Previously writing on innovation management software and services company Sopheon (SPE), in June with the shares at 620p I questioned its arguing financial performance illustrates the “initial success” of its efforts and concluded that I’d review again on the half-year results detail but suggest my prior cash flow and valuation perspective remained valid and thus still, at best, on the watchlist. That looks sensible with the shares most recently closing at 585p – and what of now the half-year results detail?

Previously writing on packaging and automation machinery provider Mpac Group (MPAC), in March with the shares down to 250p I questioned how “encouraging” really were the results and the outlook? The shares most recently closed at 212.5p, but are currently up to 230p on the back of a half-year trading update – so how encouraging is its latest?

Previously writing on beauty and personal care products group Brand Architekts (BAR), in July with the shares at around 50p I concluded that there was still a noted c£11.3 million net cash position but, with the cash backing falling and integration and further external environment challenges looking ahead, I stayed on the sidelines. The shares last closed at 31.5p, and are currently further lower on the back of full-year results.

Hello Share Turners. There are even fewer companies I would recommend in these dark days for shares. But one which should weather the storm and even grow faster is widely favourite baker Greggs (GRG).

Previously writing on fishing retailer Angling Direct (ANG), in August with the shares down to 30p I concluded that the trajectory of trading saw me retain my cautious stance of most recently a 62p share price. The shares most recently closed at 32p but are currently below 30p on the back of half-year results.

I was a bit busy on Friday and hence a bit knackered yesterday, but it was undoubtedly smart to take a bit of a rest as the next six weeks or so are going to be very busy. Like the complete larger cap sad sack I am, genuinely I am very, very excited about the upcoming global corporate earnings season. It might not tell us everything about the last few months or the next few quarters, but it will tell us something. And that is what makes it fun. In short, there will be loads and loads of corporate names to write about deep into November.

Castings (CGS) has issued a trading statement including reporting “a more consistent conversion of forward schedules in the period. This strength continues to be reflected in the schedules that our OEM customers are providing… remain confident that the company will continue to trade in line with market expectations”. So what of a currently up to 310p share price, £135 million market cap?

Previously writing on automation and customer engagement software company Netcall (NET), a year ago with the shares around 80p I suggested the valuation looked to at least demand near perfect delivery of vast new growth opportunities. With now results for its year ended 30th June 2022, how’s it doing?

Shares in “the UK's leading tile specialist” Topps Tiles (TPT) are currently up approaching 5% today at 43p on the back of a Q4, to 1st October, trading update but are therefore still well down on the above 59p when I cautioned on the shares in March. So what’s the story now?

Hello Share Chewers. The current bear market has hit most shares, of course. But, as always, some companies suffer unfairly in the downward rush. One such venture that could see a recovery soon is Oxford Metrics (OMG).

I am certain that there are a bunch of people who are excited that the latest house prices from Halifax showed a 0.4% increase in August, meaning (apparently) average UK house prices from this source were up 11.5% year-on-year. How pleasant statistically, but it is all looking in the past and what really matters, about the housing market and so much more in life, is what happens next. And that nicely brings us onto today’s full year numbers from Barratt Developments (BDEV).

Describing itself as “a leading producer and supplier of graphene nanoplatelets based products for use in consumer and industrial markets”, Directa Plus (DCTA) has announced it “has received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the grant of a patent covering the Company's G+ embedded polyurethane membrane”, with the offering “generating considerable interest in the US market”. So what of a current 90p share price?

Last month Synectics (SNX) announced a half-year (to May 31^st) pre-tax profit of £0.5 million and said that period end net cash was £4.2 million. At a current 115p offer price, the market cap is £20.5 million, so how much upside potential is there? We believe there is enough value and impending newsflow to get the shares to 155p and here is why.

Previously writing on utilities, civil engineering and energy infrastructure company Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS), last year with the shares at 175p I noted the particularly eSmart Networks trajectory looked interesting but the possible trading recovery required and pre-Covid performance concerns saw these shares only on the watchlist. They last closed at 167p, and why are they currently down to 145p on the back of a “trading update”?

Ferrexpo (FXPO) emphasises that it produces high grade iron ore pellets, which are a premium product for the global steel industry and enable reduced carbon emissions and increased productivity for steelmakers. That sounds good, but it does so from Ukraine. That is why it has seen a share price fall from approaching 500p last summer, but we can now see reasons why the shares could bounce sharply.

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”?

Previously writing on beauty and personal care products group Brand Architekts (BAR), last year with the shares at 157.5p, noting trading challenges from responses to covid and pressures on disposable income, I retained the cautious stance that had served well here. So what of a latest trading update today?

Previously writing on promotional products group 4imprint (FOUR), in May with the shares at 2900p I concluded that I’d continue to monitor but with the already-noted recovery the earnings and cash multiples meant I continued to avoid. The shares last closed at 2440p but are currently rising above 2900p on the back of a trading statement, so what’s the news?

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?

Back in early 2019 I observed that “you are not 'bonkers' anymore for buying PageGroup (PAGE)...just overly hopeful”. I guess that has proved to be an alright call on the recruitment business, as the stock dropped quite a lot during the early days of COVID-19, rallied back last year, and is currently sitting at a share price below the January 2019 level. How wonderfully dull. So what does today’s “Q2 and H1 2022 Trading Update” tell us?

Hello Share Moochers. There’s a perception these days that housebuilders will soon see retreating share prices because of rising interest rates, the soaring cost of living, high energy costs and so on. But my optimistic view of the bricks and mortar trade is not shaken. And that’s because supply continues to lag behind demand. And the first-half numbers from Vistry (VTY) seem to support my view.

