Author: Fiona Craig

McBride PLC (LSE:MCB) has published its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 30 June 2025, alongside the Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Proxy Form. These documents are accessible on the company’s website and have been submitted to the UK Listing Authority for review. The AGM is scheduled for 20 November 2025 in Manchester, reflecting McBride’s focus on transparency and active shareholder engagement.

The company’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance and positive corporate developments, although bearish technical indicators persist. While current undervaluation may present an opportunity, high leverage and prevailing market conditions remain key risks.

About McBride PLC

McBride PLC is a consumer goods company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of household and personal care products. Serving primarily European markets, the company is recognized for its private label offerings and commitment to quality.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Dr. Martens PLC (LSE:DOCS) has announced distribution agreements with Beside Group in the UAE and Crosby in Latin America, marking its debut in the UAE and expanding its footprint in the region with new stores in Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. These partnerships support the brand’s strategy of entering new growth markets with a capital-efficient model, aiming to broaden consumer reach and reinforce its market presence in these regions.

The company’s outlook reflects stable cash flows despite declines in revenue and profitability. Technical indicators suggest mixed market momentum, and a high price-to-earnings ratio points to potential overvaluation. Recent earnings communications highlighted successes in debt reduction and cost-saving initiatives, while ongoing challenges remain in driving revenue growth and improving margins.

About Dr. Martens

Founded in Northamptonshire, England, Dr. Martens is a globally recognized footwear brand, famed for its durable and comfortable boots, including the iconic 1460 model. The company now operates in over 60 countries and employs approximately 3,700 people. Its product range spans Originals, sandals, children’s footwear, and accessories, balancing heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation. Dr. Martens is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Seraphim Space Investment Trust (LSE:SSIT) highlighted major achievements across its portfolio in its September 2025 newsletter, pointing to strong momentum in the SpaceTech sector. Among the key developments, Zeno Power signed a deal with Orano to use nuclear waste in compact nuclear batteries, ICEYE secured a $168 million contract with the Finnish Defence Forces, and HawkEye 360 advanced its signals intelligence capabilities with the deployment of an operational satellite cluster.

These updates reinforce Seraphim Space’s positioning at the forefront of SpaceTech innovation, as demand for advanced technologies in both defense and commercial markets continues to expand. The milestones also underline the potential for sustained revenue growth within its portfolio.

Financially, Seraphim Space shows resilience with a healthy balance sheet and improving profitability metrics. Challenges remain, including negative cash flows and bearish market signals, while the lack of a dividend may deter some investors. Even so, its strategic role in the growing SpaceTech ecosystem supports its long-term growth outlook, with current valuation considered reasonable.

About Seraphim Space Investment Trust Plc

Seraphim Space Investment Trust Plc is the first publicly listed investment vehicle dedicated to the SpaceTech sector. The company invests in a diverse portfolio of space-related businesses and provides regular updates on industry trends and portfolio performance through its monthly newsletters.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Tavistock Investments PLC (LSE:TAVI) has issued a shareholder update regarding its continuing litigation with Titan Wealth Services Limited and Titan Asset Management Limited. The dispute stems from alleged breaches of a strategic partnership agreement, which Tavistock argues contributed to the underperformance of its ACUMEN funds.

The company has since broadened its counterclaim to include further allegations against Titan and has reiterated its confidence in the strength of its legal case. Although mediation efforts were pursued, the matter will now proceed to court, with a hearing scheduled for December 2025. Tavistock emphasized that the proceedings are being handled independently from its core operations, ensuring day-to-day business remains unaffected.

Tavistock maintains a moderate business outlook. Revenue growth and recent insider share purchases are seen as positives, while profitability pressures, cash flow constraints, and a negative valuation continue to weigh on performance.

About Tavistock Investments

Tavistock Investments PLC operates within financial services, specializing in asset management and investment products. Its offerings include a range of risk-rated UCITS sub-funds under the ACUMEN brand and a Model Portfolio Service (MPS) designed to deliver tailored solutions for investors.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Unilever PLC (LSE:ULVR) has revealed plans to separate its ice cream operations through a demerger, establishing The Magnum Ice Cream Company N.V. as an independently listed business. To support the transition, the group has also proposed a share consolidation aimed at preserving price comparability, which will require approval from shareholders at a forthcoming general meeting.

