Author: Fiona Craig

  • Primary Health Properties Releases 2025 Annual Report and Announces Date for 2026 AGM

    Primary Health Properties Releases 2025 Annual Report and Announces Date for 2026 AGM

    Primary Health Properties (LSE:PHP) has published its Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2025 and issued formal notice of its 2026 Annual General Meeting, providing shareholders with an opportunity to review the company’s performance, governance framework and strategic progress.

    The AGM is scheduled to take place in London on 29 April 2026. Investors will be able to participate either in person, remotely, or by submitting proxy votes. The company is also distributing printed documentation to shareholders and submitting the relevant materials to the UK’s National Storage Mechanism, reflecting its commitment to regulatory compliance and transparent investor communication.

    Voting rights will apply to shareholders recorded on the register at the designated cut-off date, ensuring the orderly administration of the meeting and formal confirmation of voting eligibility. PHP noted that offering digital access, conference call participation and traditional printed materials aims to accommodate its broad investor base, including shareholders in South Africa.

    While the company’s valuation metrics — including a moderate price-to-earnings ratio and relatively high dividend yield — provide some support for its outlook, overall prospects remain influenced by mixed financial indicators. Leverage has increased and free cash flow fell sharply to zero in 2025, while weak technical momentum, with the shares trading below key moving averages and showing negative MACD signals, continues to weigh on sentiment.

    More about Primary Health Properties plc

    Primary Health Properties plc is the largest healthcare-focused real estate investment trust in the UK. The company owns more than 1,100 primary care and related healthcare properties across the UK and Ireland. Its assets form part of essential social infrastructure, supporting the delivery of healthcare services and generating income primarily from long-term leases backed by government bodies or healthcare service providers.

  • UK Oil & Gas Subsidiary Signs Hydrogen Storage Partnership With Wales & West Utilities

    UK Oil & Gas Subsidiary Signs Hydrogen Storage Partnership With Wales & West Utilities

    UK Oil & Gas (LSE:UKOG) said its wholly owned subsidiary UK Energy Storage (UKEn) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Wales & West Utilities, the primary gas network operator across Wales and South West England, to support the development of a regional hydrogen infrastructure network.

    The agreement focuses on integrating UKEn’s proposed hydrogen storage facility in South Dorset with WWU’s planned HyLine South West pipeline. The pipeline project is designed to connect hydrogen producers, users and storage facilities across the region, forming part of a broader low-carbon energy network.

    Under the terms of the memorandum, the two parties will explore options to link the HyLine South West system either directly or indirectly with UKEn’s planned salt-cavern hydrogen storage site. They also intend to work together to seek UK government revenue support through the Hydrogen Transport and Storage Business Model while promoting the wider rollout of hydrogen pipeline and storage infrastructure within WWU’s network area.

    The new agreement builds on UKEn’s previously announced partnership with National Gas, which focuses on national hydrogen network connectivity. Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen the foundations for a large-scale and reliable hydrogen supply system while supporting industrial decarbonisation efforts in Wales and the South West of England.

    More about UK Oil & Gas PLC

    UK Oil & Gas PLC is an AIM-listed energy company developing hydrogen storage infrastructure through its clean energy subsidiary UK Energy Storage. The group is focused on constructing large-scale hydrogen storage in salt caverns in southern England and positioning itself within the emerging UK hydrogen economy by targeting both national and regional pipeline connectivity for producers, industrial users and hydrogen offtakers across Wales, the South West and other parts of the UK.

  • Cloudbreak Discovery Cuts Interim Loss and Secures Funding to Advance Australian Gold Portfolio

    Cloudbreak Discovery Cuts Interim Loss and Secures Funding to Advance Australian Gold Portfolio

    Cloudbreak Discovery (LSE:CDL) reported interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2025 showing a reduced loss of £523,218, compared with £1,022,322 in the same period the previous year. The improvement reflects tighter cost management and a more focused investment approach as the company continues developing its early-stage natural resource project portfolio.