Hello Share Gobblers. There were a few raised eyebrows this week when Zoo Digital (ZOO) said its full-year results would be delayed. You never know, when no further info is given, whether this sort of thing is a red flag or not. I opined that this was not likely here. I added that the share price, which stumbled on the news, offered a buying opportunity. Well, the results have now been posted only a day late.

Writing a year ago on UK bowling and ‘family entertainment’ centres group Ten Entertainment (TEG) I concluded with the shares at 248p whilst the demand situation normalises, currently on the watchlist. So what about now, following a trading update for its half year ended 26th June 2022?

Previously writing on ActiveOps (AOM), in March with the shares down to 97.5p I concluded that with the valuation still a significant premium on tangible metrics I’d still currently avoid. With the shares having last closed at 74p and the self-described “leading provider of Management Process Automation software” now “pleased to announce its unaudited results for the financial year ended 31 March 2022”, what’s the outlook from here?

Describing itself as a “manufacturer of innovative performance ceramic products serving hospitality markets worldwide”, Churchill China (CHH) on Wednesday was “pleased to report” a continuation of record demand, that its order book remains healthy and that it “remain confident in our ability to deliver an improved year on year performance in 2022”. Now a “Director/PDMR Shareholding” announcement...

Hello Share Mashers. My favourite housebuilder Berkeley Group (BKG) has released some chirpy full-year figures. The group’s house sales were well up on last time, though selling prices and costs ate into earnings. Never mind, profit before tax still rose 6.4% to £551.5 million. And as long as profits keep on rising, despite all the headwinds blowing around these days, share kickers like us should be happy.

Specialist retailer of cream cakes Cake Box (CBOX) has announced it will publish full-year results on 27th June following an end of year audit process which has raised “an issue” in terms of the Companies Act 2006 and past dividend payments. Hmmm!

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?...

I am sure there will be some investors who are excited to hear that Centrica (CNA) shares are back to rejoin the FTSE 100, whilst others are disappointed that ITV (ITV) and Royal Mail (RMG) shares - among others - are exiting. None of the three interest me at the moment, but I was a bit disappointed that Johnson Matthey (JMAT) shares have not been quite strong enough to rejoin. Maybe that is coming next quarter as I believe the stock is cheap (as noted last week HERE). Another stock which did not return to the FTSE 100 (and frankly I don’t think it ever will) was Wood Group (WG.) but it has made a noteworthy announcement today…

Previously writing on promotional products group 4imprint (FOUR), in March I noted a broker to the company Liberum forecasting earnings per share to rise to $1.11 this year and $1.34 next which suggested a still mighty rating at best not looking to leave room for any disappointment. So what now following a latest trading statement from the group?...

Hello Share Pilots. Have you noticed viruses don't seem as much a threat as they used to be for we private owners? Perhaps its because the search platforms have beefed up their protection. And cyber security is still very lucrative. One of the more successful cyber security merchants is Corero Network Security (CNS). It's numbers are just out and they're pretty exciting.

Cybersecurity group Shearwater (SWG) has emphasised a “set of market-beating numbers… we remain excited for what the future holds”. What of a share price response up to 140p?

A “Trading Update” announcement from Cake Box Holdings (CBOX) commences that “the specialist retailer of fresh cream cakes, is pleased to announce a full year trading update for the 12 months ended 31 March 2022” and concludes that “with a strengthened team and investment in our operations and processes, we have all the right ingredients to continue to sustainably grow the Cake Box customer base, brand and Family”. So what of the announcement and a share price responding up to above 200p?...

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?...

A “Notice of Results and Trading Updates”-titled announcement from structural steel and construction safety company Billington (BILN) sounds routine but, on a currently reasonable day for the markets, why are the shares down approaching 3.5% to 225p?...

Hello Share Bunnies. It’s been some weeks since I commended Keywords Studios (KWS) to you. This is a company that produces work for big players in the armchair gaming game. Well, its latest full year figures are now out.

Six months ago Malcolm wrote about Michelmersh Brick Holdings (MBH) that “This Brick Maker Makes Hay While the House Boom Shines”. He is absolutely correct at many levels as today’s FY21 results are headed by the observation of “strong performance surpassing record adjusted 2019 financial year and positive momentum into FY22”. So why are its shares down over 13% during the last six months?

Recent Income recommendation Rio Tinto (RIO) has announced record results for 2021 and that it is “targeting disciplined investment in commodities that will see strong demand in the coming decades”.

Previously writing on ventilation systems and window and door hardware company Titon Holdings (TON), in December with the shares at 107.5p I noted full-year trading improvement, but what’s the outlook?. Now a “trading update” and the shares, having last closed at 100p, are currently at 80p!

Previously writing on marketing decision-making platform group System1 (SYS1), just earlier this month whilst it argued profitability “in line with management’s expectations” I noted the share price falling below 400p in response, it not fully in line with expectations and a still challenging valuation. But why are the shares materially lower today to around 250p?…

Hello Share Swaddlers. Family doctors are in demand more than usual in the wake of covid. Many more are being trained than is usual as it’s suddenly become a fashionable career and to serve an ageing population we’ll soon have many more medics per person. They all need tools for the job. And more and more reliance is being laid by medical folk on computers. Which brings me to today’s choice of EMIS Group (EMIS).

