5p, now 2019 results…

Video games industry services provider Keywords Studios (KWS) has updated on trading, with CEO Andrew Day emphasising “the group has delivered strong growth, particularly from our two largest divisions, Functional Testing and Game Development services” and “our recently enlarged banking facility positions us well to capitalise on this clear opportunity”. The shares have currently responded to around 1250p. Er, approaching 9% lower…

Previously writing on windows and doors manufacturer and retailer Safestyle UK (SFE), with the shares around 66p I questioned how good really was its argued “delivered good progress”. The shares were rising towards 80p earlier this month, but are currently back to around 60p on the back of a trading update…

“Audioboom (AIM: BOOM), the leading global podcast company, is pleased to provide an unaudited trading update for the 12 months ended 31 December 2019” – with it emphasising “91% revenue growth and significant year-on-year EBITDA improvement”. The shares have though currently responded to 237.5p – a few percent lower...

Self-styled “leading B2B media business” Bonhill (BONH) has updated including that it “now expects EBITDA for the year to be £2.3 million, being lower than market expectations as approximately £0.25m of custom marketing contracts which had been expected to be delivered in December 2020 will now be delivered in Q1 2020” but that “the outlook in both the UK and US is greatly improved, reflected in the current level of bookings being received” – so a current more than 5% share price fall, to a £17 million market cap fair?...

So I see that Intu Properties (INTU) fessed up to the need for a massive cash raise as I mused upon yesterday, a disclosure which has pulled down the shares over 5% as I write. However, it is a bigger share price fall that is grabbing my attention this morning…

Card Factory (CARD) has updated commencing “group revenue year-to-date of +3.6% (2019: +3.4%) with like-for-like sales -0.6% (2019: -0.1%)” and including “the board remains committed to its previously stated dividend policy”. The shares have currently responded to 100p – er, more than 28% lower!...

The share price of SolGold (SOLG) has taken a hit in recent months as a result of weak copper prices and political unrest in Ecuador, where its largest project is located, but if you are looking for an early stage mining company that has huge potential, then this could have presented a buying opportunity.

At last, after years of up and down movement that’s really amounted to little more than stagnation, my shares in National Grid (NG.) seem to move along. The company, being a near monopoly, has a welcome defensive character to it. And that’s because if the Grid goes under so do most lighting and heating systems for a usually chilly Britain...

It seems to be a growing trend on the AIM market, especially with resource companies, whereby they believe that changing the name of the business will erase memories of past failings!

Marketing services group whose last results statement included “our pioneering application of Behavioural Science to predicting which ads will create the greatest long-term growth and profitability”, System1 (SYS1) has updated including “normalised H1 pre-tax profits… are expected to be some £2.4m, approximately 24% higher than in the comparable period”. Sounds good…

Hello Share Movers. As I've opined before, doctors surgeries are becoming fuller as we get older and more frail. Also, I suspect many of us are not as stoic as our ancestors and go running off to the quack for the slightest thing. All this extra pressure on your GP means that they look for ways to speed things up. Enter EMIS Group (EMIS), a company I've commended before...

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!?...

ProPhotonix (PPIX) is “delighted to offer this new laser diode, adding to the ever more comprehensive range of direct diode lasers available to our customers… with more than 20 years of experience in laser diode technology, ProPhotonix is well placed to support customers in identifying the best laser diode for their application”. What about financials though?...

“IXICO plc (AIM: IXI), the data analytics company delivering insights in neuroscience, is pleased to announce that the company has continued to see strong growth in revenue in the second half of the year… anticipates that the results for the full year ending 30 September 2019 will be materially ahead of current market expectations” – and the shares have responded currently more than 20% higher to around 40p…

Self-styled “leading provider of outsourced digital transformation and mobile payment solutions” Mi-Pay Group (MPAY) has updated including “trading for the first half of 2019 was broadly in line with management's expectations… two major contracts were renewed with clients representing 43% of the 2018 revenue during the period and strong operational metrics were delivered”… The shares are currently approaching 20% lower, below 8p. Hmmm…

Writing last week on Feedback plc (FDBK), I concluded with the combination of the noted financials, Bleepa still in development (i.e. very much yet to be “revolutionising clinical messaging”!) and a market cap of sub £5 million, meaning it at best looking like discounted placing ahoy, currently natch avoid / sell. Now “Proposed placing and subscription to raise £2m”…

