Author: Fiona Craig

Advanced Medical Solutions (LSE:AMS) expects to report first-half 2026 revenue of approximately £115.2 million, compared with £110.8 million in the same period last year. The increase comes despite some customer orders being delayed into July and temporary de-stocking associated with the company’s strategy to expand its direct sales operations across Europe. The performance also follows a strong comparative period for the Advanced Closure division. Despite these factors, the board remains confident that full-year EBITDA will meet current market expectations.

The company said integration of the Peters Surgical and Syntacoll acquisitions is continuing as planned, supporting its strategy of expanding its portfolio of surgical products while delivering operational and commercial synergies. Management believes the enlarged product offering and healthy pipeline of growth opportunities position the business to deliver scalable expansion, improved margins and long-term value creation.

Advanced Medical Solutions has shown improving revenue and cash flow in recent trading, although profitability remains below previous peak levels and leverage has increased following recent acquisitions. Technical indicators remain positive, reflecting a strong share price trend, although momentum appears stretched. Valuation remains relatively demanding, with a high price-to-earnings ratio and a modest dividend yield.

More about Advanced Medical Solutions

Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc is a UK-based medical technology company that develops and manufactures products for tissue healing, surgical procedures and advanced wound care. Its portfolio includes surgical adhesives, sealants, sutures and biosurgical products used by healthcare professionals around the world.

The company is expanding its international presence through acquisitions and investment in direct sales capabilities, particularly following the acquisition of Peters Surgical. By combining advanced biomaterial technologies with an expanding commercial platform, Advanced Medical Solutions aims to strengthen its position in the global surgical and wound care markets.

Alternative Income REIT plc (LSE:AIRE) has confirmed it has received a possible all-share approach from AEW UK REIT plc that the board believes could offer greater value than the existing bid from Glenstone REIT plc. Under the indicative proposal, Alternative Income REIT shareholders would receive 0.725 AEW UK REIT shares for each AIRE share held, implying a value of approximately 77.4 pence per share and representing a premium to Glenstone’s current cash offer.

The board said it considers the potential proposal from AEW UK REIT to be more attractive in terms of both valuation and governance arrangements. Discussions with AEW UK REIT are continuing as the parties work towards a possible firm offer. In the meantime, shareholders are being advised to reject Glenstone’s offer or withdraw any existing acceptances while no formal proposal has yet been announced and the takeover process under the UK Takeover Code remains ongoing.

Alternative Income REIT continues to benefit from solid operating performance, supported by improved cash generation, a resilient property portfolio and refinancing progress. The company’s valuation also remains attractive, with a relatively low price-to-earnings ratio and a strong dividend yield. Positive share price momentum and recent corporate activity have further strengthened investor sentiment.

More about Alternative Income REIT

Alternative Income REIT plc is a UK-listed real estate investment trust focused on generating sustainable income from a diversified portfolio of commercial property assets. The company seeks to provide shareholders with long-term rental income through carefully selected investments supported by strong tenant covenants.

Its strategy centres on maintaining a resilient property portfolio, preserving capital value and delivering attractive shareholder returns through income generation. The company continues to manage its portfolio actively while pursuing opportunities to enhance long-term value for investors.

Emmerson PLC (LSE:EML) has achieved an important procedural milestone in its arbitration proceedings against the Kingdom of Morocco after the tribunal rejected Morocco’s request to have jurisdictional objections considered separately from the main case. Instead, the tribunal will hear the jurisdictional issues alongside the substantive claims, a decision that could simplify the arbitration process, although the timetable for the remaining stages has yet to be confirmed.

The arbitration relates to claims brought under the bilateral investment treaty between the United Kingdom and Morocco. Through its subsidiaries, Emmerson is seeking US$1.215 billion in compensation, alleging the expropriation of its Khemisset Potash Project together with breaches of fair and equitable treatment and investment protection obligations. While the final outcome remains uncertain, the tribunal’s decision represents a significant procedural step that could influence the pace and direction of the case as the company seeks compensation for its investment in Morocco.

Despite this legal development, Emmerson continues to face financial challenges, including the absence of revenue, widening losses, persistent negative free cash flow and a weakening equity position. Technical indicators are more encouraging, with the share price remaining above key longer-term moving averages and momentum showing signs of improvement. However, valuation remains constrained by ongoing losses and the lack of dividend support.

More about Emmerson

Emmerson PLC is an AIM-listed mining company focused on the development of potash resources through its subsidiaries, Khemisset UK Ltd. and Potasse de Khemisset S.A. Its principal asset is the Khemisset Potash Project in Morocco, which is intended to supply fertiliser markets with a strategically located source of potash.

The company is pursuing the project while simultaneously seeking compensation through international arbitration over its investment in Morocco. Emmerson remains focused on creating long-term value from the Khemisset asset and strengthening its position within the global fertiliser and industrial minerals sector.

