Security and surveillance systems company Synectics (SNX) has announced results for its year ended 30^th November 2022 and that “with recovering markets, a sound order book and a strong pipeline of opportunities, the board is confident of further profitable growth this year”.

Until September this business was Circassia Group – one from the kennel of Woodford dogs as frequently covered on this website. It is now Niox Group (NIOX) – and it is far more than just the name which has changed.

We recommended shares in provider of software and services to the publishing industry Ingenta (ING) as our September tip of the month at a 93p offer price. They have now reached a 130p bid price.

Ariana Resources (AAU) has announced “a tremendous enhancement for Tavsan, as construction continues on site” as this project is further progressed as a second 23.5% interest gold mining operation here.

September-recommended at a 180p offer price manufacturer of collagen products for the food industry Devro (DVO) has issued an update including that “current trading and the full year outlook are slightly ahead of the board's expectations, underpinned by a robust performance and foreign exchange tailwinds”… but, more significantly, has also announced a recommended offer... at 316.1p per share!

Speciality agriculture and engineering group Carr's (CARR) has issued an update including that “the expected completion date for the group's audit and publication of the group's FY22 audited results is now mid-January 2023, later than the 3 January 2023 deadline required” but that it “has continued to perform strongly”, so what’s going on?

Shanta Gold (SHG) has recently announced that “after further engagement and having taken advice from its financial advisors, the board has concluded that there is no merit in continuing discussions with Shandong and Chaarat, which both parties have accepted”. That ended current bid talks and sees the shares currently down to a 10.5p offer price. However, the company added that it is now “focused on optimising and growing its quality portfolio to continue to deliver long-term sustainable returns for shareholders with a number of value catalysts in train for 2023”. We consider that they can re-spark these shares back to the 16p+ of last year.

Jubilee Metals (JLP) has noted “key milestones achieved in its southern copper and cobalt operations in Zambia” and that, with these, for its prospective northern operations it “expects to receive the final recommendation on capacities from its design teams by mid-January 2023… look forward to updating shareholders in this regard”. So what are the milestones and how significant are they?

Managed IT services, cyber security and cloud hosting company SysGroup (SYS) has announced results for its half-year ended 30^th September 2022 and that “trading for the second half has continued with positive momentum and the board is therefore confident in meeting its full year expectations”. So what’s the detail here?

On developer of “compounds to tackle obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes”, OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) we’ve previously noted ‘some delays in delivery but a sales recovery Buy’ – including with “product launches by Apollo Pharmacies in India and restocking by some partners with sales normalising… as in previous years, there was no contribution in this period from licence or royalty payments which tend to be received in the second half”. We’ve since again spoken to CEO Steve O'Hara.

Bluebird Merchant Ventures (BMV) has issued an update after a management trip to South Korea and having also further progressed local partner negotiations in the Philippines.

Agricultural supplies group Wynnstay (WYN) has announced an acquisition for an initial £1.4 million and up to £1.5 million, which it emphasises fulfills “multiple” criteria.

Kefi Gold & Copper (KEFI) states that it “is pleased to announce that the updated US$320 million Tulu Kapi gold project costings and finance plan has now been agreed by all the Tulu Kapi syndicate lead contractors, investors and lenders. It is currently being processed for final reviews and entry into definitive documentation to be signed as soon as possible, with the expectation to achieve this next month”. Is this though what was expected at this point?

OptiBiotix Health (OPTI), a developer of “compounds to tackle obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes”, has recently provided an update presentation on its commercial strategy and future plans. At a current 19p, the shares are at least up from 16.5p lows last month but remain well down from above 30p as recently as August and 46p at the start of this year and we’ve spoken to CEO Steve O'Hara.

Technology managed services group AdEPT (ADT) has announced its results for its half-year ended 30^th September 2022 and that “whilst headwinds remain… the group has made good strategic progress and there remains a strong pipeline of opportunities”. This follows a half-year adjusted profit of £3 million and earnings per share of 12.1p on revenue slightly down to £34.2 million.

Centamin (CEY) has announced what it emphasises as “a significant step towards delivering on our commitment to consistently produce 500,000 ounces per annum from the Sukari Gold Mine”.

Aeorema Communications (AEO) has announced results for its year ended 30^th June 2022, noting “record revenue and profits” and that it is confident in its strengthened market position with a pipeline of event activity that sees it “solidly into 2023”.

