AFC Energy plc (LON:AFC) told investors that the quarter ended December 31 was important as the company "achieved very significant improvements" for its fuel cell system. The company said it now believes the system has demonstrated a platform for future commercial deployment, with the projected performance ahead of objectives set in 2017. Indeed, it added that successful results from early operations, through December and January, continue to validate this expectation.
An esports franchise backed by several football superstars has become the latest addition to the line-up for the third season of Gfinity Plc's (LON:GFIN) Elite Series gaming tournament. Paris-based ARES - which is supported by Bayern Munich's James Rodriguez and Yannick Carrasco of Atletico Madrid among others - has acquired its place on the roster for the event which is due to kick off in March.
Emerging markets fund APQ Global Limited (LON:APQ) saw the value of its portfolio rise over the past year. The fund has an objective to pay a fully covered dividend yielding 6% while also ensuring the book value grows by between 5%-10% annually. At the end of December, unaudited book value was 128.11c (94.67p) up from 127.3c in November and 122.52c at the start of the year.
In a seperate statement, Bart Turtelboom, APQ Global Limited's (LON:APQ) chief executive said he expects 2018 to be tougher for emerging markets. The fund is on target for a 6% dividend yield in 2017, while book value in dollar terms rose by 4.6% for a total dollar return of 9.9%
Motif Bio Plc (LON:MFTB) (NASDAQ:MTFB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialising in developing novel antibiotics, said it has filed a "universal" shelf registration statement on Form F-3 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The group said filing is a common practice by NASDAQ-listed companies, and is intended to provide the company with more timely and efficient access to US capital markets.
Rose Petroleum PLC (LON:ROSE) has said its wholly owned US subsidiary will be exhibiting at the 2018 NAPE Oil and Gas Business Conference being held in Houston from 6-9 February, 2018. The AIM quoted natural resources business also said it will be updating the market shortly with the results from the interpretation of data from the recent 3D seismic shoot over its acreage in the Paradox Basin.
Base Resources Limited (LON:BSE) has successfully closed the retail component of the 1 for 3 accelerated renounceable pro rata entitlement offer, announced on Tuesday, 19 December 2017. It said eligible retail shareholders subscribed for approximately 30.2mln new Base Resources ordinary shares at A$0.255 per share, raising gross proceeds of approximately A$7.7mln.
Range Resources Limited (LON:RRL) has published its ongoing investor Q&A addressing questions from shareholders, which can be accessed at: http://www.rangeresources.co.uk/uploads/media/investor_qa_180118.pdf
Capital Networks has issued a research note on McColls Retail Group PLC (LON:MCLS) noting that the shares gained 42% during 2017 reflecting the progress of the business. However, analyst Ed Stacey said he believe these gains may be only the first steps towards a market reappraisal of McColls, with earnings growth prospects in 2018 and 2019 driving further potential upside.
Capital Networks has issued a research note on Spirent Communications PLC (LON:SPT) in which analyst Ed Stacey argues that the company is positioned for increased earnings growth in the coming years, based on the success of the recent cost-base reduction program. He also highlights the company's strategic alignment to its major growth drivers in the market place.