The old stock market adage that it's often better to travel than arrive seemed to be at play for SpaceandPeople PLC, the promotional group.
Initially, the stock was up as it provided an upbeat assessment of prospects alongside its first-half figures. However, the stock hit reverse gear, tumbling 12% in the first half hour, wiping out not only the early advance but the past month's gains.
The stock's Level-2 page - giving live prices - suggests the fall was the result of a small, early trade of around 7,000 shares worth £5,800.
Perhaps this was someone using the interims as their cue to cash out of the investment.
The group delivered revenues of £2.5 million, up 5% year on year, while the operating loss was £355,000 for the six months ended 30 June 2023.
Its cash position was £556,000, slightly lower than the same point last year, while its 'headroom' (including loan facilities) was almost on par with 2022.
"We have achieved this reduction in net debt whilst also clearing a large balance outstanding to a major client in this period," investors were told.
The second half represents the busiest and most profitable portion of the year for the business.
At 8.27 am, the shares were off 18.4p at 83.5p.