Author: Fiona Craig

Next plc (LSE:NXT) reported a strong third-quarter performance, with full-price sales rising 10.5% year-over-year, significantly above its earlier projections. The growth was broad-based, driven by robust demand across both the UK and international markets, where overseas sales surged 38.8% compared to the prior year.

Thanks to this momentum, the company has increased its full-year profit guidance by £30 million to £1.135 billion, reflecting stronger-than-expected trading conditions and disciplined cost control. In addition, Next announced plans to return surplus capital to shareholders via a special dividend, underscoring its strong cash generation and balance sheet health.

CEO Simon Wolfson noted that the company’s continued investment in online infrastructure and international expansion has positioned it to maintain growth despite a challenging retail backdrop.

More about Next plc

Next plc is one of the UK’s leading retailers, offering a wide range of clothing, footwear, and homeware products. The company operates through a hybrid model combining a nationwide retail network with a strong e-commerce platform, and has an expanding international presence. Next’s focus on digital innovation, supply chain efficiency, and customer experience continues to drive its performance and support its long-term growth strategy.

Journeo plc (LSE:JNEO) announced that its subsidiary Infotec has received $5 million in purchase orders from Outfront Media Group to deliver advanced platform display systems for the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

This deal marks Journeo’s first major project in the Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising sector within the U.S. subway network. The new systems will integrate cutting-edge display and maintenance technologies, designed to improve both performance and reliability across New York’s extensive public transport system.

The order not only strengthens Journeo’s entry into the U.S. market but also reflects growing confidence in its transport-focused digital infrastructure solutions. Management expects the project to serve as a strategic foothold for future expansion in North America’s smart transit and digital advertising markets.

More about Journeo plc

Journeo plc is a UK-based provider of intelligent transport systems and critical infrastructure solutions, delivering sustainable technologies that enhance safety, communication, and operational efficiency across public networks. Through subsidiaries such as Infotec, Journeo Fleet Systems, and Journeo Passenger Systems, the company offers products ranging from CCTV and vehicle telematics to real-time passenger information systems across Europe and Scandinavia.

Glencore (LSE:GLEN) reported a robust production performance in the third quarter of 2025, driven by notable strength in its copper and coal operations, while reaffirming its full-year production guidance across key commodities.

Copper output surged 36% quarter-on-quarter, with substantial contributions from KCC, Mutanda, Antamina, and Antapaccay. Zinc production climbed 10% year-to-date, and both steelmaking and energy coal volumes are on track to reach the upper end of guidance.

The company emphasized its strategic decision to prioritize copper over cobalt production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in response to export restrictions, with plans to store surplus cobalt domestically until regulatory conditions improve. Other portfolio developments included the completion of the Pasar copper smelter sale and the closure of operations at the Mount Isa copper mine in Australia.

CEO Gary Nagle highlighted that Glencore’s operational discipline and commodity diversification continue to support resilience amid volatile markets, noting that copper remains central to the company’s long-term strategy tied to global electrification and the energy transition.

More about Glencore

Glencore is one of the world’s largest diversified natural resource companies, engaged in the production, refinement, and marketing of over 60 commodities. Operating across more than 30 countries with a workforce exceeding 150,000 employees and contractors, Glencore serves industrial clients in sectors including automotive, steel, energy, and battery manufacturing. The company also provides logistics, financing, and supply chain solutions to commodity producers and consumers worldwide.

Ecora Resources (LSE:ECOR) delivered a record third-quarter performance in 2025, posting a total portfolio contribution of $25 million, fueled by robust results across its base metals assets. The standout contributors were the Mantos Blancos copper royalty and the Voisey’s Bay cobalt stream, which together underpinned a strong uplift in revenue and cash flow.

The company also achieved a 30% reduction in net debt, reflecting disciplined capital management and improved portfolio efficiency. Strategic initiatives such as the sale of the Dugbe gold royalty and the resumption of mining at Kestrel strengthened liquidity and financial resilience. Looking ahead, Ecora expects further growth milestones from ongoing developments at Santo Domingo and potential shifts in cobalt export regulations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, both of which could influence its future cash generation profile.

CEO Marc Bishop Lafleche highlighted that the results underscore Ecora’s transformation into a critical minerals-focused royalty company, benefiting from growing demand tied to global electrification and the energy transition.

More about Ecora Resources

Ecora Resources is a royalty and streaming company specializing in critical minerals that support the clean energy transition, including copper, nickel, and cobalt. Having shifted its focus from coal to sustainable commodities, the company now targets long-life, low-cost assets in established mining jurisdictions. Ecora’s portfolio provides investors with exposure to the metals essential for battery manufacturing, renewable infrastructure, and electric vehicle production, positioning it as a key player in the evolving global resources market.

Seeing Machines Limited (LSE:SEE) has been chosen by a major Japanese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to collaborate on an Advanced Development Project (ADP) focused on creating an integrated Driver and Occupant Monitoring System (DMS/OMS) platform.

This partnership represents a major milestone in Seeing Machines’ strategic expansion into the Japanese automotive sector, one of the most competitive and technologically advanced markets in the world. The collaboration underscores the growing demand for AI-driven driver monitoring solutions and validates the company’s expertise in vision-based safety systems.

Seeing Machines expects a formal production award in 2026, with commercial production planned for 2028, marking an important step toward reinforcing its position as a global leader in automotive safety innovation. The company noted that the project supports its mission to enhance transport safety and reduce accidents through advanced human-machine interaction technologies.