Eleco (ELCO) “announces that Robert Tearle is stepping down from the board as a Director of Eleco plc with immediate effect”. A red flag?…

Previously writing on drinks company with brands including IRN-BRU, Rubicon and Funkin A.G. Barr (BAG), in November with the shares at 520p I concluded that whilst a long-term buy looks cogently arguable, still just on my watchlist. The shares last closed just below 500p, but a trading update today has helped them back across this level – so what’s the latest?…

Previously writing on celebrations, craft, gifting, stationery and creative play products group IG Design (IGR), in November with the shares at 245p I noted it not seeing an improvement in supply shortages and inflationary pressures and that I remained cautious. Today a “trading update” and the shares, having last closed at 255p, down to 115p. So what’s the situation?…

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?…

When I last looked, Whitbread (WTB) shares were in the top ten of my personal pension fund positions. I have been a fan at various levels for years, having enjoyed the share price bump after Coca-Cola purchased the company’s Costa unit at a decent multiple to take a decent profit, and then invested it back into the share when the Premier Inn owner decided to raise some money back during the 2020 COVID-19 uncertainties. I may not have made it one of my formal two tips of the year during the Christmas holidays, but I am still hopeful of a return to a c. 40 quid share price as I discussed back in June last year. So what do I make of its Q3 update today?

Previously writing on ventilation systems and window and door hardware company Titon Holdings (TON), last month with the shares at 109p I concluded that the numbers suggest the shares of potential interest but, ahead of the full-year results with the boardroom flux, only on the watchlist. Today the full-year results, and the shares currently down to 107.5p…

Previously writing on the UK’s largest ten-pin bowling operator Hollywood Bowl (BOWL), in October with the shares around 243p I concluded I’d monitor from the watchlist with particular interest in the balance sheet and an update on trading. The shares are currently slightly further lower at 229p on the back of the group’s year ended 30th September 2021 results announcement, so how are the financials and outlook?…

Plastic products company Coral Products (CRU) has announced its results for its half-year ended 31^st October 2021 and that it “remains confident of the group’s future prospects”. This sounds encouraging.

Shares in drinks company with brands including IRN-BRU, Rubicon and Funkin, A.G. Barr (BAG) are currently 11% higher today, at 520p, on the back of a trading update. So what’s the story?…

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…

UK technology consultancy group Triad (TRD) announced results for its half year ended 30^th September 2021 this month. The shares were 120p before the announcement and are currently available at 120p to buy. We believe the announcement though greatly encourages for the future.

Describing itself as a “value-add AV & IT distributor” to resellers, Northamber plc (NAR) has announced results for its year ended 30^th June 2021 showing a post-tax profit of £0.337 million and a proposed dividend per share of 0.4p. However, the shares are up to 62p, a £16.9 million market cap…but there looks significant further value potential.

Recruitment company with a focus on the real estate & built environment sectors Prime People (PRP) has announced its results for its half-year ended 30^th September 2021 and that it believes it is well positioned to further respond quickly as markets strengthen. We are ahead on this share tip but is there more to come? You bet!

Have you ever had a can of Vimto? I do now and again and you can find it in most supermarkets here. Anyhow, the company behind the soft drink is Nichols (NICL), which itself was formed back in 1908 in the Scottish town of Shortridge (although now it is based in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside). Today, sales are around 80% in the UK with the balance in the Middle East and (growing) in Africa. It is interesting to read today that full year 2021 profits are expected to be ahead of current market expectations, which is not too shabby given that, whilst UK sales were up 4.5%, elsewhere in the world growth was up over 36%.

Hello, Share Scrapers. Many commodities are rising in value as the world returns slowly to normal after covid. One of the world’s most useful metals is copper, especially in the plumbing and electrical areas. Think electric cars, for example. Therefore a company which produces and sells the stuff is probably going to see a rise in its profits and consequently its share price.

It is no surprise that I have never personally purchased anything from boohoo (BOO) but I have certainly followed the stock in close detail. Today’s numbers for the six months to the end of August have their good points and their less good points…but more on why the shares are down over 10% today and over 30% year-to-date later.

Hello, Share Shooters. The reason Rightmove (RMV) and the like are putting on share value is that house prices are booming. August saw record rises in home values. I’ve mentioned before that housebuilders seem to be a good sector to support. But I suppose the same goes for many outfits that supply the raw materials for the building game.

Hello Share Minders. My favourite house builder is on track. It expects to make a full-year pre-tax profit of about £518 million and possibly more. For this we can thank rising house prices and tighter efficiency. The firm says future orders are now similar to levels before covid.

Hello, Share Bunnies. You can glean by the Footsie still being about 7% lower than pre-covid levels that some firms are still in the doldrums after being kicked by the bug. Of course also, the Footsie would be even lower than it is if some companies had not actually done well out of the affliction. But one company whose sales plummeted is Zytronic (ZYT).

Self-styled “leading omni-channel specialist fishing tackle and equipment retailer”, Angling Direct (ANG) has made a half-year trading update emphasising that it “is pleased to have made further progress in the period, despite all retail stores being closed at the beginning of the period (1 February) to 12 April 2021 due to government restrictions during the third Covid-19 lockdown”. With the shares currently responding up to 72.5p, how pleasing is the progress relative to the valuation?…

I see a year ago that Malcolm observed ‘Balfour Beatty Set to Leap Ahead as Covid Restrictions Thaw’. He was absolutely right as reflected by a share price that has risen from 240p then to just over 300p today. Investors who bought the stock however may be thinking about what to do today given a 5% share price fall following the publication of half year results. So what is going on at the ‘leading international infrastructure group…(which) finances, develops, builds and maintains the vital infrastructure that we all depend on’?

Back in April I wrote about Taylor Wimpey (TW.), ‘one of the largest British based housebuilding companies’. Back then the shares were above 180p, but even with a decent rise this morning after the publication of first half numbers, the shares are still ten pence or so below the level back then. So what is going on?