A “Trading Update” from On the Beach Group (OTB), “the UK's leading online retailer for beach holidays”. This following the company reckoning in May “the resilient and flexible nature of our business model allows us to focus on profitable growth and gives us confidence in the group's outlook” but we reporting the following month, with the shares then at 460p, that a Top broker predicts THREE profits warnings, lashes poor quality of City analysis. And now…

A “Statement re Online Commentary” from Feedback plc (FDBK) which “confirms that, in order to develop BleepaTM, the company's clinical messaging product, it is currently working on completing a placing of new shares”…

Early last month freight management services company Xpediator (XPD) announced board changes including seeing “the Operating Board now consists of eight extremely experienced, energetic professionals and we are well positioned to take the business forward to the next stage”, with “trading in line with market expectations. Demand for freight management services remains strong across all three divisions and the group is benefiting from increased activity”. No fears re. a “Trading Statement” today then, surely?…

Research data and analytics company YouGov (YOU) is “pleased to report that the group's trading for the year ending 31 July 2019 is now expected to be comfortably ahead of expectations for the year”. Sounds good – but what are the expectations and how do they compare to a now more than 560p per share, approaching £600 million, valuation?…

Bonhill (BONH), the “B2B media business specialising in three key areas: Business Information, Live Events and Data & Insight”, has updated including “it has been another period of improvement in the overall quality of our people, business activities and geographic reach… anticipates that results for the year ending 31 December 2019 will be in line with market expectations”. The shares have responded, er, at around 65p, currently approaching 10% lower!...

A tiny AIM investment company called Agronomics (ANIC) suddenly seems to have become very popular, but I think you’d have to be mad to be paying the current share price. If we look at it under its previous name of Port Erin Biopharma Investments (PEBI), before the recent change to Agronomics, it immediately becomes apparent that its main area of investments is in the pharmaceutical sector, with several listed and non-listed holdings...

A “Holding(s) in Company” announcement from Time Out Group (TMO) shows last week Woodford Investment Management reduced its holding from 16.06% to “less than 5%”. The shares then falling from just above 90p to just below, and a circa £120 million market cap…

If I was a CEO putting together my first presentation document outlining how I wanted to get an underperforming supertanker of a company back into shape, I think I would start with a line something akin to 'Initial impressions positive but we need to build a better (company) for the future'. So no surprises from new BT Group (BT.A) CEO Philip Jansen in his first quarterly statement fully in day-to-day charge of the UK's best known telecoms company. However what I would then expect - silent assassin style - would be slash n corporate burn after a 'nice' start. Well blow me down...it did not happen…

I have been a supporter of the shares of Imperial Brands (IMB) for a while now, including noting back in September last year that 'the shares should be in the £30s at the very least. I remain a non-user of their products...but a buyer of their shares'. Well that might be my aspiration...but reality has been somewhat shabby with the shares currently revisiting the sub 23 quid level for the second time in six months. So what is going on?

Provider of online B2B platforms for the UK conveyancing and financial intermediary markets, ULS Technology (ULS) has updated including of “a strong gross margin performance… continues to generate strong cash flow… maintain the group's policy of paying a progressive dividend”. So why are the shares currently, on the back of the update, at 70p – 9% lower?...

Writing on industrial components and consumables manufacturer Synnovia (SYN) - Plastics Capital as was - in February, I questioned is a 10%+ forecast reduction really “broadly in line”?!. Now a “Trading Update and Restatement of Accounts”. Uh oh…

A “New Store Opening and Trading Update” from fishing tackle and equipment retailer Angling Direct (ANG), which the company “is pleased to announce” and sees CEO Darren Bailey “very excited to have opened our Nottingham store” and also stating “whilst other areas of the retail sector may be experiencing difficulties, we are delighted that our strategic focus on customer experience and service, as well as positioning our stores in the correct locations, is driving our growth and brand value”. Great news then?...

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”…

“CloudCall (AIM: CALL), a leading cloud-based software business that integrates communications technology into customer relationship management platforms, is pleased to announce its audited full year results for the year ended 31 December 2018” and its CEO Simon Cleaver considers “having effectively removed some of the cash constraints from the business with successful placings in late 2017 and early 2019, we are well placed to deliver on our growth plans with a high degree of confidence in the future”. So why have the shares responded to 86.5p, approaching 17% lower?...