We’ve recently noted we’re looking for depressed precious and related metals sector sentiment to turn as the production returns still being generated at current prices become clearer and US dollar strength and interest rate hikes expectations prospectively ease. Meanwhile, Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ) recently announced “production figures remain robust, with total production of 14,309 gold equivalent ounces in the quarter” and that it “is making excellent progress on the development of its future new mines”. We see significant further recovery potential, more than 33%, from a current 88p offer price.

Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced results for its year ended 30^th September 2022 and that it is “well placed to build on our track record of delivery over the next three years, improving returns and creating sustainable growth in shareholder value”.

Horizonte Minerals (HZM) has issued a quarterly update and results, including emphasising “Araguaia construction running in line with project execution schedule” and “Feasibility Study contract awarded to Wood plc for Vermelho nickel-cobalt project”. It sounds like good progress here then.

Agricultural supplies group Wynnstay (WYN) has issued a trading update including that its “results for the financial year will be ahead of market forecasts” as beneficial trading conditions continued. So what of a share price currently helped up further above 600p?

Shares in Tesco (TSCO) were above 270p as recently as August but have fallen back significantly as it faces clear macro challenges. However, it has a long track-record across economic conditions and we consider the share price fall has been too extreme.

Kefi Gold & Copper (LSE:KEFI), a gold and copper mine developer with projects in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia is a company whose shares we think could double by Christmas and here is why.

Ariana Resources (AAU) has issued an update on the work programmes in Turkey it has interests in, emphasising that it is “highly encouraged by the simultaneous and substantial progress being made” on the projects by its 23.5%-owned joint venture.

Precious metals securities investment company Golden Prospect Precious Metals (GPM) has stated that it “is pleased to announce details of proposals to introduce an annual Subscription Right for Shareholders”. Is this good news?

Before the market meltup, shares in Beyond Meat (BYND) closed at an all-time low of $11.90 on Wednesday night after releasing a disastrous Q3 earnings report. Is this a chance to buy into the BBC's favourite Nasdaq stock? No! Au contraire.

BP (BP.) has announced third quarter results emphasising “net debt fell for the tenth successive quarter; we are investing with discipline; and we are delivering on our commitment to shareholder distributions - announcing a further $2.5 billion share buyback”. So what of a now slightly further higher 486.45p share price?

Sylvania Platinum (SLP) has announced “best quarterly production since the COVID-lockdowns in early 2020. This increase in production ounces and the 2% higher PGM basket price recorded in the quarter, resulted in stronger profits”. The shares have currently responded up to 92p and there looks more to go.

OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) has announced the opening of an online shop on Tmall.com for its Go-Figure products and that it has launched GoFigure shakes containing patented weight management aid SlimBiome on Tmall China. What of this and of a share price edging up to 19p to buy?

Kefi Gold & Copper (KEFI) has announced that it “is extremely pleased to note the announcement of a permanent end to hostilities in Northern Ethiopia and expresses its determination to do whatever is possible within its business mandate to contribute to the economic recovery plans set by the Ethiopian Government”. We suggest the news bodes very well for near-term progress of the Tulu Kapi gold project for the company.

In my experience it is often better to short a company’s shares when they have already fallen sharply and it has indicated that its equity is worthless. After all, the upside for a short that goes to zero is 100% whether you open it at 100p or 10p.

On Friday we wrote an article HERE on 4 shares we thought could double by Christmas. One of the four is Bluebird Merchant Ventures (BMV) at a 1.8p offer.

SysGroup (SYS) recently issued a trading update stating that it “is pleased to report a strong trading performance, despite the challenging macro-economic environment”. With the shares having fallen from approaching 50p last year to a 24p offer price, such a trading performance suggests a lowly valuation and strong recovery potential.

This company is somewhat bigger than the ones we usually cover, but it struck us as a relatively low risk trading buy and, although already well up from a below 300p tip price at approaching 350p, there looks some more to go. This follows a recent trading update from easyJet (EZJ) having emphasised continuing demand for its leading network alongside “step-changed” ancillary revenue and the rapid and profitable growth of the easyJet holidays business. The shares responded positively, but were above 400p as recently as August and above 700p earlier this year and, despite some clear challenges, we suggest that there is further recovery potential from here as we look to 29^th November-scheduled results and beyond.

Iofina (IOF) has announced third quarter production from its five IOsorb production facilities in Oklahoma, USA, of 143 metric tonnes of crystalline iodine and that it has now completed all agreements with a new brine supply partner to construct a latest plant in Western Oklahoma.