Previously writing on IRN-BRU, Rubicon, Funkin and more drinks company A.G. Barr (BAG), last month with the shares at 530p I concluded decent growth from here would see this valuation become attractive… I’ll look out for the further detail scheduled for next month. Today a half-year trading update…

Hello, Share Shapers. Supermarkets are doing rather well at the mo, motivated I suspect by the take-over interest in Morrisons (MRW). However, I can see more reliable drivers for the online supermarket Ocado (OCDO), which has risen in prominence during the lockdowns. My brighter colleague Chris Bailey has already commented on this baby, but the situation is fascinating so allow me to put in my two bits worth.

Previously writing on aircraft charter, safety & security company Air Partner (AIR), in January with the shares around 68p I concluded they remained on the watchlist. They last closed at 81p and are currently further higher on the back of an “AGM Statement and Positive Trading Update”-titled announcement. So what’s the detail and current value?…

Hello, Share Lovers. It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed Vistry Group (VTY), the house builder born of a link between Bovis Homes and Linden Homes. On the back of a covid-caused housing boom, it is doing rather well. The first half of Vistry’s financial year saw ‘significantly’ better sales than it expected. And it has high hopes for the rest of the 12 month period. But the shares hardly moved on the news, so there could be some room for us to make hay.

Back in March last year I observed that Dixons Carphone (DC.) shareholders should ‘at least hold on’ HERE. Given the timing, this unsurprisingly has worked well with the shares up 75% in the last fifteen months or so. Anyone who has seen the share fall to around a third of the share price five years ago may however still have a different view.

An “AGM Statement” announcement from cosmetics company Warpaint London (W7L)…and the shares are currently approaching 17% higher on the day at 163.5p. What’s the story?…

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?…

Hello, Share Peekers. It’s been some time since I last suggested you take a look at Bloomsbury Publishing (BMY). Yes, I know some investors are wary of bookish companies because of the boom in other forms of leisure-filling. Like the easier streaming of films, for example. But this firm is putting more emphasis on digital reading. And it’s doing rather well, as its latest annual numbers attest.

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?…

Hello Share Tycoons. It’s possible you’re rather wary of construction companies, with the sector having had it tough in the last couple of years. And if Blighty encounters a post-covid recession, it’s likely that heavy building will be one of the first and worst areas to be hit. But if you’re in my camp that guesses there’ll be a coiled spring boom, then UK giants of the construction world could be among the stars.

Hello, Share Watchers. A company which suffered from lack of orders due to the coronavirus is now raring to go again. Zytronic (ZYT), a Geordie firm which makes touch sensors, has released its half-year figures to March 31st 2021. And they could have been worse.

An AGM statement from financial software and services company Gresham Technologies (GHT) commences that it is “pleased to confirm that the current year has started well, we are seeing positive demand in the market for our technology as financial institutions prioritise investment into automation solutions”. What does that mean financially as it helps the shares up to 168p?…

Inkjet printing technology company Xaar (XAR) has announced results for the 2020 calendar year, with which it is “pleased… as they demonstrate that our strategy is working”. The shares have currently responded towards 140p, er more than 6% lower!…

Mobile data computing solutions and managed services company Touchstar (TST) “is pleased to announce its final results for the year ended 31 December 2020” and includes that it “has made a better-than-expected start to 2021”. So why are the shares, at 74p, currently nearly 13% lower in response?…

An announcement from System1 Group (SYS1) commences that this “Advertising Effectiveness Agency, is today providing a Trading Update for its financial year to the end of March 2021 ahead of its results announcement on 29 June 2021”. This includes “sales picked up faster than adjusted operating costs” – and the shares have currently responded to 240p, 26% higher. Justified?…

Previously writing on bioplastics and radio frequency technologies company Biome (BIOM) I questioned coffee-pod filtration material contract, share price rise justified?. That was to 375p. The shares last closed at 380p but are currently down to 350p on the back of a trading update. What’s this latest then?…

A trading update from cosmetics company Warpaint London (W7L) includes that it “is pleased to report that improved trading has continued to be experienced in the first quarter of 2021… sales for the first three months of 2021 are ahead of the same period in 2020”. The shares have responded currently more than 13% higher to 123p, but what’s the detail?…

Previously writing on self-styled “a leading provider of innovative, highly engineered technology products principally for the global gaming and broadcast industries” Quixant (QXT), last year I noted wariness of the company’s confidence for the future. It has today announced its 2020 results…

Gold miner in Egypt Centamin (CEY) announced results for the 2020 calendar year emphasising “record revenue of US$829 million… generated significant free cash flow, of US$142 million, a 91% increase, making it possible to propose and pay dividends attributable to 2020 of US$104 million”  but also ‘impacted guidance’. A recovery buy?

Previously writing on promotional products group 4imprint (FOUR), in August I noted the half-year performance and outlook saw the shares falling back having reached around 2600p – and that I continued to avoid. They commenced today at 2690p but are now sliding back on a full-year results announcement…

Hello, Share Stringers. Perhaps my current favourite house builder – and I own shares in more than one – has made some reassuring noises. Berkeley Group (BKG) reiterated its annual profit forecast as it benefits from pent-up demand and tax breaks for homebuyers. As previously expected, profits at are expected to be about £504 million.

