Member Info for Hedgehog100

"Ikonia Capital (UK) Ltd is an active company incorporated on 24 June 2022 with the registered office located in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Ikonia Capital (UK) Ltd has been running for 4 months. There is currently 1 active director and 1 active secretary according to the latest confirmation statement submitted on 24th June 2022."
"Mr David Alexander Hill Scott
British • Director • Born in Sep 1965"
https://suite.endole.co.uk/insight/company/14194225-ikonia-capital-uk-ltd

Thanks Lazygun.

I've followed your link, and I can't see any mention of that company having been dissolved on 22nd. June.

It actually says that it was incorporated on 24th. June 2022.

It's a bit of a minor side issue though: Ikonia (David Scott) is just NZI's Corporate Adviser, and Ikonia's financial position etc. isn't that relevant.
David's position as Ikonia's Head of Corporate Finance wouldn't mean that he would use that role for NZI.

Axis Capital Markets (NZI's broker), and Alexander David Securities (an NZI company advisor) would presumably be the ones charged with fundraising for NZI.
https://nziplc.com/shareholder/#targetid

Re the suspension: I'm not even sure that it's necessary or appropriate for the company to return from suspension at the moment.
Note that when NZI's RNS was issued on Friday, they had yet to apply to the FCA for a resumption of trading.
Such an application and trading resumption can sometimes take weeks.
In the meantime, NZI could potentially arrange a new RTO ... so potentially there may not even be (much) time to desuspend in the interim.

Even if there was, there could be wild swings in the share price, and a 'false market' due to lack of info., susceptible to manipulation by derampers and rampers.

Personally, if I had a near 30% shareholding here like Rupert Labrum, I would be looking to get a grip on this situation.
Hopefully that's what he is doing!

Thanks for the feedback Dab.

It was just a thought, and I was really thinking in terms of the name of the share: this doesn't necessarily have to be the same as the operating company and its associated brands, so the operating name of Newmark Security could still be retained if desired, with a different name for the share.

But does the company actually sell anything as Newmark Security directly?

The company's two businesses are Grosvenor Technology & Safetell:-
https://newmarksecurity.com/

Another possible contact is NZI's largest shareholder, Mr Rupert Labrum, who holds 29.65%:-
https://nziplc.com/significant-shareholders/

He is also Executive Chairman at Primorus Investments (PRIM):-
https://primorusinvestments.com/about/the-board/

And he posts on the LSE PRIM board as PrimForAll :-
https://www.lse.co.uk/profiles/primforall/

Although he's not a NZI director, as the largest shareholders he may have easier contact with its directors, and indeed may carry some influence.

I would be interested in his views on why NZI doesn't RTO TCP now, without raising funds, and the raise more funds next year.

Note that 'pre-existing' main-listed shells that listed by 2.12.21 (i.e. including NZI) can still arrange a sub £30M. RTO (minimum only £0.7M.), up until 1.12.23 completed FCA submissions; after that they can still arrange RTOs, but subject to the £30M. minimum.

Thanks for that info. Lazygun.

Personally, I wouldn't worry if some of the contact details haven't been updated.
Details do sometimes change, and updating isn't always a priority.

Ikonica's registered office is in Germany, but their operations are in London:
https://ikoniafintech.com/

"The Directors of NZI still aim to effect a transaction in the renewable or
clean energy technology sector, in line with its existing acquisition strategy
in the new year."

The New Year isn't far away.

Normally if a shell with NZI's market cap. and cash said that it it could effect a RTO shortly, you would expect a nice s.p. uplift in anticipation.

I have also previously seen directors come in to buy shares after an aborted RTO.

So a dip at trading resumption could provide a real buy opportunity, from an already depressed s.p.: the market cap. of £1.34M., at 2.2p, is already very low.

Moreover, the market cap. & cash numbers here are similar to CRES, which has a proposed RTO at a shell value of c. £2M.: for NZI that would equate to about 3.3p/share.