Insig AI (LSE:INSG) has taken its first step into the digital assets sector by committing an initial €300,000 through a zero-interest convertible loan to Belgium-based ATM Labs B.V., which trades as 4Mica. The investment is expected to complete within 45 days and marks the first transaction under Insig AI’s strategy of investing in businesses developing infrastructure for the digital asset economy.

The convertible loan matures in August 2027 and, if converted, would provide Insig AI with a 2.94% fully diluted equity stake in 4Mica. The agreement also includes a conditional commitment of up to a further €1 million, subject to 4Mica completing a significant fundraising round within the next 16 months. The company is developing a non-custodial clearing platform for stablecoin-based AI micropayments, with technology designed to significantly reduce transaction costs while supporting substantially higher transaction volumes. Through the investment, Insig AI is seeking exposure to the growth of next-generation digital payment infrastructure.

Despite expanding into a fast-growing market, Insig AI continues to face financial challenges, including ongoing losses, negative cash flow and negative shareholder equity. Technical indicators also remain weak, reflecting a longer-term downward share price trend. Valuation is difficult to assess given the company’s negative earnings and the absence of a dividend.

More about Insig AI

Insig AI plc is a UK-based technology company that develops artificial intelligence-driven data infrastructure and machine learning solutions for institutional clients. The business provides advanced analytics and technology platforms designed to support investment decision-making and data management.

The company is increasingly focused on opportunities within the digital asset sector, targeting businesses that provide the underlying infrastructure for blockchain-based financial services rather than direct cryptocurrency exposure. By investing in early-stage technology companies with scalable platforms, Insig AI aims to give institutional investors access to emerging digital asset infrastructure and long-term growth opportunities.

Croma Security Solutions Group Plc (LSE:CSSG) expects to report fiscal 2026 revenue of approximately £11.0 million, representing growth of around 15% compared with the previous year and modestly exceeding market expectations. EBITDA is forecast to be around £1 million as the company continues investing in its operations while pursuing long-term expansion.

The completion of the £6.5 million sale of its Vigilant Security business, together with receipt of the final deferred payment, has enabled Croma to concentrate on its higher-margin locksmith and electronic security systems operations. During the year, the company integrated six acquisitions, including TLS Security Systems and Southern Security Services, expanding its network to 17 security centres across the UK and strengthening its presence in key regional markets.

The latest trading update highlights continued demand from retail, commercial, healthcare and leisure customers as organisations increase investment in security infrastructure to meet evolving regulatory requirements and improve the protection of people and assets. With no bank debt and net cash of £4.9 million at year end, Croma enters the new financial year in a strong financial position, supported by a healthy pipeline of acquisition opportunities and a strategy focused on consolidating the fragmented UK locksmith and electronic security market.

While the company benefits from a robust balance sheet and supportive valuation metrics, its outlook is moderated by weaker technical indicators and inconsistent cash flow generation, including a recent period of negative free cash flow. Nevertheless, its acquisition-led growth strategy continues to provide opportunities for further expansion.

More about Croma Security Solutions

Croma Security Solutions Group Plc is a UK provider of locksmith services and electronic security systems serving retail, commercial, healthcare and leisure customers. The company operates a growing national network of modern security centres and specialises in acquiring established independent locksmith and security businesses to expand its market presence.

Following the disposal of its manned guarding subsidiary, Vigilant Security, Croma has sharpened its focus on higher-margin security services. Its enlarged network of 17 security centres, combined with a debt-free balance sheet and strong cash position, provides the company with the financial flexibility to continue pursuing acquisitions and organic growth opportunities across the UK security sector.

Big Yellow Group (LSE:BYG) delivered steady first-quarter trading for the period ended 30 June 2026, reporting total revenue of £53.2 million, up 3% from a year earlier. Like-for-like store revenue increased by 2%, while occupancy across the company’s 113-store portfolio grew by 161,000 square feet, lifting like-for-like closing occupancy to 79.2%. Average achieved net rent per square foot also rose 3%, reflecting continued pricing strength across the estate.

The company is continuing to improve operational efficiency through investment in automation, solar energy and other energy-saving initiatives, alongside more targeted marketing aimed at managing rising operating costs, including higher business rates. Big Yellow is also expanding its UK footprint with a development pipeline of 12 new stores, supported by the recent acquisition of a site in Acton. Part of this expansion is being funded through the £38.4 million disposal of its Harrow industrial estate. Once completed, the development pipeline is expected to generate around £35 million in additional net operating income and further strengthen the company’s position in the UK self-storage market.

Big Yellow continues to benefit from a solid financial profile, supported by revenue growth, conservative leverage and an attractive dividend yield. However, these strengths are offset by weaker technical indicators, negative share price momentum and more inconsistent cash generation, including a recent decline in free cash flow.

More about Big Yellow Group

Big Yellow Group PLC is the UK’s largest self-storage operator, with a network of 113 stores offering a maximum lettable area of approximately 6.7 million square feet. The majority of its properties are owned on a freehold or long leasehold basis, with around three-quarters of revenue generated from London and the surrounding commuter belt, alongside major regional cities across the UK.