Previously writing on beauty and personal care products group Brand Architekts (BAR), in November 2019 with the shares around 165p I concluded it means a current market cap of around £28 million, with, after the Manufacturing business disposal, there £24 million net cash and a seemingly profitable owned brands business. Some might thus consider a speculative buy here but, currently with concerns on how it uses the cash pile and the trading outlook, for me it’s on the watchlist. Today “pleased to be reporting” half-year results from the company, with the shares currently at 157.5p, a circa £27 million market cap…

Self-styled “the leading global provider of mission critical software-as-a-service platforms and on-demand cloud services to the flexible workspace industry”, essensys (ESYS) has made a trading update emphasising “a robust performance in the first half of the year… results in line with expectations” and “increasing market opportunity”. The shares have responded further higher to 212.5p, so what’s the detail?…

Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS) concludes an AGM Statement today with that “with a strong balance sheet and order book of £279m, Nexus remains on-track to implement its recovery and growth strategy”. So why a currently more than 6% share price fall, to 153p?…

Previously writing on footwear retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE), in November with the shares at 56p I concluded cautiously on “Date of Final Results” announcement is actually much more. Today another “Date of Final Results”… and again there is more information than just that…

Hello, Share Followers. It seems optimism towards housebuilders has won another example of vindication. Barratt Developments (BDEV) has just announced a record half-year with 9,077 home completions. And that’s up by 9.2% on last time. My more brilliant colleague Chris Bailey likes those figures but allow me to proffer even more encouragement…

Good News! There has been a ‘special dividend’ announcement from gold, copper and silver producer in Azerbaijan Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ), with it noting that it has delivered expected strong cash generation. So what’s the detail?…

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…

A trading update from manufacturer of touch sensors Zytronic (ZYT) includes “the downturn in sales experienced in the second half of last year has now levelled out at approximately £2.0m for the quarter to 30 September 2020 and the first quarter of this financial year to 31 December 2020”. So why are the shares currently 10% further lower to 135p?…

Self-styled “a global leader in real-time, high-performance, automatic DDoS cyber defense solutions” Corero Network Security (CNS) has made a trading update emphasising “Revenue ahead of market expectations driven by record order intake”. As I though previously questioned, is there really “solid foundations” here?…

Previously writing on cosmetics company Warpaint London (W7L), in November with the shares at 69p I concluded there does look further recovery potential here. Now I suggest at least worthy of watchlists. The shares last closed at 84p and are currently above 90p on the back of a trading update…

Hello, Share Seekers. My favourite housebuilder, Berkeley Group (BKG) isn’t doing too badly given the disrupted year all builders have experienced thanks to the virus. It’s announced that first-half revenue was only down by 3.8%, to £895.9 million. It could have been much worse, but the virus has, rather perversely, caused house prices to rise which offset most of the damage.

Previously writing on manufacturer of products for electronic displays Zytronic (ZYT), in October I suggested value recovery potential but noted it “facing uncertainty regarding levels of future business” and on the watchlist. Now results for its year ended 30th September 2020 have been published. On the surface they look bad, but if you dig deeper maybe this has attractions as an investment…

Biome Technologies (BIOM) has updated including “revenues in the Bioplastics division in Q3 at £1.6m were 48% ahead of the previous quarter (Q2 2020: £1.1m) and 131% ahead of the prior year comparative (Q3 2019: £0.7m). The division’s revenues in the first nine months of the financial year stood at £3.8m, 93% ahead of the equivalent period last year”. The shares though have responded little changed at around 155p, and comparing to 240p as recently as last month…

Gold miner in Egypt Centamin (CEY) has updated emphasising “the third quarter marked another solid performance”, yet the shares have dropped back to 131.3p. The reason is a reduction in guidance for 2021 but the market has over-reacted…

In early August D4T4 Solutions (D4T4) updated including that it “continues to trade in line with the board’s expectations, with strong levels of both existing and new client activity”. Today “the AIM-listed data solutions provider, provides… trading update for the six months to 30 September”… and the shares are currently back below 200p, 12% lower on the day…

“Manufacturer of computing, power and communications products, and value added supplier of electronic components”, Solid State (SOLI) has updated including that it “expects to announce revenues and adjusted profits similar to the comparative period in the 2019/2020 financial year, which was itself a record first half performance for the group” and “currently anticipates an outcome to the 2020/21 financial year similar to the prior year”. The shares have responded to 585p, more than 6% lower…

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…

Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has announced results for the first half of 2020, with it having refocused to what it describes as “a very exciting region for exploration at the moment”…

Previously writing on UK automotive retailer Marshall Motor Holdings (MMH), in June, with the shares at 115p, I reviewed a “Trading and COVID-19 Update”’s ‘encouragement’, though concluding that I continued to avoid. Now a further update…

Self-styled “the UK’s leading independent omni-channel vehicle retailer”, Motorpoint Group (MOTR) has updated commencing, “Since the group’s sites reopened from the UK-wide lockdown in early June, demand levels have exceeded management’s expectations with strong year on year sales growth”. On the announcement, the shares are though currently 6.5% lower…

For another time are my views on Rolls-Royce (RR.) after its big money raising announcement today because today I actually want to dole out some praise. I know previously (for example here) I have lauded Next (NXT) for its commitment to a high level of disclosures and a detailed plan, and typically these are the sort of traits I look for. You can have all the numbers and insights you like but ultimately you are putting your faith into a management team and their day-to-day capabilities. I love the insights from big themes and various important numbers, but company culture matters hugely too. And talking about culture, brings me to the industrial flooring company James Halstead (JHD)…

Previously writing on aircraft charter, safety & security company Air Partner (AIR), in July with the shares at just above 90p I suggested it possibly the point to bank gains here and for now monitor how the “more normalised” trading goes from the watchlist. Today half-year results – and the shares currently 6% lower on the back of them, at 72p…

Previously writing on self-styled “a leader in the design, integration and support of advanced security and surveillance systems” Synectics (SNX), in June I concluded that I remain cautious on the overall recovery here and thus still only presently on the watchlist. Today a “Trading Update” and the shares currently 13.5% lower on the back of it, at 112.5p…