Following on Friday from Redde (REDD) an intra-day “Contract Update”, surely not ANOTHER disaster for Neil Woodford?!, Tom noted yesterday Woodford having bought more shares on the Friday. Cue the shares slumping to 90p yesterday – down another more than 14%!… and there are some other features which make Woodford’s move look particularly questionable…

Writing on “the third largest chain of specialist retail carpet and floor covering stores in the UK”, United Carpets (UCG) in September I noted that it attempts to mitigate that it “believes the business is well positioned for future trading” but asked half-year results including a formal profit warning ahoy?. Those December-announced results though included “recent trading performance has shown some more encouraging signs which, if sustained, should result in a better second half result and a reasonable outcome for the year”. Today a “Trading Statement”…

Previously writing on automotive sector acoustic and thermal insulation group Autins (AUTG) in October, it was with the shares falling further from the mid 30p’s; “many opportunities to grow and diversify” - why the ‘cost base steps’ then?. The shares are currently again lower to 20p on the back of “pleased to announce” full-year results. Hmmm…

Swallowfield (SWL) has announced interim results including that “we... believe results will be broadly in line with market expectations for the full year demonstrating profitable growth”. “Broadly in line” usually is slightly behind but with still “profitable growth” is an 11.5% share price dump, to 172.5p, justified?...

I have not written on Abcam (ABC) but given the nature of its last appearance on this website ("Abcam fat cats and useless 1%-er Non Execs") many will think just desserts about today's 11% share price fall (as I write)…

“Beeks Financial Cloud Group plc (AIM: BKS), a niche cloud computing and connectivity provider for financial markets, is pleased to announce its unaudited results for the six months ended 31 December 2018” and CEO Gordon McArthur concludes “with an established and growing customer base, high levels of recurring revenue and strong market drivers, we are confident in delivering a successful outcome for the year ahead”. The shares have responded, er… to around 100p – more than 20% lower!...

Investors in GCM Resources (GCM) seem to be shocked that recent news hasn’t caused the share price to rise much higher, and barring a very brief spike immediately after news of a deal landed, it has settled back to around the level that it was trading at before the RNS dropped. The news that has got everyone invested in this Bangladeshi coal miner so excited is a joint venture agreement with a huge government owned entity called PowerChina, which is involved in coal fired power plants and is a name that some will be familiar with as it also has similar deals in place with other small mining companies in various parts of Africa as well...

Previously writing on provider of concierge services via a digital platform and ‘Lifestyle Managers’, Ten Lifestyle Group (TENG) I noted; So it’s revenue in line with reduced expectations, contract roll-out then requires positive volumes of activity and the profit warning also noted “some of the investment into new verticals that was not deployed in FY2018 will now be made in FY2019”. These are significant factors to look for in the 28th November-expected results announcement…

An AGM statement from Seeing Machines (SEE) sees it emphasised “the past 12 months have been the most exciting and pivotal periods for Seeing Machines since the business was founded” and that “Seeing Machines is very well placed to leverage these developments”. The shares have currently nudged higher, towards 6p in response – but this also compares to more than 13p reached in June. Hmmm…

Time for another write-up on Imperial Brands (IMB)...and no doubt time for a bunch of criticism in the comments about how this is an uninvestable sector. Well I do not smoke, would not want my children to smoke/use tobacco-based products but - in a modern world of information and regulation/taxation - I respect the right of adults to do so and I remain perfectly comfortable in investing in the sector. Otherwise, where do you draw the investing line? Alcohol? Defence? Gambling? Clothing names who directly or indirectly use child labour and lots of water? Energy and mining names due to their use of the world's assets? You get the gist...

In July consultancy services and staffing group Parity (PTY) was emphasising “an encouraging sales pipeline from both existing and new customers, gives us confidence”, in September it was “we are experiencing a short-term client-side delay on one large contract… Without any further delays, we expect a stronger second half, in line with the group's traditional seasonality, and to deliver on current expectations for the year as a whole”. Today a further “Trading Update”…

Half-year results on 2nd August from RPS Group (RPS) saw CEO John Douglas emphasising “we have made good progress in respect of our strategic priorities including the re-organisation of the business that will provide a solid platform for growth”. Today the company reports third quarter adjusted profit below expectations and a warning that profit will be further impacted by “necessary investment in the business”. Uh oh…

I would imagine that most Lionsgold (LION) holders were somewhat less than impressed when news came at the end of last week that its shares were being cancelled.

Marketing services group System1 (SYS1) has updated including “underlying H1 pre-tax profits, pre-Ad Ratings and share based payments, are expected to be around £1.9m, some 73% above the £1.1m achieved in H1 2017/18”. Having decreased steadily to around 200p, why are the shares not now though responding positively?...

