THEY ARE NOT WIPING US OUT!

After a long search for new brokers, we eventually opened an account with

CAPITAL FINANCIAL MARKET

who are happy to take on investment club accounts. They are covered by the financial services compensation scheme. Our Treasurer, Pam S. has now completed the necessary paperwork and we are up and running once more.

COSTAIN: Shares in Costain plummeted in July despite the construction and engineering firm hiking its dividend, as revenues in the first half dropped by almost a fifth.

The company reported revenues of £525.4m for the six months to 30 June, down 17.8% over last year, as growth in the Natural Resources division was outweighed by falls in transportation from expected road project completions and a rephased schedule from HS2.

However, Costain said that an improved quality of contracts and strong operational execution helped drive a 3.1% increase in adjusted operating profit to £16.8m.

The adjusted operating margin rose to 3.2% from 2.5% last year, with the company "confident" in delivering its run-rate target of 4.5% over 2025.

The company said it ended the half with a "strong balance sheet", though net cash declined to £144.9m from £158.5m at the end of 2024. However, this is expected to improve to £170m by the year-end.

Despite all of the above, we are showing a 43% paper profit in this company. So we are holding for now. Have Faith!

Share price at the time of writing 140.80.

THE PROPERTY FRANCHISE GROUP:

TPFG are the UK's largest multi brand letting and estate agency franchise group.

They reported robust growth across all of its divisions in the first half, driven by higher sales and lettings activity, strong mortgage demand and increased licensing revenue.

The company said it remained on track to meet full year market expectations

We are showing a 53% paper profit in this company and see no reason to sell.

Share price at the time of writing 585p - up 38% in the past year. A definite HOLD

BHP Billiton: BHP Group Limited, is an Australian mining and metals corporation.. The company specialises in mining and selling iron ore, copper and coal. Whilst we are only showing a 12% paper profit in BHP, the share price has increased 25% over the past 5 years. Brokers are pretty neutral about this company, however it's a strong company and some brokers say it is undervalued.

Share price at the time of writing 2084p (March 2022 it was 3001) We are holding.

Agronomics: https://www.agronomics.im/about/

Having bought and sold shares in this company a few years ago, we are beginning to question as to why we decided to delve back in. At the moment we are showing a paper loss of 20% over a relatively short period.

However, on th 12th September Agronomics announced that its portfolio company CLEAN FOOD GROUP has received approval for its "CLEAN OIL" to be used as  as a cosmetic ingredient in the UK, USA and Europe. 

CLEAN OIL 25 developed in collaboration with the THG labs, the R&D and manufacturing arm of THG Beauty,  plus Croda International plc. offers a suitable alternative to conventional oil and fat ingredients eg. palm oil.

Share price at the time of writing 6.10 - a 25% increase ove the past year.

We are forever hopeful.

DECISIONS:

WARPAINT: The share price has been on a steady decline all year: our decision was to sell all of our holding.

PURCHASES:

We invested further £500 into Ampeak Energy (formerly Simec Atlantis Energy) in anticipation of the company getting planning permission for its battery storage site in Scotland.

Invested a further £500 into Surface Transforms.

We also added £2500 to our investment in into Rolls Royce which continues on its upward path.

DISCLAIMER

The China Dolls is a group of private individuals who meet regularly to discuss investment strategy and make investments based on the collective opinion of the the group.

The China Dolls is not in the business of offering any form of advice on investing or other financial matters.

The content of this blog is not to be considered an inducement to trade as we trade and is offered for illustrative purposes only.

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