    During the period, Cloudbreak strengthened its financial position with cash at the end of the reporting period rising to £159,058. After the period closed, the company also completed a £1.85 million fundraising. In addition, it disposed of certain non-core financial assets as part of efforts to streamline its operations and focus on key opportunities.

    Although the company remains in a net liability position, management believes the additional funding and continued support from investors provide a stronger platform to progress its licences in Australia, expand its pipeline of projects and pursue strategic partnerships. The group sees significant long-term potential in the natural resources sector as it develops its portfolio.

    Despite the operational progress, the company’s outlook remains constrained by its lack of revenue, ongoing losses and continued cash usage, alongside negative equity. Technical indicators for the shares also remain weak, with the price trading below key moving averages and momentum indicators pointing to bearish conditions. While recent corporate developments and new funding offer some support, these factors have yet to fully offset the underlying financial challenges.

    More about Cloudbreak Discovery PLC

    Cloudbreak Discovery Plc is a London-listed natural resources company focused on identifying and developing high-grade gold opportunities, particularly across Western Australia’s major mineral belts. The company employs a project generation and royalty model, building a diversified portfolio of resource projects and royalties designed to reduce risk while creating multiple pathways for shareholder value.

  • Premier African Minerals Moves Zulu Lithium Project Closer to Q2 2026 Commissioning

    Premier African Minerals Moves Zulu Lithium Project Closer to Q2 2026 Commissioning

    Premier African Minerals (LSE:PREM) reported further construction progress at its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Zimbabwe as it works toward commissioning in the second quarter of 2026. Newly installed flotation cells have now been fully fitted and aligned under the supervision of the equipment manufacturer’s engineer, while both product and tailings pumps have been installed.

    Work continues across other parts of the processing plant, including the installation of structural steel, flotation launders and plant integration piping. Assembly of the motor control switchgear remains on schedule and is expected to arrive on site within the next two weeks as development activities move forward.

    Operational preparations are also advancing. The company is developing a commissioning plan, with its process engineering team mobilising to support the start-up phase. At the same time, Premier is in discussions with a mining contractor to secure a consistent ore supply. A stockpile of roughly 5,000 tonnes of run-of-mine material is already available to support initial commissioning activities.

    The company continues to target plant commissioning and optimisation in the second quarter of 2026, with the aim of reaching steady-state production of specification-grade spodumene concentrate. Achieving this milestone would strengthen Premier’s role in the lithium supply chain and could improve long-term value for shareholders if operational targets are met.

    However, the group’s outlook remains constrained by financial pressures, including ongoing losses, negative gross profit and continued cash burn. Technical indicators also remain weak, with the share price trading below major moving averages and showing negative momentum, while the absence of earnings and dividend support limits valuation upside.

    More about Premier African Minerals

    Premier African Minerals Limited is an AIM-listed mining and natural resources development company focused on projects across Southern Africa. Its portfolio includes commodities such as tungsten, lithium, tantalum and rare earth elements. Key assets include the RHA Tungsten Mine and the Zulu Lithium Project in Zimbabwe, alongside a pipeline of projects ranging from near-term development opportunities to early-stage exploration prospects.

  • Ethernity Networks Strengthens Relationship With Tier-1 U.S. Defence Customer

    Ethernity Networks Strengthens Relationship With Tier-1 U.S. Defence Customer

    Ethernity Networks (LSE:ENET) has expanded its collaboration with a major U.S. defence and aerospace customer following the completion of a $1.3 million single-platform licence agreement in August 2025. The partnership continued to generate revenue through additional development and enhancement work during the latter part of 2025, with the company recognising $0.2 million in revenue from the programme in the first quarter of 2026.