Previously writing on early stage financial services businesses investor B.P. Marsh & Partners (BPM) last month with the shares at 302p we concluded that they were still a Buy ahead of results for its half-year ended 31^st July 2022. The shares previously closed at 284p but are now 304p on the back of the results.

OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) has announced Nahdi Medical Co has received approval from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority for GoFigure shakes and bars and that it has received the first purchase order from Nahdi.

Jubilee Metals (JLP) has announced results for its year ended 30^th June 2022 and that in South Africa new enlarged (+45%) PGM and chrome operations have set the platform to deliver 44,000 PGM ounces and 1.2 million tonnes of chrome concentrate per annum from its own capacity and in Zambia that it is targeting first half of the year copper of 3,000 tonnes.

A couple of years ago I did a podcast suggesting that the share price of ITM Power (ITM) was truly bonkers.  In the mad rush to buy “green” investments it then got a bit more "truly bonkers". That is the problem with bubbles, they can just keep on expanding far longer than most folks think, defying all logic.  And green energy clearly is a bubble.

Previously delayed production and a recent discounted placing are not typically good starting places for a value opportunity. However, in this case, the material fundraise at only a tiny discount in the current extremely challenging stock market conditions and the production it is set to enable with the on-the-ground progress that has been made, suggests a compelling opportunity from a current 37p offer price, prospective £97.3 million market cap.

Gold producer in the Philippines, Metals Exploration (MTL) has announced third quarter of 2022 results and that “full access to mine plan Stage 3 was achieved during Q3 2022 and higher grade Stage 3 ore will be accessed during Q4”. How encouraging is this from a current 0.85p offer share price?

Kefi Gold & Copper (KEFI) has issued a “Significant Progress in Ethiopia”-titled announcement and the shares have currently responded up to 0.62p. They have not responded further higher (yet) since there are some short-term negatives in the announcement too, but overall there is still progress towards what we consider will be significant share price catalysts in the near-term.

Shares in Amaroq Minerals (AMRQ), formerly AEX Gold (AEXG), were above 40p in August before recently falling back to below 35p. They’re now back above 35p and we look for further recovery on upcoming news flow and sentiment improving.

Plastic products designer, manufacturer and supplier Coral Products (CRU) has announced an acquisition of Ecodeck Grids Limited for up to £5.6 million and that it expects it to be earnings enhancing in its first year.

Platinum group metals and chrome producer in South Africa Tharisa (THS) has issued a fourth quarter and full-year production report noting that it “will translate to a strong set of financial results… net cash position of US$78.6 million (30 June 2022 US$48.0 million)”, and helping the shares up to 107.5p.

Ingenta (ING) recently announced results for the first half of 2022 and that it “anticipates that results for the year ended 31 December 2022 will be ahead of current market expectations”. With the current valuation looking modest and the above despite prevailing macroeconomic angst, there looks good value.

It has been a stockmarket darling for years but plant hire group Ashtead (AHT) is a short at a current 4230p share price, around £19 billion market cap, and here is why.

Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced year ended 30^th September 2022 “trading in line with expectations with growth in aggregate market share for top-five priority markets” and that a strengthened balance sheet and achievement of target leverage are to enable the immediate start of an ongoing share buyback programme. The shares have responded positively, up to 1940p, so what’s the detail?

In these troubled economic times, how about a proven defensive investment offering a dividend yield of above 5%?

Writing on Bluebird Merchant Ventures (BMV) last week we noted, with the shares at a 1.4p offer price, that upcoming “advancing/monetising” news from the Batangas project in the Philippines should help the shares as well as progress in South Korea. Now there has been a Batangas licence extension announcement and the shares currently up to a 1.6p offer price – and there should still be much to come.

You can sometimes get some borrow in Versarien (VRS) and if you can you should even with the shares, which were once almost 200p, having slumped to below 15p. The next collapse will happen and happen fairly soon. It is a when not an if.

Essentra (ESNT) has issued “Sale of Filters and Packaging Completion of Sale” and “Appointment of New Chief Executive”-titled announcements and the shares have responded up by more than 15% to above 210p – Mr Market says it sounds like good news then.

I start by rubbing more salt into the wounds of Chris Bailey as I look at just how screwed is Carnival (CCL). Then onto whether we are in a recession or not and how long it will last. In light of my conclusion I urge you to ignore Malcolm's share tip tomorrow. Finally a thanks to a reader who stopped me poisoning my family last night with my self sufficiency. Tonight's episode of that part of my life is marrow and ginger jam.