Marketing services group System1 (SYS1) has updated including that “a return to growth in operating profits vs H1 prior year… is anticipated”. Already down from more than 1000p reached last year, the shares have though currently responded slightly further lower to 230p. Hmmm…

A couple of months back I wrote an article HERE suggesting that investors steer well clear of failing AIM company The People’s Operator (TPOP), and there have been a number of developments since then.

Previously writing on Goals Soccer Centres (GOAL), with the shares down to circa 75p I cautioned with the trading update, currently awaiting a new CEO and the Chairman admitting “our recovery plan remains ‘work in progress’”, I certainly continue to avoid. Today a further trading update – and the shares currently down below 70p…

Shares in TP ICAP (TCAP) are currently slumping on the back of a Trading update and directorate changes announcement. This though commences “revenues for the six months to 30 June were 3% higher than the prior year at constant exchange rates and 2% lower as reported. This is consistent with 2018 full year revenue guidance provided in March”. So, what’s the problem?...

Hello, Share Scribblers. As the markets ain’t open for a bit, we have one of those windows where we can make general reflections on our share trading, rather than concentrating on individual stocks. So allow me to observe that risking money on shares is a very serious business. In fact, investment comes second only to health and love in the pursuit of a perfect life.

Generally, I’m wary of the reasons for companies which are already listed on other exchanges deciding that they want to be dual-listed on the AIM market. This is especially the case when it comes to ASX companies operating in the natural resources sector, as in general the track record for those hasn’t been great, with often very little of substance being achieved despite large sums being raised on AIM. There are exceptions though...

TalkTalk Telecom Group (TALK) has been having a torrid time recently and has pretty much seen its share price halved since the start of November. It has posted some disappointing results, and given that the slide in share price started just prior to the release of the interims around three months ago, it would seem that such figures weren’t entirely unexpected.

Previously writing on Goals Soccer Centres (GOAL) it was a month after interim results disappointment, “directorate change” - with I concluding, with the shares at circa 90p, “I’d suggest Jones’ impending departure after little more than 15 months in-situ a further far from encouraging sign of the outlook here. I continue to avoid”. Today a “Post Close Trading Update”…

The rise in shares of Lionsgold (LION) has got the attention of many, and it certainly looked as though news was leaked prior to an RNS later in the day. Having seen the share price dropping steadily of late, it suddenly surged more than 40% on much higher than normal volume. Initially it looked like just another pump, as this share has been very popular with private investors ever since its share price rose by around 500% in December and is very volatile, but then an RNS dropped informing the market that it was making a new investment, and it ended the day up nearly 90% at 4.55p on the ask.

There was a time when Premier African Minerals (PREM) looked to have genuine potential, but in the few years since then it has consistently disappointed investors and is now trading at a fraction of the share price it once hit.

An 8:11am (why?) announcement of results for its year ended 30th September 2017 from X-ray screening systems company Image Scan Holdings (IGE) - and the shares currently a further more than 10% lower towards 8p…

A March AGM update saw Premier Veterinary Group (PVG) “confident in the prospects for the US business and has agreed to significantly increase PVG's investment commitment in the current financial year in the US”. An update today includes a narrower focus of resources in the US “until such time that the changes the group is implementing to improve sign up rates take effect and are sustained”. And there’s worse…

Previously writing on Hornby (HRN) in June I noted CEO Steve Cooke having stated “having returned the group to a sound financial footing we are now in a position to focus on the next stage of the turnaround plan which will see Hornby progress back to profitability and positive cash generation”. There’s today an “Appointment of CEO” announcement!...

Ophir Energy (OPHR) has made far slower progress than many could have imagined a few years back, but the oil and gas fields which attracted many in the first place are still there, and the chances of them being developed still look very good.

QUIZ plc (QUIZ) has today listed on AIM, reckoning this “marks an exciting new phase in QUIZ's growth and development as a leading international omni-channel fast fashion brand”. In this part one, I review the current position and in part two the growth prospects and valuation…

Having declined from more than 45p in September 2015 to sub 13p less than a year ago, shares in Earthport (EPO) approached 30p earlier this year – before declining again in recent months. We now have a “Full Year Trading Statement”…

LightwaveRF (LWRF) “is delighted to announce that its next generation Lightwave Link Plus has been certified under Apple's licensing scheme as a ‘Works with Apple HomeKit’ product”. Ooooh, Apple hey. Cue a further share price rise, but what’s actually happening here?...