Irn Bru isn’t a Star Wars character but a soft drink a bit similar to Tizer, so how has its owner A G Barr (BAG) done in the virus crisis? Not too badly, it seems, though the share price has been hit for six. Maybe a recovery is on the cards…

Hello Share Peekers. It still pays to search out companies which are likely to do well out of the covid restrictions. When you can’t go out as easily or mix with other people, a solitary pastime you can do from home seems ideal. One such company which fits the bill is Keywords Studios (KWS). This is a company which develops games for X-boxes, Playstations and the like. You’ll have heard the stories that home gaming has, amazingly, taken over as the biggest money spinner over all kinds of entertainment media, including films…

Secure payment and customer contact technology company Eckoh (ECK) has updated including having previously “did not intend to propose a year-end dividend… Given the continued resilience of the business combined with its high levels of repeat and recurring revenues… is pleased to announce that the board has approved the payment of a special dividend of 0.61p per ordinary share” – and the shares are currently a further few percent higher…

Hello, ShareTellers. While Tony Blair once famously said; ‘Education, education, education!’, I think we should adopt the suggestion to ‘Health, health, health!’ don’t you? Companies in this wide sector have much better chances in the future as part of the Covid-effect. So today let’s take a peek at EMIS (EMIS). This is an outfit that develops the latest technology for doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies.

Hello, Share Fans. Some companies which you might expect to have been knocked flat during the months of lockdown have not done all that badly, considering the dire situation which seemed to face them. One such outfit is Balfour Beatty (BBY), the construction giant…

Previously writing on “leading direct marketer of promotional products in North America, the UK and Ireland”, 4imprint (FOUR), in April with the shares  towards 1900p I concluded including with even it considering “it is still too early to assess the duration and full economic impact resulting from COVID-19” - I suggest the valuation more than high enough for now. The shares have since reached around 2600p but are falling back today on the back of half-year results…

Self-styled “global specialist recruitment group”, Hydrogen (HYDG) has updated including “activity levels have broadly stabilised during the second quarter… has maintained the critical mass in all our key markets” and “increase net cash during the period to £6.5m (31 December 2019: £4.5m, and 30 June 2019: £3.4m)”. The shares have currently responded to 28.5p, 9.5% lower!...

I noted earlier Braemar Shipping Services – shares bouncing on business update, but..., and shares in Synectics (SNX) are doing likewise. Updating on Synectics in December, I noted the shares are now around 150p and I apologise that this recovery play has not worked out as hoped currently, but I’ll continue to monitor – with potentially improved conditions for it in the year ahead. The shares remained around 150p until mid-March, though had since fallen to approaching 100p. They’ve currently bounced to 112.5p on the back of a “Business Update”...

Shares in Touchstar (TST), a tip earlier this year, fell below 30p last month but have currently recovered back above this level, including following an “Update on trading and impact of Coronavirus”…

Previously writing on services provision to remote locations (primarily in Africa)-focused RA International (RAI), in June as the shares were heading back above 50p I questioned has the year-to-date really then been “encouraging”?... I also suggest a greater reliance on delivery of contracts in half of a year - particularly for “remote locations in Africa and the Middle East” - creates the platform for a potential profit warning. The company has since noted “profitability broadly in line with expectations” and now a “COVID-19 update” – and the shares now 32.5p…

Most recently writing on half-year results from Aeorema Communications (AEO), I concluded this remains a possible pick for recovery on the watchlist. Now an announcement; “Earnings Enhancing Acquisition”…

Earlier this month I updated on Aeorema Communications (AEO), concluding, with the shares lower to 23p, that this “live events agency” was another to watch as a possible recovery stock but I currently avoid. Today a further “Trading Update”…

Euromoney Institutional Investor (ERM) has updated concluding “we have made no changes at this stage to events originally scheduled from July up to and including September. Euromoney's financial position remains strong with net cash at the end of February 2020 of £12.2m and unused committed facilities of £240m”. However, already down from more than 1300p in January, the shares are currently further down towards 900p…

Describing itself as a “global provider of human capital and business improvement solutions”, Mind Gym (MIND) has updated commencing; “Underlying trading remained strong between the half year-end (30 September 2019) and the end of January 2020, however”…

‘Travel and lifestyle service’ group Ten Lifestyle (TENG) has updated commencing “adjusted EBITDA is expected to be breakeven, in line with the board's expectations and a significant improvement on adjusted EBITDA loss of £2.5m in H1 FY19, with continuing improvements in operating cost efficiencies”… the shares, having already fallen from approaching 130p last month, have currently responded towards 78p – a further approaching 6% lower…

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…

Hello, Share Travellers. It’s hard to see how the virus will affect the number of homes being put up for sale in Blighty. So it might be a good time to look at Rightmove (RMV). It’s a wormhole to connect buyers with sellers. And I suppose most people seeking a home would have a nosey there...

Goldplat (GDP) has announced results for its half year ended 31^st December 2019 and that “the progress made on key initiatives to increase long term visibility of earnings in the recovery businesses, specifically improved recovery on lower grade contaminated material and strengthened relationships within mining industry, are encouraging”…

Having previously updated in December including “we continue to face political and economic uncertainties which have contributed to a challenging first two months of the fiscal year”, though with “our business model is robust”, now an “AGM Statement” from ventilation systems and window and door hardware company Titon Holdings (TON) – and the shares currently at 87.5p, more than 20% lower…

Hello Share Trundlers. As predicted, the full-year numbers from Water Intelligence (WATR) look to be a bumper set and the share price rose on the news. A few weeks ago I was well down on my fairly new investment and now I’m nearly back to par. I’m rather confident that better is still to come. Let’s have a look at the trading update info...