Fox Marble (FOX) has issued a proposed reverse takeover update including that it considers “Eco Buildings' range of modular housing products provides a solution for the construction of both affordable and high-end housing, with Eco Buildings' products being up to 50% cheaper, two-thirds lighter and five times faster to deploy than conventionally built homes”.

Ariana Resources (AAU) has announced results for the first half of 2022, noting increased profit of £2.5 million from its 23.5% interest in the Kiziltepe mine in Turkey and emphasising significant activity across its various projects and investments.

An information systems and technical services provider to the transport sector, Journeo (JNEO) has this month followed half-year results emphasising “strong revenue growth, is profitable and has generated its largest order intake” with a further contract win – to provide real-time information systems and on-vehicle hardware for shuttle services at Dublin airport. Further delivery to expectations would suggest the shares are currently very cheap.

I start with a sort of Lucian Miers-style checklist for short candidates. How many boxes does Bidstack (BIDS) tick?

Iodine and specialty chemical products producer Iofina (IOF) has announced results for the first half of 2022 and that market demand for raw iodine and its speciality products remains strong.

Technology managed services business AdEPT Technology Group (ADT) has issued an AGM trading statement, including noting a return to interim dividend payments with a 2.5p per share payout announced.

Consumer home-testing healthcare company MyHealthChecked (MHC) has announced results for the first half of 2022 including noting a new portfolio and associated launches which it is “excited to share with the market in Q4”.

While there is disagreement among the investment experts about whether inflation, stagflation or outright recessionary deflation is on the horizon, there seems to be a consensus that times are going to be tough for a the rest of this year and 2023.

Two weeks ago today at Sharestock, I spoke about Victoria Carpets Plc  (VCP) and outlined the reasons why I thought it still had the makings of a good short, despite its fall from £12 in January when I last wrote on it. Although the stock closed yesterday at just 427p, the share price gyrations of the past fortnight underline why I stated that right now might not be  a great time to open the short. The shares raced ahead post Sharestock but are now 53p below the share price then.

Agricultural supplies business Wynnstay Group (WYN) announced recently that “it is now clear that the group's trading results for the financial year will be significantly ahead of current market forecasts”. The shares have responded higher, but at a current 610p remain below above 650p reached in June and, as the numbers to be reported become clearer, we expect further meaningful share price progress.

Previously writing on OptiBiotix Health (OPTI), earlier this month we noted prior delays in delivery from larger deals but that orders are already coming through and being booked as second half sales. Now some clear evidence of this with an announcement that the company’s GoFigure meal replacement shakes and powdered beverage shots have now been officially launched by India's Apollo Hospitals & Pharmacies.

Wood Group (WG.) has announced its results for the first half of 2022 and that it expects an improved performance in the second half, including being helped by an improvement in its Turbines joint ventures.

Essentra (ESNT) has announced results for the first half of 2022 and that it “continue to see strength in our order book, providing encouragement as we move into the second half”.

Early stage financial services businesses investor B.P. Marsh (BPM) has announced it remains confident it will continue with its historic growth trajectory and deliver attractive returns for investors, including a dividend per share “at least” maintained at last year’s 2.78p for the next two years.

OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) has announced what it states is an important extension of its commercial experience and reach in the Asia Pacific region – with an agreement with Nutraconnect Pte., Ltd to develop and implement a market strategy there.

Floorcoverings distributor Headlam Group (HEAD) has announced results for the first half of 2022 and that trading resilience continues with it remaining on track to meet market expectations for the year.

Kefi Gold & Copper (KEFI) states that it “is pleased to note a widely publicised request for a permanent ceasefire by the Tigrayan rebel leadership in Ethiopia”, viewing it as a positive development for the country and the company's Tulu Kapi gold project.

Plastic products company Coral Products (CRU) has announced results for its year ended 30^th April 2022 and that it has enjoyed a strong start to its current financial year.

Jubilee Metals (JLP) has announced that its newly constructed Zambian copper concentrator, Project Roan, has now reached nameplate capacity to help its Zambian Southern copper refining strategy to 12,000 tonnes of copper per annum through the Sable refinery.

We’ve noted recent ramptastic proclamations on Wishbone Gold (WSBN) – and it now also emphasises “significant copper and gold grades from drilling in Queensland, Australia”. However, that comes with a discounted placing.

Bluebird Merchant Ventures (BMV) has announced it has opened discussions with potential partners to develop its high grade Batangas gold project in the Philippines and that it is in South Korea this week to finalise the plan to fulfil qualifying spend in accordance with 20-year mining licence terms there. These are encouraging from a current 2.15p share price, below £14 million market capitalisation, here.