I previously commented on Photo-Me (PHTM) in January as the shares slid from above 170p to below 155p on UK photo ID regulation media comment. The company has now made a “Trading Update” announcement for its year ended 30th April…

A “Placing to raise £3.74 million” announcement from Plastics Capital (PLA), including to enable it “to satisfy increasing demand for the group's products and thereby accelerate organic growth”. With also a relatively limited 4.5% discount to the prior 122.5p closing share price, sounds reasonable enough. But what’s that? It is to “be augmented by the decision of the board to suspend dividend payments for at least the next two scheduled payments”. Hmmm...

The sold-out success that was the 1st April 2017 UK Investor Show again saw five 'Dragon's Den' sessions where a number of CEOs each gave a pitch and three Dragons each picked one stock for a £1,000 investment. How are they faring so far?...

Commenting yesterday on the “Launch of Google Assistant voice control” ramparoonie (Oops) RNS announcement from LightwaveRF (LWRF), I suggested it clearly currently remains cash burn ahoy, with results for the six months ended 31st March 2017 following today…

Goals Soccer Centres (GOAL) has admitted “preliminary discussions” with key rival Powerleague on “combining the two businesses”, though emphasises that is “but one of the strategic opportunities currently being assessed by the Goals board”…

Lombard Risk Management (LRM) has updated that it anticipates exceeding analyst consensus expectations for its year ended 31st March 2017 and “remains confident” looking ahead. What’s that though expected to be “in the region of £2.4m to £2.8m”? “Adjusted EBITDA”. Hmmm…

Engineering and technology recruitment company, Gattaca (GATC) has updated that “the board has reviewed its outlook for the remainder of the year to 31 July 2017 and now believes that profits for the year will be approximately 10-15% below its prior expectations”. Uh oh…

The sold out success that was the 2017 UK Investor Show again saw five 'Dragon's Den' sessions where a number of CEOs each gave a pitch and three Dragons each picked one stock for a £1,000 investment. Following 2016's picks, what were 2017's?...

Hello Share Swiggers. As I write this, the share I love is once again putting on more value. However, City of London Investment Group (CLIG) can sometimes be in the opposite camp.

In a rash move yesterday, while wandering around "the book town" of Hay on Wye I splashed out £100 on an investment which my father is not so sure about but I reckon is a winner. Having checked a few websites overnight I reckon I am 30% ahead on my trade already but I am holding this as over 20 years it will be a multibagger.

Sports nutrition company Science in Sport (SIS) has made a “Pre-Close Trading Update” announcement commencing that “sales increased 30% to £12.24 million in the 12 months to 31 December 2016”. Sounds promising, what about profitability?…

Orosur Mining (OMI) remains one of my favourites amongst the small gold miners listed on AIM, and I now hold shares in the company myself, hopefully awaiting a turnaround in the price of gold.

Having fallen towards 1p after being above 5p as recently as May, shares in Imaginatik (IMTK) are currently recovering to around 2p on the back of results for the company’s half year ended 30th September 2016…

A trading update for the six months ended 30th September sees innovation software and consultancy company, Imaginatik (IMTK) “confident we have the foundations in place for future success”. Investors though don’t seem as confident – the shares currently remaining slumped at around 1.6p...

Even with all of the other craziness in the markets, the ridiculous share price rise in Mosman Oil and Gas (MSMN) still managed to stand out!

Having recently cancelled its full-year dividend after the ex-dividend date, specialised plastics company Carclo (CAR) has now announced an acquisition! (along with a trading update and placing)…

An AGM trading update from UK agricultural and distribution group NWF (NWF) includes that “the board's outlook for the year remains in line with its expectations”. The shares are currently 5% lower, at sub 150p, in response. Hmmm…

Tern plc (TERN) investee company Cryptosoft Ltd as was (now Device Authority Ltd) has filed its accounts for the fifteen-and-a-bit months to Dec 2015 and the picture painted is not pretty. Nor is the cross-match (or lack of it) to the accounts of (then) majority owner Tern plc. Call me a pedant, but surely the investment by Tern into the share capital of Cryptosoft at period end should not exceed the total of share capital and share premium, should it? Oh, and then there were a few balance sheet issues.

