Author: Fiona Craig

Poolbeg Pharma (LSE:POLB) has made a significant step forward in its POLB 001 Phase 2a trial by partnering with Accelerating Clinical Trials Limited to conduct the study and securing a supply of an approved bispecific antibody drug at no cost. The trial, led by Dr. Emma Searle at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of POLB 001 in mitigating Cytokine Release Syndrome in patients with multiple myeloma.

Interim data from the study is expected in 2026, and with a cash runway extending into 2027, Poolbeg is strategically positioned to expand its market potential. The development could transform cancer immunotherapy delivery by making treatments safer and more widely accessible.

Company Overview

Poolbeg Pharma plc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing cancer immunotherapies. Its lead candidate, POLB 001, is designed to enable broader administration of cancer therapies—from specialist cancer centers to community hospitals—by preventing the life-threatening side effect of Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). In addition, Poolbeg is developing an oral, encapsulated GLP-1 therapy for obesity, targeting large markets and addressing critical unmet medical needs.

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.

Proteome Sciences (LSE:PRM) saw a decline in total revenues during the first half of 2025, primarily due to global trade disruptions and cuts in US research funding. Nevertheless, the company’s proteomics services experienced notable growth, particularly at its Frankfurt and San Diego facilities, with expectations for continued demand into 2026.

The company remains optimistic about future revenue expansion, driven by rising order volumes and new product innovations, including DXT tags for multiplexing. Sales of TMT reagents, however, were affected by reduced R&D budgets, though improvement is anticipated as industry conditions stabilize.

Proteome Sciences’ outlook is constrained by weak financial performance, marked by falling revenues, ongoing losses, and elevated debt levels. Technical indicators signal a bearish trend, while valuation metrics are unattractive due to negative earnings and the absence of a dividend. Limited insights from earnings calls and corporate events leave additional performance factors unclear.

Company Overview

Proteome Sciences plc provides specialist contract proteomics services for drug discovery, development, and biomarker identification. Using proprietary workflows, the company analyses tissues, cells, and body fluids, offering products such as SysQuant® and TMT®MS2 for biological activity profiling. Headquartered in Cobham, UK, Proteome Sciences operates laboratories in Frankfurt, Germany, and San Diego, US.

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.

Mothercare plc (LSE:MTC) has released its full-year results for 2025, reporting a decline in global retail sales to £230.6 million, down from £280.8 million in 2024. The company faced headwinds from uncertainties in the Middle East and weaker sales in the UK, which together contributed to reduced profitability.

Despite these challenges, Mothercare is aiming to leverage its well-known brand to drive a return to growth. Strategic initiatives include expanding its franchise network and exploring new markets. The company has also taken steps to strengthen its international presence, including a joint venture in India and a new licensing agreement in Turkey, designed to improve its financial position and support future growth.

The outlook remains cautious, reflecting ongoing financial pressures and weak technical indicators. Declining revenue and negative equity are key concerns, though recent pockets of profitability provide some optimism. Technical analysis points to a bearish trend, and valuation metrics remain unattractive. With no recent earnings calls or major corporate events, the stock continues to carry a higher risk profile.

Company Overview

Mothercare plc is a British heritage brand specializing in products for parents and children. The company primarily operates through franchise partners and maintains a significant international footprint, while currently focusing on restoring its market position, particularly within the UK.

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.

Babcock International Group PLC (LSE:BAB) has recorded encouraging trading momentum during the first five months of the financial year, supported by organic revenue growth and improved operating margins. Key developments include new contracts in nuclear submarine support, maritime security, and AI-based intelligence products, all of which align with the company’s strategic objectives and underpin future growth prospects.

The company has also made progress on its financial initiatives, completing 25% of its share buyback program and securing a new revolving credit facility, reflecting robust financial management. These measures help position Babcock to maintain its market standing and pursue its medium-term growth targets.

Looking ahead, the company’s outlook is underpinned by stable financial performance, although there remains potential to further optimize debt and cash flow management. Technical indicators show limited momentum, while valuation metrics point to moderate pricing and a relatively low dividend yield.

Company Overview

Babcock International Group PLC provides engineering and support services across the aerospace, defense, and nuclear sectors, serving both government and commercial clients. The company delivers innovative solutions in marine, land, aviation, and nuclear operations, with a strong focus on defense and security markets.

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.

SolGold (LSE:SOLG) has achieved significant milestones in 2025, including securing US$750 million in stream financing, progressing the Cascabel Feasibility Study, and rolling out its ExploreCo strategy. The company has bolstered its financial position with additional funding and is well-positioned to advance early production at the Cascabel project, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits. These developments align SolGold to meet growing global copper demand, deliver value to shareholders, and support Ecuador’s economy.

Despite these achievements, the company continues to face financial challenges, with ongoing losses and negative cash flows weighing on its overall performance. Corporate events provide some positive momentum through strategic investments and governance improvements, though valuation metrics remain weak.

Company Overview

SolGold is a resources company dedicated to the discovery, delineation, and development of world-class copper and gold deposits. The company emphasizes shareholder value creation while promoting social and economic benefits in local communities, maintaining a safe workplace, and minimizing environmental impact. SolGold is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange.

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.

