Author: Fiona Craig

  • On The Beach Shares Slide as Profit Forecast Falls Short of Expectations

    On The Beach Shares Slide as Profit Forecast Falls Short of Expectations

    Shares of On The Beach Group PLC (LSE:OTB) dropped 14.6% after the online travel company projected full-year profit below analyst expectations, despite posting strong growth in its core operations.

    The company now anticipates adjusted profit before tax for the year ending 30 September 2025, excluding its B2B operations, to be between £34.5 million and £35.5 million. This falls short of the £38.4 million forecast by analysts. The guidance reflects plans to wind down the loss-making B2B division, Classic Collection.

    Even with the profit shortfall, On The Beach reported a third consecutive year of record growth, with total transaction value (TTV) hitting £1.23 billion—up 11% year-on-year. Summer 2025 bookings rose 12% compared to last year, which the company described as “significantly ahead of the package holiday market” that grew only 3%, according to ATOL data.

    “I am pleased to report another year of significant growth with record TTV of £1.23bn, representing a 11% increase on FY24. Our core B2C business has again outperformed the market, underpinned by the Group’s asset light, cash generative model and balance sheet strength,” said Shaun Morton, Chief Executive of On the Beach.

    The company also highlighted operational efficiencies, projecting an EBITDA margin of roughly 34%, up from 31.7% the previous year. Customer satisfaction improved as well, with Net Promoter Score rising 17% to around 55.

    RBC analysts noted that the lower-than-expected PBT will likely be a key focus for investors, linking the shortfall to an industry-wide challenge with summer holiday re-bookings.

    “We would flag though that the group continues to trade well ahead of the market by c.10% and with the winding down of B2B, the full energy of the group can be put behind its fastest growth areas,” they said in a note.

    On The Beach has also unveiled a new £25 million share buyback program, adding to the £30 million already returned to shareholders this fiscal year. The company secured a new four-year credit facility of £120 million, with a £30 million accordion option, replacing its previous facility due to expire in 2027.

    Looking ahead, Winter 2025 bookings are reported to be 12% higher than the same period last year, while Summer 2026 bookings reflect the broader market trend of later reservations.

    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.

  • Saga plc Reports Strong Interim Results Driven by Travel Growth

    Saga plc Reports Strong Interim Results Driven by Travel Growth

    Saga plc (LSE:SAGA) has reported strong interim results for the first half of 2025, with significant growth in its Travel segment driving performance above expectations. Revenue rose 9%, while profit before tax more than doubled, increasing 103% compared to the prior year. Strategic initiatives are progressing well, including the successful refinancing of debt and the divestment of its Insurance Underwriting business to Ageas. The company remains on track to achieve long-term goals of reducing leverage and improving profitability, with continued focus on Travel and Insurance operations.

    The outlook is supported by strong technical indicators and recent corporate developments. However, high leverage and negative net income continue to weigh on financial performance, while valuation metrics remain weak due to a negative P/E ratio and absence of dividends, resulting in a moderate overall outlook.

    About Saga plc

    Saga plc is a UK-based company providing products and services for customers aged 50 and over. Its offerings include cruises, holidays, insurance, personal finance, and publishing, and the company is recognized for delivering exceptional customer service.

    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.

  • Petro Matad Advances Well Testing Operations in Mongolia

    Petro Matad Advances Well Testing Operations in Mongolia

    Petro Matad Limited (LSE:MATD) has completed acidisation operations at the Heron-2 well in Block XX and is continuing efforts to clean the well and assess its productive capacity. The company is also mobilizing equipment to the Gazelle-1 well for a testing program, with operations expected to begin by the end of September. These initiatives are part of Petro Matad’s strategic plan to enhance operational capabilities and potentially increase oil production, supported by PetroChina’s provision of essential equipment.

    About Petro Matad

    Petro Matad Limited is an AIM-listed oil company focused on exploration and production activities in Mongolia. The company’s operations are centered on advancing its portfolio of wells to realize growth in oil output.

    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.

  • Genedrive PLC Raises £3.2 Million Through Share Placing

    Genedrive PLC Raises £3.2 Million Through Share Placing

    Genedrive PLC (LSE:GDR) has completed a fundraising round, raising approximately £3.2 million via the issuance of 1,598,750,000 new shares at a discounted price. The placing, which includes both firm and conditional elements, is designed to strengthen the company’s financial position and support strategic initiatives. Completion of the placing is subject to shareholder approval at an upcoming general meeting, with further investments and retail offers under consideration. Participation by company directors underscores confidence in Genedrive’s future prospects.

    While Genedrive faces ongoing profitability challenges, it continues to benefit from strong revenue growth and a solid balance sheet. Technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and valuation metrics are constrained by the lack of profitability. Nevertheless, recent corporate developments provide a positive outlook, potentially enhancing market positioning and future growth opportunities.

    About Genedrive

    Genedrive PLC operates in the healthcare sector, specializing in point-of-care pharmacogenetic testing. The company develops and commercializes rapid genetic testing solutions that enable personalized medicine and improve patient outcomes.

    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.

  • KEFI Gold and Copper Issues New Shares Following Broker Warrants Exercise

    KEFI Gold and Copper Issues New Shares Following Broker Warrants Exercise

    KEFI Gold and Copper plc (LSE:KEFI) has issued 68,796,818 new ordinary shares after broker warrants were exercised at a price of 0.55 pence per share. This raises the company’s total issued share capital to 9,431,369,780 ordinary shares and may trigger shareholder notifications under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

    About KEFI Gold and Copper plc

    KEFI Gold and Copper plc is an exploration and development company focused on gold and copper projects. Its primary asset is the Tulu Kapi project in Ethiopia, alongside other exploration initiatives in the Arabian-Nubian Shield. The company aims to generate cash flow from Tulu Kapi production to support capital repayment, further exploration, and shareholder dividends.