Packaging company DS Smith (SMDS) has issued an AGM update including a trading statement and that Finance Director Adrian Marsh has informed the company of his intention to retire on a successor being in place.

North Sea-focused oil and gas development company Orcadian Energy (ORCA) holds significant licence interests at a time of energy supply problems and energy security concerns. With those leading to increasing development incentives, it looks well set.

Shares in Cineworld (CINE) are rocketing. They were down to 2p. Today they are more than 50% ahead at just under 7p, valuing this company at £90 million. On the BBs folks are talking 10p and 20p. They have not been this excited and screamed “burn shorters burn” since they piled inro Petropavlovsk (POG) just before it went bust. Or Thomas Cook, shares in which surged from 4p to 14p in the last fortnight before it went bust!

Ferrexpo (FXPO) has announced that, despite constraints particularly logistically, the first half of 2022 still saw net cash increased by $54.7 million to $171.7 million on 4.4 million tonnes of iron ore pellets sold. What’s the outlook from a 143.2p offer price, £843 million market cap?

Packaging group Macfarlane (MACF) has announced results for the first half of 2022 and that it expects to deliver another year of profit growth.

B2B video streaming technology company Aferian (AFRN) has announced results for its half year ended 31^st May 2022 and confidence in second half prospects.

Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is pleased to announce that it has acquired, for £25,000, a 90 day option to acquire the Anketell project, with Wishbone Chairman Richard Poulden emphasising “Anketell has a discrete bullseye magnetic feature, that is similar to other known mineralised features in the district”.

Shares in RiverFort Global Opportunities (RGO) have recently slipped to 0.85p to buy, though it also has announced a dividend per share of 0.038p which was paid last week

OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) has announced that it now expects half-year sales in its new structure to be materially lower than expected and, though it expects sales normalising in the second half and healthy growth next year, the current year is to now be “insufficient to make up the H1 deficit”. We profusely apologise for the short-term disappointment though, having spoken to the company, what to do now with the shares down at 20p to buy, a £17.6 million market cap?

Mining services company Capital Limited (CAPD) has announced results for the first half of 2022 and that “the underlying demand in the market continues to be encouraging”.

Aeorema Communications (AEO) has announced its scale of work completed in the final weeks of its financial year, primarily at Cannes Lions, has had a further positive impact on expected profitability and that “there is undoubtedly strong demand for Aeorema's innovative event services… pleased to announce that it has opened a new office in Amsterdam”, helping the shares up to currently 78.5p.

Thungela Resources (TGA) has announced results for the first half of 2022, noting “profit for the reporting period of R9.6 billion in a volatile operating environment (H1 2021: R351 million)”. This has currently helped the shares up to around 1500p, so how does the value look now?

We noted just earlier this week on Wishbone Gold (WSBN) as the shares rose up to 14p that we continued to consider that drilling excitement and ramping building could take the shares up to a target to sell of around 20p. They are currently a bit further closer on the back of a “Encouraging Visual Drilling Results at Red Setter”-titled announcement.

Jadestone Energy (JSE) has announced “H1 2022 production of 15,008 boe/d… cash balance: US$161.1 million”, with the latter comparing to $117.9 million at the end of 2021 but also that it now “has taken the decision to temporarily shut-in production from Montara”.

There is no "house view" on this website. Our authors can and do disagree. For instance, I think Malcolm's piece today is complete and utter bollocks and will explain why later on bearcast. Last week Gary Newman was bullish on Afentra (AET), HERE. But there is another view.

Crestchic (LOAD) has announced “trading momentum has again accelerated” and that it remains very confident in its strategy, the strength of its markets and in its prospects for continued growth. Sounds good!

Short selling outfit Iceberg recently published a bear dossier on carpets roll-up play Victoria (VCP), which I reposted on this website HERE. Writing to you from Greece, I am not aware if the deadwood press is taking this matter onwards as what Iceberg wrote was very punchy indeed and I am sure that Victoria’s PR spinners will be using phrases involving the dreaded L word (lawyer) to any of the spineless 4^th Estate hacks who ask questions.

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.

Gold producer in the Philippines, Metals Exploration (MTL) has issued a second quarter update including that it “is well positioned for a strong second half of 2022 as the grade in the mine improves once the higher grade ore in Stage 3 is accessed”.

Red Rock Resources (RRR) has issued a “Asset Review and Current Developments”-titled announcement and the shares have currently responded 5% higher to 0.525p, so what’s the news?