That's above its IPO price of 3p last year - shells like to RTO at a premium to their original float price.

Thanks Dab. Some useful input there.

As you know, NWT underwent a 50:1 s.p. consolidation jus over a year ago (11th. November 2021), which is a sign that the company is attempting to enhance its investment appeal.

Bearing in mind the evolution of its business model to one with more recurring revenues, do you think that a change of name could complement this s.p. change?
Newmark Security sounds a bit 'old hat', and something new and 'sexier' could perhaps help to highlight how the company is changing., for the better.

The company should of course be holding its next AGM soon, after the imminent final results, which could be an opportunity for a name change resolution.

Interesting to see tech company EnSilica (ENSI) up 10p (20.4%) to 59p already today, after a press tip this weekend:-

" ... EnSilica chips also allow firms to monitor the safety of their appliances and carmakers turn to it as they become increasingly high-tech. ...
Brokers expect a 30 per cent increase in revenues to £19.8million for the year to May 2023, rising to £23million in 2024 and more than £30million the following year. Profits are around £1million today but should rise sharply over the next three years.
Midas verdict: Lankshear and Hodgkins combine tech know-how with commercial nous and EnSilica is well-positioned in a growing market. The shares are 49p and deserve to move higher. Buy.
Traded on: AIM Ticker: ENSI Contact: ensilica.com or 0118 321 7310"
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/investing/article-11446953/MIDAS-SHARE-TIPS-Cash-UK-pioneers-chips-everything.html

This followed the company's final results last month:-
https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/ENSI/final-results-oxcst7denbmj43f.html

ENSI's turnover is currently significantly lower than NWT's, but its market cap. at 59p is £44.4M.: nearly fifteen times higher than NWT's current market cap. of c. £3M. at 32.5p.

10-09-2021 07:00 Final Results

" ... Managing data privacy and security

Another element of building a strong reputation is how we manage data privacy and data security, in particular biometric data, such as fingerprints and face identification. In the US, there are different rules for biometric data capture and what you can do with it, depending on which state you are in, while in Europe and the UK, we have to adhere to General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") rules.

It is complex, which is why we have also invested significantly in our workflow management of biometric data. That has meant gathering the consent of people for using their data in the US and Europe, and ensuring that we have annual penetration testing of our systems - both our timeclocks and our Cloud platforms. We are dealing with this ahead of any potential Federal legislation in the US, reassuring our customers that we are secure, and future proofing our systems. ...

New Cloud platform

With our newly developed Cloud platform due to launch in the winter, we are using a Cloud and Application Programming Interface ("API") first approach. This means we can prioritise the use of a Cloud infrastructure along with APIs to provide seamless connectivity and integration between back-end and front-end systems for customers. We have incorporated new technologies to support Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity to the platform, and we have significantly expanded its middleware capabilities - which will enable smoother integration with our partners' time management platforms, and help us onboard customers, as our systems will talk to each other better. ..."

https://newmarksecurity.com/investor-relations/regulatory-news/

From NWT's 2021 final results statement (2022 final results due at the end of this month):-

10-09-2021 07:00 Final Results

"... In a year when everything seemed to stop, the evolution in some of our markets gained pace, spurred on by the challenges presented by the pandemic. There is growing demand for new technologies to handle things like touchless entry and facial recognition, with or without masks; and for systems that can be maintained effectively without a physical on-site presence. There are also new opportunities as customers turn their attention to creating safer workspaces.

The market is moving away from stand-alone Access Control solutions, towards integrated Access Control, Intruder, CCTV, Fire and Building Management, all of which can be provided within a single platform. Since COVID-19, there has been a push for smarter devices that can carry out contactless temperature checks for employees, visitors and customers to identify abnormal body temperatures, and so reduce the risk of infection.