Arc Minerals Limited (LSE:ARCM) has published its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2025, reporting a sharp rise in operating losses compared with the prior year period. The company recorded a total comprehensive loss of £2.26 million, alongside declines in both net assets and cash reserves. These developments raise concerns over its financial resilience and may weigh on investor confidence.

Company Overview

Arc Minerals Limited is engaged in the exploration and development of mineral resources. Operating within the mining sector, the company’s strategy centers on identifying and advancing resource projects with long-term growth potential.

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.

DFS Furniture plc (LSE:DFS) reported strong results for fiscal year 2025, delivering notable profit growth alongside a reduction in leverage. The improvement was underpinned by disciplined execution and a compelling customer offering. Despite operating in a difficult retail environment, the company recorded a 10.2% rise in like-for-like order intake and achieved stronger gross margins.

While the board expressed confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects, it opted not to recommend a dividend for FY25. The decision reflects both current leverage levels and broader market uncertainty. Management emphasized its commitment to further reducing debt while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital investment.

The company’s outlook is supported by recent positive developments, including stronger trading and lower debt, though risks remain tied to its financial performance and premium valuation. Technical signals point to upward momentum, but the elevated P/E ratio highlights concerns over potential overvaluation.

Company Overview

DFS Furniture plc is one of the UK’s largest furniture retailers, specializing in living room and upholstered products. Leveraging its scale and vertically integrated model, the company focuses on cost efficiency and operational improvements. It also invests in technology-driven product innovation and places a strong emphasis on both customer satisfaction and employee engagement as part of its growth strategy.

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.

CT Automotive Group PLC (LSE:CTA) has delivered a solid first-half performance in 2025, securing eight new contracts with an estimated annual value of around $37 million. The company has also continued to expand its operations in Mexico, investing in facility upgrades aimed at boosting capacity and efficiency.

Although the wider market has been pressured by tariff-related challenges, CT Automotive achieved a gross profit margin improvement of 290 basis points. The gains were largely supported by the company’s focus on artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation initiatives, which have enhanced both productivity and cost control. These measures strengthen its growth potential while supporting profitability targets for the year.

Looking ahead, CT Automotive’s valuation and improving margins provide a constructive backdrop for investors. However, concerns over slower revenue momentum and weaker cash flow growth, combined with bearish technical signals, temper the overall outlook.

Company Profile

Headquartered in the UK, CT Automotive Group PLC specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of custom automotive interior finishes and kinematic assemblies. The company serves leading original equipment manufacturers and Tier One suppliers across the global automotive industry.

With a cost-efficient production base in China, Mexico, and Türkiye, CT Automotive is able to deliver high-quality, competitively priced components to a wide range of customers, including both traditional automakers and electric vehicle producers.

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.

ECO Animal Health Group PLC (LSE:EAH) posted a solid first-half performance for the financial year ending 30 September 2025, with revenue expected to climb by more than 15% year-on-year. Growth was fueled by strong sales momentum in China, Japan, and North America, even as the company navigated challenges from currency fluctuations and trade tariffs.

Improved gross margins and a notable increase in adjusted EBITDA are expected to strengthen the company’s financial profile for the remainder of the year. These gains support a more balanced overall performance and align with current market expectations for the full year.

The company’s outlook is underpinned by a sound balance sheet and encouraging technical signals. Still, investors face potential risks from a relatively high valuation and uneven revenue trends. Limited corporate updates, including the absence of an earnings call, restrict deeper insight into management’s forward plans.

Company Overview

ECO Animal Health is an international player in animal healthcare, specializing in branded pharmaceuticals for livestock. Its main focus is on antibiotics and vaccines for pigs and poultry, supported by operations in more than 70 countries and a global team of over 200 employees.

The company’s flagship product, Aivlosin®, is a patented treatment designed to combat respiratory and intestinal illnesses in pigs and poultry, and remains a key driver of its commercial success.

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.

Marks Electrical Group plc (LSE:MRK) has reported ongoing revenue headwinds in the second quarter of FY26, citing a slowdown in the Major Domestic Appliances and Consumer Electronics categories alongside heightened consumer price sensitivity. Despite these pressures, the company remains focused on delivering strong customer service and anticipates a rebound in the second half of the year, supported by strategic stock planning and a diversified product offering.

Even so, weaker trading in the first half is expected to weigh on full-year profitability. Management now forecasts adjusted EBITDA of around £1.7 million and has opted to postpone any decision on an interim dividend until after reviewing the full-year performance.

While recent profitability issues have challenged near-term results, Marks Electrical’s broader financial foundation remains resilient. Technical indicators point to neutral market sentiment, although valuation remains a concern due to the negative P/E ratio. The dividend yield provides a modest cushion, but limited updates from management, including the absence of an earnings call, restrict further visibility.

Company Snapshot

Founded in Leicester in 1987, Marks Electrical has evolved into a nationwide e-commerce retailer specializing in household electrical goods. The company serves a UK market worth an estimated £7 billion, with a core focus on Major Domestic Appliances and Consumer Electronics. Its catalog includes more than 4,500 products from over 50 leading brands, complemented by delivery, installation, and recycling services carried out by its own fleet and trained staff.

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.