    For the full 2026 financial year, Ethernity expects enhancement-related revenue from this customer to total between $0.8 million and $1.0 million, providing clearer visibility for near-term earnings. The client has already begun shipping its platform that integrates Ethernity’s intellectual property and is currently evaluating a second platform. If adopted, the additional system could generate further licence income and supports the company’s strategy of building long-term, high-value relationships with key customers.

    Despite these developments, the group continues to face financial pressures, including declining revenues and ongoing losses. Recent corporate actions — such as raising new capital and securing an important patent — offer some positive signals, though limited technical trading data leaves uncertainty around near-term share performance. While the stock currently reflects the company’s financial instability, strategic progress could improve prospects over time.

    More about Ethernity Networks Ltd.

    Ethernity Networks Ltd. is a fabless semiconductor developer specialising in data processing technologies used in networking equipment and passive optical network infrastructure. Its silicon-proven portfolio includes patented wireless access solutions, routing technologies and PON controllers designed for telecom and cloud operators seeking to expand network capacity and enable high-speed connectivity for services such as 5G over both wireless and fibre networks.

  • Braemar Posts FY26 Results in Line With Expectations and Broadens Strategic Reach

    Braemar Posts FY26 Results in Line With Expectations and Broadens Strategic Reach

    Braemar (LSE:BMS) released preliminary results for the year ended 28 February 2026 showing revenue of around £135 million and underlying operating profit of approximately £13.2 million. Both figures met market forecasts but were below the previous year’s levels. The company reported net debt of £2.9 million at the end of the financial year, though it returned to a net cash position in March following a stronger second half, supported by the group’s diversified operating structure.

    During the year, Braemar continued to advance its strategic plan. Key developments included opening its first office in Africa, launching a UK Organised Trading Facility within its Securities division, completing a £2 million share buyback programme, and strengthening its leadership team with senior hires. The company also remains active in evaluating potential bolt-on acquisitions to support growth.

    Braemar said its forward order book remains solid at $72.5 million. While geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to create uncertainty, the board reiterated confidence in the company’s long-term strategy. Full-year results and a decision on the final dividend are expected by the end of May 2026.

    The group’s operational performance and corporate activity provide positive signals, though weaker technical indicators point to some market caution. The shares appear reasonably valued and continue to offer an attractive dividend yield, but bearish momentum and oversold conditions may weigh on near-term sentiment.

    More about Braemar Shipping Services

    Braemar Plc is a London-listed advisory and brokerage firm serving the global shipping and energy industries. The company provides investment advisory, chartering and risk management services, combining experienced shipbrokers with specialist professionals to help clients navigate market volatility and improve returns. Braemar has traded on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker BMS since 1997.

  • Kenmare reports 2025 loss as weak titanium markets and heavy spending trigger dividend suspension and job cuts

    Kenmare reports 2025 loss as weak titanium markets and heavy spending trigger dividend suspension and job cuts

    Kenmare Resources (LSE:KMR) swung to a loss in 2025 as softer titanium feedstock markets, reduced shipment volumes, lower prices and a substantial impairment charge weighed heavily on its results. The company posted an adjusted loss after tax of $23.7 million. Mineral product revenue declined 20% year-on-year to $312.1 million, while adjusted EBITDA dropped 63% to $58 million, leaving margins at 19%. Net debt climbed to $158.8 million following peak capital expenditure of roughly $156 million related to the upgrade of Wet Concentrator Plant A.

    To address the weaker financial position, the miner halted its final dividend for 2025 and implemented workforce reductions of around 15% at its Moma operation. The company is also seeking covenant relief on its revolving credit facility and has begun cost-reduction initiatives designed to cut operating expenses by about 10% in 2026.

    With construction of the WCP A upgrade largely finished and capital spending expected to decline significantly this year, Kenmare plans to reduce existing product inventories while maintaining ilmenite production above 800,000 tonnes. At the same time, it continues negotiations with the Mozambican government to renew the Moma Implementation Agreement, which sets the fiscal framework underpinning the long-term operation of the mine.