More about Seeing Machines Limited

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Australia, Seeing Machines Limited is a pioneer in vision-based monitoring technologies that use AI algorithms, embedded processing, and optical engineering to track and analyze driver behavior and fatigue. Its systems are deployed across automotive, commercial fleet, aviation, and off-road sectors, with operations spanning Australia, the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The company’s technology plays a key role in improving road and operator safety through intelligent monitoring solutions.

Inspecs Group PLC (LSE:SPEC) announced that it has received a letter from First Seagull expressing views related to recent unsolicited approaches from several interested parties, including H2 Equity Partners Ltd., a consortium led by Risk Capital Partners and Ian Livingstone, and Safilo Group S.p.A..

In response, the board has established a Transaction Committee composed of independent non-executive directors to evaluate all available options and ensure that any potential transaction aligns with shareholder value and long-term strategic goals. This development signals a critical juncture for the company, as it weighs various alternatives that could reshape its future direction and ownership structure.

Analysts noted that while Inspecs continues to face profitability and cash flow pressures, the board’s proactive approach to reviewing strategic proposals may unlock new opportunities for growth and operational recovery.

More about Inspecs Group PLC

Inspecs Group PLC is a global eyewear company engaged in the design, manufacture, and distribution of a wide range of optical and sunglass products. Known for its diverse portfolio of owned and licensed brands, Inspecs operates across multiple international markets and remains committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability within the eyewear industry.

80 Mile Plc (LSE:80M), together with its joint venture partner March GL, has announced a major oil discovery in Greenland’s Jameson Land Basin, identifying approximately 13 billion barrels of prospective oil resources. An independent assessment by Sproule ERCE confirmed the basin’s world-class potential, with 80 Mile’s net share estimated at 3.9 billion barrels.

The discovery positions the Jameson Land Basin as one of the most promising undrilled basins globally, representing a potential game-changer for both Greenland’s emerging energy sector and 80 Mile’s long-term growth trajectory. Drilling operations—fully funded by March GL—are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, marking a pivotal step toward unlocking the region’s resource potential.

The company said this milestone not only reinforces its commitment to responsible exploration and development but also highlights Greenland’s growing strategic relevance in the global energy landscape, as nations seek to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on traditional producers.

More about 80 Mile Plc

80 Mile Plc is an exploration and development company listed on the London AIM Market, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and the U.S. OTC Market. The company focuses on high-grade critical and base metals in Tier 1 jurisdictions, with active projects in Greenland, Finland, and Italy. In addition to its mineral exploration operations, 80 Mile is expanding into sustainable fuels and clean energy solutions, pursuing strategic partnerships and acquisitions to create long-term shareholder value.

Union Jack Oil plc (LSE:UJO) announced the cancellation of its General Meeting originally scheduled for 30 October 2025, citing insufficient shareholder backing for a proposed resolution. Although the company received more than 40 million proxy votes, the board determined that the measure would not achieve the necessary approval and therefore opted to cancel the meeting.

In its statement, the board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open communication with shareholders, emphasizing that it remains focused on constructive dialogue and collaborative engagement to support the company’s long-term growth and strategic objectives. Management added that the company will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen its operational performance and shareholder value.

More about Union Jack Oil plc

Union Jack Oil plc is a UK- and U.S.-focused onshore oil and gas company engaged in the production, development, and exploration of hydrocarbon assets. Operating within the energy sector, the company aims to maximize returns from its portfolio of oil and gas interests while pursuing sustainable and responsible resource development.

Guardian Metal Resources plc (LSE:GMET) has published its audited financial results for the year ended 30 June 2025, showcasing solid operational progress across its tungsten portfolio in Nevada despite posting a year-end loss. The company advanced pre-feasibility studies and drilling activities at its flagship Pilot Mountain project, while also acquiring the Tempiute project, a move designed to expand its resource base and future production capacity.

A key highlight of the year was the company securing a $6.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of War, underscoring strong government support for domestic critical mineral initiatives. Guardian Metal said the funding will accelerate project development and strengthen its position within the U.S. strategic minerals supply chain.

Management emphasized that the company is well positioned to benefit from rising demand for tungsten following China’s recent export restrictions, which have heightened the need for reliable Western supply sources. The company aims to establish itself as a leading U.S. tungsten producer, supporting industries vital to defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.

More about Guardian Metal Resources plc

Guardian Metal Resources plc is a tungsten exploration and development company with a strategic focus on the Pilot Mountain and Tempiute projects in Nevada, United States. The company’s mission is to help secure the U.S. tungsten supply chain by advancing high-grade, low-cost production assets critical to defense and high-technology applications.

Touchstone Exploration Inc. (LSE:TXP) announced the successful completion of its Retail Offer, issuing 6,181,818 new common shares at 11 pence per share, raising approximately £0.68 million. When combined with proceeds from the company’s previous private placement, total gross funds raised amount to £7.0 million.

The additional capital is expected to strengthen Touchstone’s balance sheet and support ongoing exploration and production initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago. Management noted that the fundraise enhances the company’s financial flexibility and ability to advance key operational priorities, including drilling programs and infrastructure expansion.

The company said the successful completion of both the private placement and retail offering reflects continued investor confidence in Touchstone’s long-term growth strategy and its commitment to disciplined capital management.

More about Touchstone Exploration Inc.

Touchstone Exploration Inc. is a Calgary, Alberta-based energy company focused on the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of petroleum and natural gas assets. Operating primarily onshore in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the company is listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker TXP. Touchstone’s strategy centers on expanding its production base through high-impact exploration projects and sustainable resource development.