Gulf starts at Sheikh Adi-2 25/05/2012
Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.
Surfwear and fashion brand Hot Tuna (HTT) has issued a sales warning in which it blames 'poor consumer confidence' for an expected slump in full-year revenues.
The AIM-quoted minnow remarked that retail conditions in both the UK, continental Europe and the US have all been suffering from 'poor consumer confidence' while adding to its woes the company also suffered from the cancellation of a 'large US order' which will lead to full year sales being 'below market expectations'. However due to what it describes as 'tight controls over costs' the full year loss will still be in line with forecasts.
CEO Geoff O'Connell remarked that the company was 'disappointed with the performance in the second half of the year' although he insisted that the 'imminent launch of our online transaction website' could well 'drive an increase in sales for the current financial year.' Overseas he observed Hot Tuna has secured a 'significant order' in Australia and 'new orders' in territories including the UAE, the Netherlands and the Cook Islands (Population of 19,000.)
Prior to the warning analysts at Seymour Pierce were forecasting a loss of £1.1 million (EPS: loss of 0.1p) for the year to June 2011.
As the company with the lowest share price on AIM, investors might be tempted by any speculative potential. Having collapsed from a 2007 peak of 40p the shares have since lost over 99 per cent in value, and are currently trading at 0.085p.
However we think the shares represent a value trap as the surfwear fashion concept has for some years become increasingly out of fashion since the late nineties, while its range of t-shirts and clothing operate in an extremely competitive market and to date have achieved little in terms of generating profits, with Hot Tuna reporting losses every year since 2006. Avoid.
Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arenaClick here
Advertisement
Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena. Sign up NOW!
This unique study analyses the shareholdings of companies listed on AIM, extracting trends including rankings of the value and number of their investments.
Please click here to order your copy of the report or call 0207 250 7056.
Informative features and research on fast-growing companies, small-cap and growth stocks, penny shares, stock market tips and share recommendations, directors' dealings, company news and analysis, new issues and upcoming IPOs.
If you're interested in business tax updates visit our specialist tax guide website.
Daily coverage of small-cap company stocks on London's junior markets AIM and PLUS, breaking news, stock research and latest share price information for investors. Full sector coverage with all the latest news on smaller listed companies, updated several times a day with financial reports, trading statements and links to further web resources.
Advertisement
Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.
Oil giant Shell is extending its offer period for Mozambique-focused Cove Energy (COV) after having its bid trumped by Thai government-owned PTT Exploration & Production.
Kazakhstan-focused Roxi Petroleum (RXP) has declared that its NK7 well in the Galaz aea has drilled to a depth of 1,360 metres.
Steered by sector veteran Algy Cluff, North-Sea focused cash shell Cluff Natural Resources (CNR) has joined AIM.
Somalia-focused oil explorer Red Emperor Resources (RMP) has exercised its option to take part in the drilling of the Shabeel North well.
Oil concern Heritage Oil (HOIL) has reported its Miran West-3 well in Iraq could deliver 1,000 barrels per day of condensate.