Share Talk Weekly Small Cap Movers & Shakers, Saturday 1st March 2025

The FTSE 100 climbed 0.6%, closing at 8,809.74, just 11 points shy of its all-time high earlier this month.

While trade war concerns weigh on markets across the Asia-Pacific region and continental Europe, the FTSE 100 defied the downturn, closing 53.5 points higher in London on Friday.

Great Southern Copper PLC (GSCU) surged 52%, topping the week’s gainers after announcing “tremendously significant” high-grade assay results from its Cerro Negro project in Chile.

The initial drill hole at the Mostaza Mine revealed a 20-metre intersection containing 3.31% copper and 269.89 grams per tonne of silver, with peak grades reaching 6.79% copper and 583 grams of silver.

These findings surpass previous drilling outcomes and are considered world-class in concentration.

Staffline Group PLC (STAF) soared 39% after announcing a £7.5 million share buyback, following the sale of its PeoplePlus subsidiary.

Mercantile Ports & Logistics (MPL) anticipates 2024 revenues of £4.6 million, falling short of expectations. However, activity levels are showing signs of improvement.

On a positive note, negotiations regarding the main debt facility are ongoing and expected to be resolved in the near term. Additionally, Hunch Ventures has provided a loan facility, which remains undrawn. Following these updates, the share price rebounded 36.6% to 1.325p.

Retail software specialist itim Group PLC (ITIM) jumped 33% following a strong trading update, fueled by new contract wins.

Zoo Digital (ZOO) shares are rebounding following last week’s trading update, with finance director Phillip Blundell purchasing 20,000 shares at 12.15p each. As a result, the share price climbed 19.4% to 14.625p.

Westminster Group PLC (WSG) also saw gains, rising 14% on Friday and finishing the week up 8%, attracting interest from bargain-hunting investors.

Meanwhile, David and Monique Newlands have increased their stake from 5.39% to 6.67%, while Trafalgar Capital expanded its holding from 6.04% to 8.16%. Earlier in the week, Liontrust exited its position, selling its 5.25% stake. The share price rebounded 13.6% to 3.75p.

Celadon Pharmaceuticals (CEL) announced on Wednesday that it has secured a £1.95 million, three-year committed credit facility with a Swiss lender, backed by all of the company’s assets.

The facility carries a 10% interest rate on drawn balances, with associated fees and expenses totaling £450,000. Following the news, the share price rose 11.1% to 22p.

FALLERS

The most significant decline of the week was CMO Group PLC (CMO), which plummeted over 70% after struggling to secure funding as a public company, ultimately joining the growing list of firms exiting AIM. CMO initially joined AIM during the Covid-driven DIY boom but has since faced declining results. While the market remains sluggish, early signs of improvement emerged in February.

When CMO listed on AIM in July 2021, it raised £45 million at 132p per share. Following the delisting announcement, the share price plummeted to 0.85p.

Seeing Machines Ltd (SEE), a company specializing in vehicle eye-tracking technology, faced a 28% decline. Despite a challenging year for the automotive sector, its latest trading update indicated financial and operational stability, but the market reaction remained negative.

Biome Technologies PLC (BIOM), which recently announced its intention to withdraw from the junior market, also saw its shares drop by another 17%.

Oxford BioDynamics (OBD) saw a slight revenue increase from £510,000 to £636,000, but losses widened to nearly £12 million. Since the balance sheet date, the company has raised £7.35 million at 0.5p per share and appointed Ian Ross as executive chairman. OBD is actively seeking partners and collaborators to drive the adoption of its EpiSwitch products.

Following these developments, the share price declined 10.4% to 0.515p.