“Xpediator (AIM: XPD), a leading provider of freight management services across the UK and Central and Eastern Europe is pleased to confirm that trading for the year ended 31 December 2019 is expected to be in line with market expectations”. The shares have responded higher to around 29p… but earlier in the year were comfortably above 50p! Hmmm…

Software and services provider to the publishing and media industry, Ingenta (ING) has updated on its year ended 31^st December 2019 and emphasised “a leaner, more responsive business better equipped to service its diverse customer base”…

Soft drinks company Nichols (NICL) has updated including it is “pleased with… performance… sales in both the UK and International businesses are ahead of 2018… we currently anticipate full year profit before tax to be in line with market expectations”. The shares have currently responded to around 1500p… more than 12% lower!...

Hello, Share Samplers. With the Footsie still on fire after the election, it’s not easy to pick out shares that might beat the pack as nearly every company is forging ahead. But Balfour Beatty (BBY) seems set to keep up with the best of them...

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”…

Yourgene Health (YGEN) has announced results for its half-year ended 30^th September 2019 and that “at this interim stage we are firmly on target to deliver full year results in-line with market expectations, with consensus analyst forecasts looking for revenues of nearly £17m for the year ending 31 March 2020, a considerable jump from last year's £8.9m”…

I wonder what the M&C Saatchi (SAA) Christmas party will be like this year? Judging by today's regulatory news update, I would be tempted to cancel it – if it was going ahead in the first place. You may recall that I have written twice about the advertising company - most recently here back in September - talking about its slow car crash involving both an accounting scandal and depressed profits. Today's update provides clarity on the former, but provides another slice of trading gloom. And the shares? Down 40% from already depressed levels as I write. It is going to have to work hard to advertise this positively...

FW Thorpe (TFW) is “pleased to report that this summer's trading, at our main division Thorlux Lighting, was significantly improved on the same period last year, and its order book has remained healthy throughout the autumn”. Sounds promising…

Blue Prism (PRSM) has updated commencing “the group has seen a significant acceleration in sales in the second half of the year, contributing to a very strong full year performance” and including it “enters 2020 with a record order book”. Sounds promising…

Brand Architekts (BAR), formerly Swallowfield, has updated concluding “we are well placed to navigate and grow in this market. As a result, the board expects to deliver positive progress for the full year”. The shares have responded currently to around 165p – 10% lower. Hmmm…

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…

Previously writing on secure payment and customer contact technology company Eckoh (ECK) I cautioned just over a year ago. The shares are though currently higher on the back of a half-year trading update including “it has been a very strong first half to the year with excellent levels of contracted business and double-digit revenue growth in both the UK and US”…

Hello Share Punchers. For many years I’ve held shares in Netcall (NET). Though the share toppled soon after I bought, I've held on all these years. Then came a slow rally. This continued for a time, then came another decay. Currently, I think I’m well short of breaking even. But firstly, what does Netcall do?...

Provider of infrastructure services to the UK housebuilding and commercial sectors, Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS) has updated with a headline “Profits for the full year expected to be in line with market expectations” and a statement including “the continued growth in our order book provides us with strong visibility of future earnings and gives us confidence in the future… The board believes that the group is in a strong position to deliver consistent organic growth, aided by the structural undersupply in the UK housebuilding market and Government stimulus for the sector”. The shares have responded up to 140p – though that down from 216p reached in April. Hmmm…

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…

“Alfa Financial Software Holdings PLC ('Alfa') provides the following update on trading, ahead of its interim results which will be released on Thursday 26 September”. Hmmm – why such an update so close to the results announcement? – and not ‘pleased to provide’ I immediately note…

As it is a Friday, a short quiz. How many of the following do you recognise: 'Teksta, Chill Factor, The Zelfs, Doctor Who, Peppa Pig, Fireman Sam, Postman Pat'? If you got more than four...then clearly you have a young child in the house as these are some of the key brands for toys company Character Group (CCT)…

Hello Share Chasers. My series of recommendations to buy into house building expands today to take in Bovis Homes (BVS). Yes, there are doubters - including some on this legendary website - but builders continue to post encouraging numbers and Bovis is the latest firm to improve. And yet the share price initially fell on its half-year results...

Something a little different this morning and that is another quick look at the AIM market-listed Abcam (ABC), which I last wrote about back in March. Back then I concluded about the "pretty fascinating company making, sourcing and selling a range of 'highly validated biological binders and assays to help study the important targets in critical biological pathways'" that:

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...

Hello Share Buyers. House building is a funny old game for poor old share shifters like us. If house prices fall, as they seem to be doing now, you can bet your last dollar that builders' share prices will go down even faster. But my feeling is that continuing demand for homes and low interest rates will keep the sector bubbling up, especially for more affordable homes...

Hello Share Topplers. Since I last commended my favourite builder to you, its share price has marched ahead. But there could be further to go for Berkeley Group (BKG). The company has done what we all seek to do, but rarely succeed. That is: it has worked out the best timing...

Last year on an AGM update from foundries and machining business Castings (CGS) I concluded a current market cap, with the shares at around 425p, of circa £185 million… I’m happy to continue to monitor for new management Machining turnaround with the shares on the watchlist. Now this year’s AGM update…

Hello Share Takers. Some construction giants have taken a share drubbing in the last couple of years. But Balfour Beatty (BBY) is now on the front foot – and likely to stay that way in my humble opinion...

Interior furnishings company Walker Greenbank (WGB) has updated including even “excluding accelerated income under IFRS 15 and income from apparel contracts, core licensing income was up approximately 12.2 per cent”. The shares are though currently slightly lower, at around 86p…

A trading update from self-styled “international provider of software and services for complete Enterprise Innovation Management solutions” Sopheon (SPE) includes “since January, we have increased our sales pipeline value by 48 percent… includes a large number of opportunities where we are strongly positioned and that we remain confident have a high probability of closing in the balance of the year”. So why are the shares - at 800p - currently approaching 15% lower?...