We put a strong focus on developing our market intelligence during the year. It's through a continuous and thorough understanding of our markets that we can target the product developments and offerings that will make a difference for our customers. There are a number of important trends we seek to address, with one of the most important being data protection and quality. This is driven not just by stronger legislation in the US and Europe, but also by the increasing need for companies to present themselves as responsible and trustworthy in a competitive market.

We continue to see growth in the Human Capital Management (HCM) market being facilitated through the technology 'drivers' of high-speed internet availability and the subsequent mass shift to Cloud based computing. We are developing our HCM software platforms with a Cloud and Application Programming Interface ("API") first approach. This approach prioritises the use of a Cloud infrastructure along with APIs to provide seamless connectivity and integration between back-end and front-end systems for customers.

...That's why I am so excited about our newly developed Cloud platform, which we expect to launch in the winter. This will enable us to focus on both Security as a Service (SaaS) and our unique offering, Clock as a Service (ClaaS), which allows customers to choose any clock, bundled with our GT Services, and benefit from one low-cost monthly fee, with a no-quibble lifetime warranty. ..."

https://newmarksecurity.com/investor-relations/regulatory-news/

From NWT's website:-

"Our Strategy

To help address some of the major challenges facing corporations in an environment of ever-increasing global security concerns and add value for all of our stakeholders through partnership and innovation.

Security has evolved. Once, providing security for employees, staff and visitors meant providing a safe physical environment. Today that environment includes and extends beyond physical security to online as people are equally concerned about the security of their data and identity.

Newmark plans to continue its strategy of investing heavily in research and development allowing the Company to stay ahead of the curve and ensure the highest levels of secure technologies for its customers. The Company is continually innovating in fields such as biometrics, cloud services and mobile authentication to ensure its products are at the forefront of the sectors it operates in.

We will realise this mission by continuing to develop exceptional and secure products and services backed up by industry leading support."

"Generating long-term, recurring revenue streams is part of an overarching strategy that is dedicated to building a business that has stability and sustainability at its core.

Marie-Claire Dwek"

https://newmarksecurity.com/about-us/our-strategy/

NWT's developments in Security as a Service (SaaS), Clock as a Service (ClaaS), and biometrics points to another potentially huge opportunity: Biometrics-as-a-Service (BaaS):-

"Global Biometric-as-a-Service (BaaS) Market Research Report: Forecast (2022-2027)

ICT & Electronics Jan 2022 Pages 223 Report Code IT77025

Market Definition

Biometrics involves using a person's biological & physical characteristics, such as the face, fingerprints, or iris, to recognize them in a reliable & automated manner. Biometrics as a Service (BaaS) is a cloud-based framework to promote new biometric recognition for law enforcement, access control, healthcare, financial services, etc. The use of the BaaS model to enhance cybersecurity across end-users like offices, hospitals, airports, defense, etc., is significantly supporting the growth of the BaaS market globally.

Market Insights

The Global Biometric-as-a-Service (BaaS) Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 19.78% during the forecast period, i.e., 2022-27. The market growth imputes primarily to the increasing use of Bring-Your-Own-Devices (BYOD) in organizations, coupled with the mounting data security issues globally, which have led to an increased usage of cloud-based mobile biometric services. ..."

https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/biometric-as-a-service-market.html

"Biometrics-as-a-Service (BaaS) applies the well-established benefits of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) to biometrics. Its cost-effectiveness is fueling its rapid growth, as the BaaS market is projected to be worth $2.9 billion by 2022.

As with SaaS, BaaS offers a means for a company to incur the expenses of a biometric system as stable, predictable operating costs paid for by subscription, instead of larger upfront capital expenditures with unpredictable maintenance costs. As with SaaS, setup of BaaS is relatively fast and inexpensive compared to purchase of hardware and software,, and so there’s less risk. Customers can generally unsubscribe from the service at any time. The lower upfront costs and risks make the capabilities of biometrics available to more organizations.