The company focuses on highly visible and accessible locations, supported by advanced digital systems for customer service, security and operational management. Alongside its expansion programme, Big Yellow continues to invest in sustainability initiatives and expects its pipeline of 12 additional stores to increase total capacity to around 7.6 million square feet.

Prologis (NYSE:PLD) has submitted a third revised proposal to acquire SEGRO (LSE:SGRO), valuing the UK logistics property company at approximately £13.5 billion. The latest proposal consists of 0.0890 newly issued Prologis shares for each SEGRO share, alongside a partial cash alternative of up to £2.7 billion at 1,000 pence per share. SEGRO’s board has rejected the proposal once again. If the transaction were completed, existing SEGRO shareholders would own around 9.2% of the enlarged Prologis group. The offer represents a premium of about 10% to SEGRO’s adjusted net asset value and more than 30% above the company’s share price before the approach became public.

Prologis believes its revised proposal delivers greater immediate value and flexibility than SEGRO’s standalone strategy, arguing that the company’s long-term plans depend on ambitious property valuations and the successful execution of an extended development pipeline. The U.S.-based real estate group also highlighted its strong second-quarter performance and continued expansion in its data centre and power infrastructure businesses as evidence of its growth prospects. Prologis is encouraging SEGRO shareholders to urge the board to enter discussions regarding a potential transaction, while also considering a secondary listing in London. However, the company reiterated that there is no certainty a formal takeover offer will ultimately be made.

More about Prologis

Prologis, Inc. is one of the world’s largest industrial real estate companies, specialising in logistics facilities and warehouse properties across major global markets. In recent years, the business has expanded into digital infrastructure, building a growing portfolio of data centres and power-related assets to support increasing demand from technology and logistics customers.

The company combines a large-scale property development platform with long-term asset management, focusing on generating sustainable rental growth, expanding funds from operations and delivering value for shareholders through its global logistics real estate portfolio.

Plexus Holdings (LSE:POS) has secured a two-year engineering agreement with Cactus Wellhead LLC to design, develop and qualify a new generation of wellhead products for offshore energy projects. The work will draw on Plexus’s engineering expertise and testing facilities in Aberdeen, further strengthening its position as a specialist provider of advanced wellhead technology.

As part of the agreement, Plexus will receive an initial £1 million commitment payment, secured by a debenture over the company’s assets. The contract is also expected to generate up to an additional £1.5 million in revenue over its duration, with the potential for further income if the scope of work expands. All engineering and development activities will be undertaken by Plexus’s in-house team, providing greater revenue visibility while supporting skilled employment and technical capabilities at its Aberdeen operations.

The partnership reinforces Plexus’s role within the offshore energy supply chain and highlights continued demand for its specialist engineering services. The contract provides a committed revenue stream, creates opportunities for additional project work and strengthens the company’s relationship with a leading international wellhead provider.

Despite the positive contract win, Plexus continues to face financial challenges following weaker trading performance and negative cash flow in 2025. The company’s technical indicators also remain subdued, with the share price trading below key moving averages and momentum remaining weak. Valuation support is limited by ongoing losses and the absence of a dividend.

More about Plexus Holdings

Plexus Holdings is an Aberdeen-based engineering company specialising in proprietary wellhead technology for the offshore energy industry. Its products are used in jack-up rig exploration and appraisal drilling, plug and abandonment projects, and emerging sectors including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and geothermal energy.

The company is recognised for its POS-GRIP technology and HG metal-to-metal sealing systems, which are designed to improve well integrity, reduce the risk of blowouts, minimise methane emissions and lower maintenance requirements. Plexus also provides engineering services, specialist equipment and adjustable wellhead systems to customers worldwide, and has been recognised with the London Stock Exchange’s Green Economy Mark for its contribution to cleaner and safer offshore energy infrastructure.

Caledonia Mining (LSE:CMCL) produced 17,360 ounces of gold from its Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe during the second quarter of 2026, representing an 18% increase compared with the first quarter. The improvement was driven by better access to higher-grade mining areas and an increase in average plant grades. Although production was below the record level achieved in the second quarter of 2025, the company reaffirmed its full-year production guidance of between 72,000 and 76,500 ounces, with output expected to be weighted towards the second half of the year.

Management said initiatives to improve access to higher-grade ore are delivering encouraging results, with mined grades now averaging around 3g/t. Production is forecast to strengthen further during the remainder of 2026, supported by improved mine development, the completion of an upgrade to the elution plant that will enable processing of stockpiled fine-grain loaded carbon, and the introduction of a seven-day operating schedule. The extended working week is expected to increase ore throughput by approximately 200 tonnes per day.

More about Caledonia Mining

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc is a gold producer listed on the NYSE American, AIM and the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. Its principal asset is the Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe, where the company focuses on underground gold mining and operational improvements designed to increase production efficiency and enhance ore grades.

The Blanket Mine remains the cornerstone of Caledonia’s business and plays an important role in Zimbabwe’s gold mining industry. The company continues to invest in processing upgrades, mine development and operational enhancements to improve throughput while maintaining consistent production and supporting long-term growth.