The demerger is scheduled for completion by November 2025, after which trading of the new company’s shares is expected to begin. The move aligns with Unilever’s strategy to streamline its structure, sharpen focus on its core business segments, and potentially reshape its market positioning and stakeholder value.

Unilever’s overall outlook remains underpinned by strong financial results and a positive earnings call that emphasize its global reach and growth potential. Although valuation pressures tied to a high price-to-earnings ratio present a challenge, these are partly balanced by a solid dividend yield. Regional performance headwinds and margin constraints remain risks, yet ongoing growth initiatives provide strategic balance.

About Unilever

Unilever PLC is a global leader in consumer goods, with a broad portfolio spanning food, beverages, household cleaning, and personal care products. The company operates in markets worldwide, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation to address evolving consumer demands.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Wildcat Petroleum Plc (LSE:WCAT) has regained its position on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market, with its equity shares now restored to the Official List. This reinstatement represents an important milestone for the company, potentially improving visibility in the market and creating fresh opportunities for shareholders.

Despite this progress, the firm continues to grapple with serious financial pressures. With no current revenue streams and ongoing losses, the risks remain considerable. Market indicators also point to bearish sentiment and an unattractive valuation. Even so, recent moves—including new strategic partnerships and leadership changes—signal efforts to broaden operations and strengthen engagement with investors, providing a modest counterbalance to the challenges.

About Wildcat Petroleum Plc

Wildcat Petroleum Plc is active in the upstream segment of the petroleum sector, concentrating on investments in companies and assets tied to oil and gas exploration and development.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Kooth PLC (LSE:KOO) has secured a one-year extension of its partnership with the State of New Jersey, a deal worth $1.45 million annually. Under the agreement, the company will continue offering mental health resources to around 50,000 students across four school districts through its Soluna platform.

The renewal underscores both the demand for Kooth’s digital services and the strength of its local support, reinforced by 127 advocacy partnerships throughout New Jersey. It also provides the company with an opportunity to deepen its collaboration with the state.

About Kooth

Kooth PLC is a prominent digital mental health provider, best known for its Soluna platform. Operating within the digital health sector, the company partners with school districts to deliver accessible mental health support for students.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

London’s FTSE 100 rose on Wednesday as investors digested the U.S. government shutdown, with healthcare shares driving much of the upside following Pfizer’s drug-pricing agreement with Washington, which reduced policy uncertainty.

By 12:31 GMT, the FTSE 100 had gained 0.6%, while the British pound strengthened 0.5% versus the U.S. dollar to 1.35. In continental Europe, Germany’s DAX rose 0.3%, and France’s CAC 40 added 0.4%.

Healthcare sector surges on Pfizer deal

Healthcare companies were among the strongest performers, with AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN) climbing 7.2%, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (LSE:HIK) up over 5%, and GSK plc (LSE:GSK) gaining 2.9%, following the trend set by their European peers.

The rally comes after Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) reached an agreement with President Donald Trump on Tuesday to lower Medicaid prescription drug prices in exchange for tariff relief. Shares of Pfizer surged 6.8% on the announcement.

European healthcare stocks also recorded notable gains. Ambu A/S (TG:547A) jumped 10%, Sartorius AG (EU:DIM) rose more than 11%, and Merck KGaA (NYSE:MRK) and Roche Holding AG (BIT:1ROG) added roughly 6.7% and 7%, respectively.

Other market movers

Shares of Greggs PLC (LSE:GRG) climbed over 7% after the bakery chain reported a 6.1% year-on-year sales increase for the 13 weeks ending September 27, with like-for-like sales in company-run stores up 1.5%. Year-to-date, total sales rose 6.7%, with like-for-like growth of 2.2%.

Conversely, Tate & Lyle PLC (LSE:TATE) shares dropped more than 10% after the food ingredients maker warned of declining full-year profit and revenue due to weaker demand in the Americas and heightened pressure in Europe. The company now expects revenue and EBITDA for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, to decrease by low single-digit percentages at constant currency.

Economic data

The S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index showed further deterioration in September, falling to a five-month low of 46.2 from 47.0 in August, marking the twelfth consecutive month below the neutral 50 threshold and signaling ongoing contraction in the sector.