Maintenance expenses can be unpredictable, and this is also curbed in a BaaS model. Infrastructure costs such as hardware and software maintenance, updates and security are are managed by the BaaS provider.

Biometrics-as-a-Service offerings are also inherently scalable. Pricing can be based on actual consumption, not on forecasted consumption. This “pay-as-you-grow” model makes it easier to scale biometrics needs of an organization cost-effectively and with less risk. ..."

https://www.aware.com/biometrics-as-a-service/#:~:text=Biometrics%2Das%2Da%2DService%20(BaaS)%20applies%20the,worth%20%242.9%20billion%20by%202022.

ARA has more cash that the shell company PNPL, which on Monday of this week closed at 6p, up from 1.55p on 13th. October.

PNPL currently has a market cap. of £3.4M. at 4.75p, despite having less cash than ARA's.

ARA's market cap. at 5.25p is a paltry £551,250: at a market cap. of £3.4M., like PNPL's, it would be 32.38p.

"Trader’s Café with Zak Mir: A Week In Small Caps, Saturday 12th November 2022

Abm November 12, 2022

In last week’s Week In Small Caps, I suggested that we may have reached “Peak Doom”. Therefore it was rather pleasant that Thursday saw a 1,200 rise on the Dow, one of the biggest in recent times. ...

IPOs

Getting back to the small caps though, the toughest part may not necessarily be the share prices, but the liquidity in the market. After all, for many, buying such everyday items as bread, milk and eggs, can sometimes seem more important than buying stocks. The acid test from now, apart from hoping for an end of year rally, is that the IPO market returns to form. Until this happens it is going to be tough for there to be genuine enthusiasm in the City, and of course, it will not be a party for brokers either.

Pineapple Power

One of the big risers of the week, Pineapple Power (PNPL), and perhaps one of the mysteries here is why the stock has not been flying for some months now? This is for much of 2022 we have been in a cash crunch on the London market. Therefore, it would be logical to assume that cash shells should be amongst the most sought after and valuable vehicles on the market. After all, if you can no longer raise cash for an IPO, the obvious place to look to do a deal would be to knock on the door of a cash shell like Pineapple, or hope that the cash shell knocks on your door. It may be the case that some in the market are waking up to this concept. Indeed, it could be that other SPACs, there are not that many around, may feel the benefit of this realisation.

Clean Energy

One of the plus points of Pineapple is that it is a cash shell in the clean energy space, an area we were reminded of in the wake of COP27. What was noticeable is that the event did cause something of a bounce in companies within this sector, with ITM Power (ITM), Ceres (CWR), and Hydrogen Utopia (HUI) all benefitting. Powerhouse Energy (PHE) received decent validation from Manchester University at the end of the week, something that made it one of the most followed stocks on Vox Markets. We shall presumably be able to see whether there is further momentum from COP27, via the share prices of these stocks and others related to saving the planet. ..."

https://www.share-talk.com/traders-cafe-with-zak-mir-a-week-in-small-caps-saturday-12th-november-2022/

From TradingView.com:-

"NEWMARK SECURITY PLC ORD GBP0.05"

"NWT technical analysis"

"Oscillators Summary Moving Averages"

"Buy Strong buy Strong buy"

https://www.tradingview.com/symbols/LSE-NWT/technicals/

Gazala,

For some reason, LSE (London South East) isn't showing yesterday's NZI RNS.

But it is on the other LSE site (London Stock Exchange):-

https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/NZI/termination-of-acquisition-talks-trading-resumption/15721068

https://www.londonstockexchange.com/stock/NZI/net-zero-infrastructure-plc/company-page

A related sticking point to fundraising though is likely to have been valuation.

It's hard to believe that a nicely profitable company, with exciting growth prospects, could not have raised a reasonable amount of money at float, even in current markets, IF it was modestly valued.

But it could be that TCP was asking for an unrealistically high valuation for fundraising in current markets.