    Kenmare’s near-term outlook reflects both operational progress and financial pressures. While its historically high dividend yield has provided some investor support, the negative earnings profile and a recent safety incident at the Moma Mine add uncertainty to the investment case.

    More about Kenmare Resources

    Kenmare Resources is a mining company listed in London and Dublin and ranks among the world’s leading producers of titanium minerals and zircon. Its flagship asset is the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in northern Mozambique, which supplies roughly 6% of global titanium feedstocks used in products such as paints, plastics and ceramic tiles for customers across more than 15 countries.

  • Oil rebound could weigh on Wall Street after previous session’s rally: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

    Oil rebound could weigh on Wall Street after previous session’s rally: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

    U.S. stock futures are signaling a weaker start on Tuesday, indicating that equities may retreat after the strong gains recorded in the prior trading session.

    The cautious tone comes as crude oil prices recover, with global benchmark Brent futures climbing back above the $100 per barrel mark.

    Brent prices had fallen nearly 11% during Monday’s session after President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran had engaged in productive discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in the Middle East.

    However, oil prices are now moving higher again as Israel and Iran continue to exchange strikes. Large explosions have been reported in Tehran and other cities, while Iranian officials denied that negotiations with the United States had taken place.

    “Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote in response to Trump’s comments.

    He also said Trump’s recent statements “is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the U.S. and Israel are trapped.”

    Iran’s foreign ministry also rejected Trump’s remarks, saying they were “part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time” for possible military action.

    With the conflict now in its 25th day and no immediate signs of easing, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are moving closer to joining the fight against Iran, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

    On Monday, U.S. equities surged early in the session before giving up part of their gains later in the day, although the major indices still finished firmly higher. The rebound followed Friday’s session, when markets had dropped to their lowest levels in several months.

    Even though the major averages closed well below their intraday highs, they still posted solid gains. The Dow climbed 631.00 points, or 1.4%, to 46,208.47. The Nasdaq advanced 299.15 points, or 1.4%, to 21,946.76, while the S&P 500 added 74.52 points, or 1.2%, to end at 6,581.00.

    The early rally on Wall Street came after Trump softened his earlier threat to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not fully reopened.

    In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States and Iran had held “very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”

    Trump said he subsequently ordered the War Department to delay any strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure for five days.

    Later, speaking with CNBC’s Joe Kernen, the president said the United States is “very intent on making a deal with Iran,” after previously saying he was not interested in negotiations.

    Trump had earlier threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened within 48 hours.

    Iran responded by warning that it would target energy and water infrastructure across the Gulf region if the United States followed through with its threat.

    Buying interest faded somewhat as the day progressed after Iranian state media reported that the country’s foreign ministry denied holding negotiations with the United States.

    Trump later told reporters that the United States was speaking with a “top person” in Iran whom he described as the “most respected,” though he acknowledged that the individual was not the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

    Airline stocks were among the strongest performers, with the NYSE Arca Airline Index jumping 4.2% after closing at a four-month low last Friday.

    Gold mining stocks also advanced, with the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index rising 3.4%, even as gold prices dropped sharply.

    Networking stocks also moved higher, lifting the NYSE Arca Networking Index by 3%.

    Steel, housing, oil service and computer hardware stocks also posted notable gains amid broad buying across Wall Street.

  • European stocks mixed as uncertainty over Iran conflict persists: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stocks mixed as uncertainty over Iran conflict persists: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equity markets traded without a clear direction on Tuesday as investors remained cautious following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to delay potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure by five days.

    Large explosions were reported in Tehran and several other cities, while Iranian officials rejected claims that negotiations with the United States were underway to end the conflict.

    “Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote in response to Trump’s comments, adding that Trump’s latest rhetoric “is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the U.S. and Israel are trapped.”

    Iran’s foreign ministry also dismissed Trump’s remarks, saying they were “part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time” for potential military plans.