Hallelujah, Craven House Capital (CRV) has announced its first investment in years but, as ever, it raises a host of questions, but I think I’ve worked it out. It’s just one of those summer romances that looks great under the holiday sun but less so on under a grey, autumnal sky. I didn’t take Mark Pajak for a Shirley Valentine character!

Provider of innovation software and related professional services to large and medium-sized enterprises, Imaginatik (IMTK) has announced results for its year ended 31st March 2016 and states it is “pleased with the growth achieved in the year and the underlying progress within the business”. The shares are though currently a further more than 6.5% lower, at 1.75p. Hmmm…

“Utilitywise (UTW), the leading independent utility cost management consultancy, today provides an update on trading for the year ended 31 July 2016. The group expects to report significant revenue growth in the period with revenues of at least £82m (£69.1m 2015)”. Sounds promising, so why are the shares currently a further 6.5% lower, heading towards 133p? ...

Hello Share Bunnies. I have to admit that my heart lurches every time I hear the name ASOS (ASC), the big on-line clothing store which used to be called As Seen On Screen. Maybe it still is, but the name, which was so up-to-the-minute when the company started now seems dated, as so many retailers are also online now.

FastForward Innovations (FFWD) issued an after-hours RNS yesterday at 4.59pm announcing its next investment. Surely it wasn’t embarrassed by it? Let’s take a look.

Commenting on today-announced results for the company’s year ended 30th April 2016, Ilika (IKA) Chairman, Mike Inglis, notes “since my appointment as Non-Executive Chairman at the AGM last September, I have been very encouraged to see the technical progress and increased commercial focus at Ilika. The definition of a clear solid state battery roadmap and the launch of the Stereax M250 have been important milestones on the road to commercial success”. The following reviews with the shares currently more than 14% lower, at 45p…

A strangely timed (8:01am) “Trading Update” from technology group “specialising in solutions for the capture, management and delivery of high quality video for the broadcast and surveillance and public safety markets”, Vislink (VLK). Hmmm…

I kid you not: this company has been on the Casino since joining in June 2010 as an investment company with assets of about £3 million and has never invested a cent. Yesterday, ShareProphets AIM-China Filthy Forty company Northwest Investment Group (NWIG) released results for calendar FY15: it still hasn’t invested a cent. But the money is disappearing.

Purplebricks (PURP), the hybrid online and 'local property expert'-based estate agent, has announced results for its year ended 30th April 2016, noting that “we continue to scale and anticipate that the UK business will move into profit in the current financial year” and that it is to launch in Australia. With the shares currently slightly lower, at 130p, in response, the following reviews…

Time Out (TMO), founded in 1968 as a London culture and entertainment magazine, has listed on AIM at 150p per share, to capitalise the group at £195 million. Founder Tony Elliott sold a controlling share to private equity firm Oakley Capital in November 2010 with the “strategy to transform what was a traditional print brand into a leading digital platform”. Apparently Oakley “invests in and supports the continued growth and development of some of Europe’s leading companies”. Financially, this ain’t one of them…

Innovation-focused consultancy and software company, Imaginatik (IMTK) has announced completion of a placing it believes, together with an accompanying open offer, “will be sufficient to take the company to the stage where it is generating net positive cashflow”. Hmmm...

This morning AIM-listed investment company Tern (TERN) released an RNS entitled “Acquisition”. In fact the news was that the previously announced acquisition on Flexiant Ltd is all off, at least for now. This raises a few questions.

It is hard to resist looking at a share in a company which looks as though it will prosper despite all its manifest shortcomings and disadvantages. It is of course Group 4 Services (G4S) which I have made money in as a counter - or otherwise - intuitive trader; the shares lacking too much in the way of fundamental attractions to be called a proper investment.

Having noted in its results earlier this year that “our development team has continued to develop the FileFinder product, and has delivered performance and functionality improvements since launch. The division expects to make an important product related announcement later this year”, shares in recruitment software group Dillistone (DSG) are currently approaching 3% higher, at 105.5p. This is on the back of the new product announcement. I provide an update in the following.

The shares of GKN (340p last seen) were as high as 468p in May having fallen back an impressive 27 %. After the drop it is worth revisiting the logic for investing here. The reason for buying the shares hitherto was twofold: first the recovery in the world automotive industry (more than 46% of GKN Group sales are accounted for as supplying the world’s auto industry) and second the management’s strategy of building up the Group’s aerospace business by acquisition, taking the company into more growth prospect and better margins; considerably higher than in vehicle manufacture. However does this logic now bear up to scrutiny in light of recent performance?