Its noticeable that NZI's 19th. May proposed RTO RNS didn't include a proposed RTO share price, or equity split, which have often already been agreed by such a stage, and are in the RNS.

Even so, although TCP obviously wanted to raise funds for expansion, that still doesn't explain why they couldn't have RTOed now, without raising funds, and then raised such funds later.

Surely it's not too late for the two sides to reconsider, and I would urge them to do so. It seems such a waste otherwise.

NZI have said that they have "reluctantly withdrawn from talks", so they're obviously ambivalent about the decision.

Markets could potentially recover very quickly in the New Year, and an already listed company should find it easier to raise funds than one still to list.

"The Directors of NZI still aim to effect a transaction in the renewable or
clean energy technology sector, in line with its existing acquisition strategy
in the new year."

The New Year isn't far away, so perhaps NZI already has a replacement lined up?
Something perhaps that they feel is even better than TCP?

Yes, and it doesn't really make sense to me.

TCP, the target, is nicely profitable, and NZI has quite a bit of cash, so I don't see why they would need to raise funds immediately.

They could have RTOed without raising more funds immediately, and then raised more when market conditions improved: it's easier for a company to raise funds once already listed.

I don't suppose there's any chance that NZI will reconsider!?

If not, then there are other shells which might well be very interested in TCP.

Still, as least NZI is modestly valued, and looks to have enough cash to complete a RTO.

The company has more cash that the shell company PNPL, which on Monday of this week closed at 6p, up from 1.55p on 13th. October.

PNPL currently has a market cap. of £3.4M. at 4.75p, despite having less cash than NZI's.

"Trader’s Café with Zak Mir: A Week In Small Caps, Saturday 12th November 2022

Abm November 12, 2022

In last week’s Week In Small Caps, I suggested that we may have reached “Peak Doom”. Therefore it was rather pleasant that Thursday saw a 1,200 rise on the Dow, one of the biggest in recent times. ...

Pineapple Power

One of the big risers of the week, Pineapple Power (PNPL), and perhaps one of the mysteries here is why the stock has not been flying for some months now? This is for much of 2022 we have been in a cash crunch on the London market. Therefore, it would be logical to assume that cash shells should be amongst the most sought after and valuable vehicles on the market. After all, if you can no longer raise cash for an IPO, the obvious place to look to do a deal would be to knock on the door of a cash shell like Pineapple, or hope that the cash shell knocks on your door. It may be the case that some in the market are waking up to this concept. Indeed, it could be that other SPACs, there are not that many around, may feel the benefit of this realisation.

Clean Energy

One of the plus points of Pineapple is that it is a cash shell in the clean energy space, an area we were reminded of in the wake of COP27. What was noticeable is that the event did cause something of a bounce in companies within this sector, with ITM Power (ITM), Ceres (CWR), and Hydrogen Utopia (HUI) all benefitting. Powerhouse Energy (PHE) received decent validation from Manchester University at the end of the week, something that made it one of the most followed stocks on Vox Markets. We shall presumably be able to see whether there is further momentum from COP27, via the share prices of these stocks and others related to saving the planet. ..."

https://www.share-talk.com/traders-cafe-with-zak-mir-a-week-in-small-caps-saturday-12th-november-2022/

The BRES share price has been performing well recently, with good newsflow, moving to over 7.5p today before closing at 6.72p.

This shows that good mining stocks can still perform well in challenging market conditions, and bodes well from CRES's proposed RTO.