UK house prices rose 0.5% in September, slightly surpassing expectations, after declining 0.1% in August, according to Nationwide Building Society.

Bank of England policymaker Catherine Mann commented on Wednesday that monetary policy remains accommodative relative to inflation and economic activity. In a Bloomberg TV interview, she said keeping interest rates unchanged is “appropriate for the current period,” while noting concerns over inflation expectations: “There is drift in inflation expectations, and that’s a very important ingredient in my thinking about the persistence of the inflation.”

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

European equities edged higher on Wednesday, even as the U.S. government entered a shutdown after the Senate failed to approve a short-term funding measure.

The U.K.’s FTSE 100 rose 0.6%, the French CAC 40 gained 0.4%, and the German DAX inched up 0.1%.

On the economic front, U.K. house prices accelerated in September amid easing borrowing costs. According to Nationwide Building Society, prices rose 2.2% year-on-year, slightly faster than August’s 2.1% gain and above the forecast of 1.8%. On a monthly basis, values climbed 0.5% after a 0.1% decline in August, beating economists’ expectations of 0.2%.

Pharmaceutical stocks rallied after Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) struck an agreement with the U.S. government to reduce prescription drug costs in exchange for tariff relief.

In the energy sector, Vallourec (EU:VK), a tubular solutions provider, jumped following a Petrobras order for more than 30 units of its Submagnetic Free Flow Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) system, designed to prevent scaling in production pipes.

U.K. bakery and fast-food chain Greggs (LSE:GRG) surged after reporting 6.1% sales growth in the third quarter of 2025.

French engineering and technology firm Technip Energies (EU:TE) advanced after securing two engineering service contracts from Repsol for its Ecoplanta Molecular Recycling Solutions project.

Diageo (LSE:DGE), the spirits giant, rose after issuing €1 billion in fixed-rate bonds under its European Debt Issuance Program. Dutch engineering consultancy Arcadis (EU:ARCAD) also climbed sharply following news of a share buyback.

On the downside, Tate & Lyle (LSE:TATE), one of the world’s largest sweetener producers, fell sharply after revising down its revenue and EBITDA outlook for the fiscal year ending March 31.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

U.S. stock futures pointed to a weaker start on Wednesday, with traders preparing for renewed volatility following several days of market gains. The cautious mood follows the federal government’s official shutdown overnight, after Congress failed to approve a stop-gap spending bill.

The stalemate stems from deep partisan differences. Democrats have pushed for the inclusion of extended Obamacare tax credits in the temporary funding plan, while Republicans argue the measure should first secure passage before such provisions are debated.

Investors are concerned about the economic fallout of the shutdown, but the immediate focus is on the potential delay of critical government data. The Labor Department’s September jobs report, one of the most closely watched indicators for monetary policy, was scheduled for release Friday but is now likely to be postponed.

Without official updates on employment or inflation, the Federal Reserve could face greater challenges in shaping its policy outlook this month. In the meantime, private reports may carry more weight. Payroll processor ADP reported Wednesday that private sector employment dropped by 32,000 in September, far below expectations for a 50,000 increase. The report marked the second straight month of job losses after a downwardly revised 3,000 decline in August.

On Tuesday, Wall Street traded sideways for most of the day as investors monitored developments in Washington. The major indexes swung between gains and losses before a late-session rally pushed them into the green. The S&P 500 advanced 0.4% to 6,688.46, the Nasdaq added 0.3% to 22,660.01, and the Dow rose 0.2% to 46,397.89.

Analysts said the rebound likely reflected some optimism that lawmakers might strike a last-minute compromise, or at least confidence that the economic effects of the shutdown would remain contained if it proves short-lived.

Separate data released Tuesday showed consumer confidence falling more sharply than expected in September. The Conference Board index dropped to 94.2 from 97.8 in August, hitting its lowest reading since April 2025.

Sector performance was mixed across the board. Pharmaceutical stocks were the standout, with the NYSE Arca Pharmaceutical Index climbing 3.7% to a six-month high. Pfizer surged 6.8% after announcing a deal with the Trump administration aimed at lowering prescription drug costs for U.S. patients.

Healthcare shares also saw strong gains, as did biotechnology, computer hardware, and networking names. By contrast, banks and energy producers came under pressure, weighing on broader market sentiment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.