London’s AIM Index started the week in a rather muted fashion although losses were seen following the US open. Comments from the Fed doubling down on keeping rates higher for longer hit sentiment across the Atlantic with that flowing across the pond. The junior market finished the day almost three points lower at 751.20.
- Helium One +106%
- Beacon Energy +48%
- Microsalt +25%
- Bidstack -64%
- Aptamer -24%
Helium One LON:HE1 topped the board, adding 106% on the day and taking gains for the year so far to more than 900%. The company advised just over a week ago that a drill site in Tanzania had reached target depth. That same well is now seeing a flow of helium, which is giving investors cause for cheer. Critically from those lows at the end of last year, the stock is now starting to look back at more impressive levels.
Beacon Energy [LON:BCE] had a good session, up 48%. There’s no news here but an update released at the start of last week highlighted challenges faced at a drill site. Management expected further news within 10-14 days. Could this suggest a positive update is looming?
A notable mention – and correction – for MicroSalt [LON:SALT]. The TekCapital LON:TEK spin out became London’s first IPO of the year last week. On Thursday, data errors on our side resulted in our reporting that the share price had advanced 100% on the day when this wasn’t the case. However, the company has found support during Monday’s session and daily gains stood at 25% by the close. Shares IPO’d at 43p and today stood at 69p by 4.30pm, making for a net uptick of 60%.
- Helium One shares surge on offer of Tanzania mining licence
- UK Stock Market News: Close Brothers, Barratt, Helium One
- AIM Market Roundup: Xeros Technology, Helium One, Katoro Gold
Bidstack LON:BIDS was at the foot of the board, sitting some 64% lower at the bell. An update published this morning included news of a strategic review which may involve the sale of company assets following the result of other corporate processes with financing partner not being completed correctly. As it stands, the company only has sufficient cash to continue operations until the end of March.
A half year update from Aptamer LON:APTA saw its shares slide 24% on the day. Whilst costs have been reduced and pipeline opportunities are converting into signed deals, management acknowledge that meeting market expectations for the full year is unlikely – although not impossible. Cash burn however is high and with revenues down 70% YoY there’s still a lot of work to be done here.