    On the economic front, new survey data showed that private sector activity in the eurozone slowed significantly in March. The S&P Global flash eurozone Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index dropped to 50.5 from 51.9 in February, marking its lowest level in ten months.

    Among major indices, Germany’s DAX fell 0.3%, while France’s CAC 40 edged up 0.1% and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 gained 0.2%.

    Shares of French AI software company Sidetrade SA (EU:ALBFR) rose 2.4% after Mission Trail Capital Management LLC disclosed the purchase of 80,659 shares, representing a 5.39% stake in the company.

    German automakers BMW (TG:BMW), Mercedes Benz (TG:MBG) and Volkswagen (TG:VOW3) moved slightly higher after industry figures showed that new car registrations in Europe rebounded in February, supported by stronger demand for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

    In London, game developer and publisher Everplay Group (LSE:EVPL) dropped 13.5% after reporting flat full-year sales for the period ending December 31, 2025.

    Shares of Trustpilot (LSE:TRST) fell sharply, declining 11% after Italy’s competition authority imposed a €4 million fine on the online review platform for misleading consumers.

    Homebuilder Bellway (LSE:BWY) lost 8% after lowering its operating margin outlook for fiscal 2026.

    Home improvement retailer Kingfisher (LSE:KGF) gained 1% after reporting an increase in its annual profit.

    Meanwhile, shares of Spanish beauty company Puig (BIT:1PUIG) jumped 13% after rival Estee Lauder (EU:EL) confirmed it is in discussions about a potential merger that would create a cosmetics group generating roughly $20 billion in annual sales.

  • Gold posts tenth straight loss as Iran dismisses U.S. negotiation claims

    Gold posts tenth straight loss as Iran dismisses U.S. negotiation claims

    Gold prices continued their downward trend in Asian trading on Tuesday, marking a tenth consecutive session of declines after Iran rejected claims that it had engaged in discussions with the United States following President Donald Trump’s decision to delay further strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure.

    Spot gold was down 0.7% at $4,376.04 an ounce by 02:46 ET (06:46 GMT), while U.S. gold futures fell 0.6% to $4,413.59.

    In the previous session, the precious metal had dropped to a four-month low before recovering slightly, though it still finished the day around 2% lower.

    Middle East attacks continue despite Trump’s negotiation claims

    On Monday, President Trump postponed a planned strike on Iran’s electricity grid, saying the move followed “very good and productive” discussions with unnamed Iranian officials.

    The decision to delay further military action helped ease tensions across financial markets and triggered a sharp decline in oil prices, which allowed gold to recoup part of its earlier losses during the previous session.

    However, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, later stated on social media that no such talks had taken place, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

    Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported Tuesday that Iran had launched several waves of missiles toward Israel, underscoring that the conflict shows no clear signs of easing.

    Gold remained under pressure as investors also kept their attention on the broader economic outlook, particularly expectations surrounding future interest rate policy.

    Despite its traditional reputation as a safe-haven asset during geopolitical turmoil, the metal has struggled to attract sustained demand.

    Precious metals pressured by strong dollar and Fed outlook

    Gold has faced persistent selling pressure in recent sessions as rising energy prices have intensified fears that inflation could remain elevated.

    This has prompted markets to dial back expectations of monetary easing, with investors increasingly anticipating that central banks — including the Federal Reserve — will keep interest rates higher for longer.

    Higher interest rates generally weigh on gold because the metal does not provide yield, making income-generating assets such as government bonds more attractive by comparison.

    The U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.4% in early Tuesday trading.

    Among other precious metals, silver declined 0.4% to $68.91 an ounce, while platinum slipped 0.3% to $1,883.05 an ounce.

    Copper prices also moved lower. Benchmark copper futures on the London Metal Exchange dropped 1.4% to $12,022.33 per ton, while U.S. copper futures fell 1.3% to $5.41 per pound.