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…

Hello, Share Splashers. As the weather warms up, let’s probe a company which has a lot to do with domestic swimming pools. Water Intelligence (WATR) doesn't supply them, but it keeps a close watch on them with some whiz-bang technology. And it makes a lot of income by finding and stopping up leaks (may I topically plug my famous share winners' book Poolside Tycoon at this stage)...

Previously writing on touch sensors company Zytronic (ZYT), in October - with the shares at 387.5p - I cautioned despite the company arguing “several opportunities in its pipeline with the potential to improve future performance materially”. Today a further “Trading Update”…

Interior furnishings company Walker Greenbank (WGB) “is pleased to announce its financial results for the 12 month period ended 31 January 2019”. The shares commenced that year approaching 130p, ended it at sub 90p and are currently sub 60p – and slightly further lower on the results announcement. “Pleased to announce”?...

Directa Plus (DCTA) is “honoured to be working with Loro Piana to incorporate Directa Plus's innovative G+ Graphene technology into some of their fabrics and garments” – and the shares have responded higher, back above 60p…

An AGM update from “high performance polymer solutions, focused on the strategic markets of Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, Electronics and Medical”-company Victrex (VCT) includes “our expectations for the second half are unchanged, with new projects and reduced headwinds supporting our assumptions” – and the shares have currently nudged further ahead of 2300p. However, that compares to circa 3400p at the start of October. Hmmm…

A “Q4 and FY 2018 Production and Operations Review” from Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ), emphasising “full year production at upper range of guidance and net cash of $6.1 million at 31 December 2018”…

Back in August I mused about Headlam (HEAD), which claims to be 'Europe's largest distributor of floorcoverings, providing the distribution link between suppliers and customers across the UK and Continental Europe'. Since then the shares have fallen further and today's update has deepened that trend…

A “Trading Update” for the four months ended 31st December from boohoo (BOO) emphasises “Strong revenue growth of 44% (43% in constant exchange rates) across all geographic regions” (to £328.2 million), “Gross margin for the four months 54.2%, up 170bps” and “Strong balance sheet with net cash of £189 million (31 December 2017: £127 million)”. The shares have currently responded, er... more than 7% lower towards 180p…

I believe it was the recruiter PageGroup (PAGE), trading under its 'Michael Page' moniker at the time, which found me my first (temporary) job in finance when I was trying to make my way. The history books will note that I quit after less than two weeks when I landed a permanent opportunity but I have always retained a soft spot for the company. Of course in the hard-headed world of financial analysis all of that does not matter a jot though…

Online ‘social video’ company Brave Bison (BBSN) “is pleased to provide a trading and operational update”. However, it has previously been ‘pleased’, or indeed “delighted”, in announcement ramparoonies (e.g. HERE). Is it different this time?

Hello, Share Rangers. As a former journalist who served Fleet Street, I’m unhappy with the demise of newspapers. But share bunnies need to be sensible rather than nostalgic. So on the full-year results of the Daily Mail (DMGT), I will continue to avoid its stock.

Writing on Prime People (PRP) in the summer, I concluded I’d want further detail of stated ‘encouraging activity’ but on the watchlist and the braver might consider a small, speculative buy. Now half-year results from this ‘real estate & built environment, energy & environmental and insight & analytics sectors’ specialist recruitment group…

Having recently slid below 35p, shares in Getech (GTC) have now recovered to that level ahead of results “on or around the end of September”…

Air Partner (AIR) has updated including that it “traded well over the first half of the financial year” and “remains confident in the group's prospects for the full year and beyond”. Sounds encouraging…

Hello Share Stripers. How's this for an encouraging set of results? Balfour Beatty (BBY) has announced that underlying operating gains for the first half of 2018 are up 69%. That brings them to £66 million. And what makes that mighty jump even more impressive is that it was achieved on less revenue.

Technology group Elektron (EKT) “is pleased to” announce first half year sales from continuing operations +16.9% and that “we now expect our performance for the full year to be ahead of market expectations”. Does this make the shares a buy?...

Last year I concluded that shares in financial advisory group, Lighthouse (LGT) could prove good value at 11.75p and that the valuation continued to look undemanding at circa 14p. I updated earlier this year at 24p, suggesting that the valuation fair enough at this juncture – though now write again with the shares currently further higher, above 37p, on the back of a trading update…

Amino Technologies (AMO) has updated on trading for its half-year ended 31st May 2018, including “as operators transform their services to IP delivery to meet consumer demand for entertainment 24/7 on any device we are seeing good traction for our three clear market opportunities - upcycling, the transition from cable to IPTV, and Android TV. Good visibility provided by our order backlog and pipeline underpins the board's confidence in full year expectations”. So why a current more than 4% share price decline?...

Previously writing on homewares group Portmeirion (PMP), I concluded I want further evidence of tangible, sustainable recovery before reconsidering my cautious stance. Today an AGM trading statement…

Touch sensors manufacturer Zytronic (ZYT) “is pleased to report a doubling of the interim dividend to 7.6p (H1 2017: 3.8p) in line with our progressive dividend policy, and the continued development of our business into new markets”. Sounds promising – and the shares have currently responded… more than 8% lower, towards 400p. Ah…

Previously writing on promotional products direct marketing group 4imprint (FOUR), I concluded in November with the shares at 1900p that the potential reward compared to the risks suggested it sensible to be bearish. The shares slid below 1570p last month, but are currently back above 1800p following an AGM Statement…