MarketGunslinger calculated from ZEN's latest annual report that its Tunisian oil production costs are US$38/barrel:-

MarketGunslinger Posted in: ZEN Posts: 658 Price: 1.125 No Opinion
Annual Report - My Thoughts 31 Aug 2022 12:11
" ... Another key element that they annual report gives away to us that we did not know before is the operational cost of getting the oil out of the ground in Tunisia. This is shown in the value that is associated with the 116,391 barrels of oil valued at CAD$5,690,000 (and from an accountancy point of view this is always the vale at this is the cost of getting it out of the ground, not the value of the oil for sale) so now we know that this is $ 4,373,390 which equates to $38 per barrel in production costs. ..."
https://www.lse.co.uk/profiles/marketgunslinger/?page=2

That is so low that the operation will be hugely profitable at anywhere near an oil price of US$100/barrel.
Temporary minor fluctuations up and down, which you always get, won't have a big impact on that.

There are a lot of good posters on this board, but in my opinion MarketGunslinger is the jewel in the crown.

I would recommend that readers click on his name, and read through his ZEN posts this year. Not only are they highly informed and intelligent, but also very reassuring - as indeed is the presence of such a quality shareholder in ZEN.

The resource sector in general has been taking a bit of a beating recently, but those shares holding up best are those like ZEN with revenues and profits, reasonably valued, and with exciting near term upside.

Paradoxically, some less able investors tend to sell better shares like ZEN, sometimes to buy weaker shares in the misguided belief that they are cheaper.
In times like this, it pays to be discriminating and discerning, and focus on the undervalued quality like ZEN.

That said, it's easier to swim with the tide rather than against it, and I think we're overdue for some sort of O&G sector recovery, at least for profitable and undervalued stocks like ZEN.
Less good stocks though may continue to struggle regardless, as investors in general become increasingly selective.

ZEN's boss Andrea Cattaneo bought 39million ZEN shares in January at a price of 0.825p per share, and if he's looking for a window of opportunity to top-up, then perhaps ZEN's imminent interim results will provide it, as it will end the current ZEN 'close period'. Provided that expectations of big imminent news have been RNSed, then I don't think that he would need to wait for an imminent licence award, the timing of which he won't know exactly in any case.

P.S. Flashgarden: different people have different posting styles, and I don't have a problem with people posting about their trading if they wish to. And it's nice to see an informed poster backing their confidence here.
If you personally aren't interested, then don't read it.

Anyone kicking themselves at missing out on ROC could do worse than to take a look at ARA.

Currently 5.5p, market cap. £577.5K., a significant discount to its cash, and with low cash-burn.

13.4.22:-
"Withana describes Aura as a blank slate, one that makes one or several targets to become a substantial company. He says we’re talking “about 300, half a billion or higher in terms of size and market cap” and “our ambitions are to have a well traded, well covered and liquid stock.”"
https://total-market-solutions.com/2022/04/aura-renewable-april-2022/

ROC yesterday announced a proposed RTO at 7.86p: a 67.23% premium to its 4.7p suspension price:-

15th Nov 2022 3:56 pm RNS Potential Reverse Takeover & Suspension of Listing
"Rockpool Acquisitions Plc, the Special Purpose Acquisition Company ("SPAC") formed to undertake the acquisition of a company or business headquartered or materially based in Northern Ireland or alternative transactions with suitable targets, including those that may not have a direct connection with Northern Ireland , has entered into heads of terms ("Heads") relating to the proposed acquisition (the "Acquisition") of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Amcomri Group Limited ("Amcomri"), the holding company of a fast-growing, acquisitive group of quality UK Engineering and Manufacturing businesses. ..."
https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/ROC/potential-reverse-takeover-suspension-of-listing-ryf9u6tg0kix1sg.html

Anyone kicking themselves at missing out of TMOR &/or ROC could do worse than to take a look at ARA.

Currently 5.5p, market cap. £577.5K. at 5.5p, a significant discount to its cash, and with low cash-burn.

13.4.22:-
"Withana describes Aura as a blank slate, one that makes one or several targets to become a substantial company. He says we’re talking “about 300, half a billion or higher in terms of size and market cap� and “our ambitions are to have a well traded, well covered and liquid stock.�"
https://total-market-solutions.com/2022/04/aura-renewable-april-2022/