    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.

  • SDI Group Reports Positive Growth Momentum and Strategic Progress

    SDI Group Reports Positive Growth Momentum and Strategic Progress

    SDI Group plc (LSE:SDI) has reported encouraging momentum across its portfolio, with organic growth improving compared to the previous year. The company anticipates meeting full-year market expectations, with higher profits and revenues expected in the second half, supported by a strong order book and active pipeline. SDI continues to execute a dual strategy of optimizing existing businesses for organic growth while acquiring complementary companies to enhance synergies and leverage group-wide benefits.

    The outlook is supported by solid financial performance and positive technical indicators. Strategic acquisitions and operational efficiencies contribute to the company’s growth prospects, despite ongoing challenges in certain markets and segments. Valuation is moderate, though the lack of a dividend may limit appeal for some investors.

    About SDI Group

    SDI Group plc is a diversified group of small to medium-sized companies specializing in industrial and scientific products. The company acquires and develops businesses that design and manufacture specialist equipment for laboratories, industrial and scientific sensors, and related products. Its portfolio serves multiple markets, including life sciences, healthcare, plastics and packaging, manufacturing, precision optics, and measurement instrumentation.

    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.

  • Time Finance Reports Record Results and Strategic Growth Plans

    Time Finance Reports Record Results and Strategic Growth Plans

    Time Finance plc (LSE:TIME) has reported strong financial results for the year ending 31 May 2025, achieving record revenues and profits despite challenging macroeconomic conditions. The company’s focus on secured and own-book lending has driven substantial growth in its lending portfolio and net tangible assets, enhancing future shareholder value. Completion of its four-year strategy resulted in higher revenue, profit before tax, and earnings per share, and the company is now launching a new three-year plan to continue its growth trajectory.

    The outlook remains positive, supported by strong financial performance, encouraging technical indicators, and recent strategic corporate developments. While cash flow management requires continued attention, the company is well-positioned for ongoing growth.

    About Time Finance plc

    Time Finance plc is an independent specialist finance provider listed on AIM, offering flexible funding solutions to UK SMEs. Its primary services include Asset Finance and Invoice Finance, with a focus on own-book lending to support businesses through economic cycles.

    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.

  • Blue Star Capital Highlights Strategic Progress in SatoshiPay Projects

    Blue Star Capital Highlights Strategic Progress in SatoshiPay Projects

    Blue Star Capital (LSE:BLU) has provided updates on developments within SatoshiPay’s portfolio. Key milestones include the launch of Vortex’s upgraded platform, which improves both user experience and security. SatoshiPay is exploring strategic partnerships to integrate Vortex with payment services and has deployed liquidity to Vortex DEX on Pendulum, signaling growth in decentralized finance. Additionally, Nabla, another SatoshiPay initiative, secured funding to support multi-blockchain expansion, underscoring SatoshiPay’s active role in advancing blockchain infrastructure.

    About Blue Star Capital

    Blue Star Capital is an investment company focused on emerging technologies, particularly in blockchain, payments, and esports. Its portfolio includes SatoshiPay Ltd, renowned for innovative payment solutions, Dynasty Media & Gaming, and Paidia, a female-focused gaming platform.

    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.

  • TT Electronics Reports Mixed H1 2025 Results Amid Operational Restructuring

    TT Electronics Reports Mixed H1 2025 Results Amid Operational Restructuring

    TT Electronics (LSE:TTG) has announced its interim results for the first half of 2025, showing strong performance in Europe driven by growth in Aerospace & Defence, while facing challenges in North America and order delays in Asia. The company is executing an operational turnaround, including the closure of its Plano site and a strategic review of its components business. Despite a 6% decline in organic revenue, TT Electronics achieved a 135% cash conversion and reduced net debt. Management expects improved profitability in the second half of the year, in line with market expectations.

    The outlook reflects ongoing financial pressures, including declining revenues and profitability concerns. Technical indicators suggest a more positive momentum, while valuation is mixed, with a negative P/E ratio offset by a strong dividend yield. Limited earnings call and corporate events data restrict additional insights.

    About TT Electronics

    TT Electronics is a global provider of engineered electronic solutions for performance-critical applications. The company designs and manufactures products that support safer, healthier, and more sustainable operations. Its key markets include Healthcare, Aerospace, Defence, Automation, and Electrification, with facilities in the UK, North America, and Asia.

    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.

  • EnQuest Reports H1 2025 Results and Expands Operations in South East Asia

    EnQuest Reports H1 2025 Results and Expands Operations in South East Asia

    EnQuest PLC (LSE:ENQ) has released its first-half 2025 results, reporting an average net production of 43,392 Boepd, with particularly strong output from its Vietnamese operations. While revenue declined by 6% and sales costs rose 10%, the company maintained its full-year production guidance. Challenges from UK fiscal policies continue to affect North Sea operations, but EnQuest is pursuing growth through strategic acquisitions and targeted investments. Its expansion in South East Asia is expected to contribute significantly to production in the coming years.

    The company’s outlook reflects mixed financial performance, with declining revenues and high leverage offset by robust cash flow generation. Technical indicators point to bearish sentiment, though a low P/E ratio may indicate potential undervaluation. Limited recent earnings call data and corporate events restrict additional insight.

    About EnQuest

    EnQuest PLC is an oil and gas producer focused on operational efficiency and decommissioning leadership in the North Sea. The company is expanding in South East Asia through acquisitions in Vietnam and agreements in Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, positioning itself for growth in the region.

    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.