Author: Fiona Craig

Genus Plc (LSE:GNS) posted strong annual results on Thursday, with profit growth and record cash generation, following U.S. approval for its gene-edited pigs—the first of their kind cleared for the food supply chain.

For the year ending June 30, 2025, adjusted profit before tax climbed 24% to £74.3 million, up from £59.8 million the previous year. Statutory profit before tax reached £28.5 million versus £5.5 million a year earlier, reflecting a £13.3 million reduction in biological asset values and £11.4 million in exceptional costs.

Revenue rose 1% to £672.8 million, while operating profit increased 21% to £81.1 million. Including joint ventures, operating profit grew 19% to £93.1 million from £78.1 million. Basic earnings per share rose to 81.8 pence from 65.5 pence, with adjusted EPS up 25%.

The effective tax rate fell to 36.7% from 78.6%, while the adjusted rate stood at 27.5%. Net finance costs edged higher to £18.8 million from £18.3 million. Cash generated from operations nearly doubled to £106.2 million from £55.1 million, producing record free cash flow of £40.9 million compared with a £3.2 million outflow last year. Cash conversion improved to 114% from 71%, and net debt declined to £228.2 million from £248.7 million, supported by stronger free cash inflows. Return on adjusted invested capital rose to 14.7% from 11.5%.

In the porcine division, PIC reported revenue of £362.9 million, up 3% in actual terms and 8% at constant currency. Adjusted operating profit, including joint ventures, rose to £111.9 million from £103.6 million. Latin America led growth with a 14% increase, while Asia surged 70%; Europe fell 4% due to health and regulatory pressures. PIC added 12 new royalty customers in China, strengthening its recurring revenue pipeline.

The bovine division, ABS, generated £307.7 million in revenue, down 2%, though up 2% in constant currency. Adjusted operating profit increased to £19.5 million from £14 million, a 53% rise at constant currency, with margins improving to 6.3% from 4.4%. The company said its Value Acceleration Programme contributed £11.8 million in benefits during the year.

R&D costs declined to £16.5 million from £21.8 million due to efficiency measures. Exceptional expenses totaled £11.4 million, down from £24.6 million the previous year, including redundancy and restructuring at ABS.

The board proposed a final dividend of 21.7 pence per share, unchanged from last year, keeping the total dividend at 32 pence. Dividend cover remained within the targeted 2.5–3x range. Payment is scheduled for Dec. 5 to shareholders on record Nov. 7.

Separately, Genus announced a joint venture with Beijing Capital Agribusiness, which will hold 51% against Genus’s 49%. Genus will receive $160 million on completion—about $140 million net of tax and transaction costs—while retaining royalty rights on future gene-edited pig sales in China.

“Genus achieved a strong performance in FY25 as we executed our strategic priorities, secured FDA approval for our PRRS-resistant pigs and won significant new royalty customers in China,” chief executive Jorgen Kokke said.

For fiscal 2026, Genus expects stable market conditions, neutral currency impact, and anticipates adjusted profit before tax to grow significantly within analyst consensus.

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.

Safestore Holdings (LSE:SAFE) reported a 5.7% year-on-year increase in group revenue for the third quarter at constant exchange rates, with like-for-like (LFL) revenue up 3.4%.

In the U.K., like-for-like revenue rose 2.8%, reflecting a continuation of the company’s positive quarterly trajectory, supported by steady domestic customer demand and gains from unit partitioning. Paris saw a 1.7% increase in like-for-like revenue, buoyed by higher occupancy levels.

Expansion markets delivered the strongest growth, with like-for-like revenue climbing 13%, driven by a combination of higher occupancy and improved rates. Overall group closing occupancy reached 81.8% of the company’s lettable space, slightly above the 81.4% recorded in fiscal 2024. Newly opened sites also contributed to revenue gains during the period.

During the quarter, Safestore opened a 47,400 sq ft facility in Brussels, followed by a 60,000 sq ft store in Noisy, Paris at the start of Q4. The development pipeline remains on schedule, with over 700,000 sq ft of additional space expected to come online this financial year.

Chief Executive Officer Frederic Vecchioli said the company was “encouraged with our continued momentum with growth coming across all markets driven by both LFL stores and our new store opening programme.” He added that the U.K. performance was improving due to “robust domestic customer demand and the benefits from our space partitioning programme.”

Safestore continues to anticipate that full-year 2025 earnings per share (EPS) will align with market expectations.

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.

Empire Metals Limited (LSE:EEE) released its interim results for the first half of 2025, emphasizing the Pitfield Project as a globally significant titanium discovery. The company reported outstanding drilling and metallurgical test results, achieving a 99.25% TiO₂ product, reinforcing Pitfield’s status as a leading titanium project.

With robust financial support and an enhanced technical team, Empire Metals is well-positioned to progress the project toward commercial production, targeting high-value markets such as aerospace and defense. The company’s strategic role as a secure titanium supplier continues to attract investor and industry interest.

About Empire Metals

Empire Metals Limited is a natural resources company focused on exploration and development. Its primary product is titanium, with the Pitfield Project in Western Australia recognized for high-grade titanium mineralization. The company aims to supply sectors with high-value demand, including aerospace and defense.

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.

Power Metal Resources PLC (LSE:POW) has made a strategic investment in Minestarters, a blockchain-based DeFi platform designed to revolutionize mining finance by offering tokenized investment opportunities in early-stage mining projects. This initiative positions Power Metal as a pioneer in the emerging real-world asset tokenization space, potentially creating new value streams for shareholders.

Minestarters will deliver a compliant and transparent platform for both institutional and retail investors, helping to bridge the funding gap in early-stage mining ventures and establishing a new hybrid DeFi asset class.

Power Metal Resources’ outlook is supported by strong revenue growth and a robust balance sheet, though operational challenges and negative cash flows are factors to monitor. The stock’s undervaluation presents a potential opportunity, while technical indicators signal caution amid bearish trends.

About Power Metal Resources PLC

Power Metal Resources PLC is a London-listed natural resources exploration company and project incubator with a global portfolio. The company specializes in creating value through project incubation and crystallization, with a particular focus on the mining sector.

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.

Metals Exploration PLC (LSE:MTL) posted record free cash flow and strong first-half 2025 earnings, supported by operations at the Runruno project and favorable gold market conditions. The company’s acquisition of Condor Gold and the launch of the La India project in Nicaragua represent key milestones in its expansion strategy, with plans for extensive drilling and development to grow gold resources and production capacity. Community engagement and safety remain central, with ongoing initiatives in both the Philippines and Nicaragua.

The company’s outlook is underpinned by robust financial performance, including significant revenue growth and strong cash flow generation. However, technical indicators suggest a bearish trend, and while the valuation is fair, the absence of a dividend yield is a consideration. Limited earnings call data and recent corporate events mean these factors have minimal impact on the current assessment.

About Metals Exploration PLC

Metals Exploration PLC is a gold production, exploration, and development company with assets in the Philippines and Nicaragua. Its strategy focuses on growth through strategic acquisitions and development projects, aiming to establish a multi-project portfolio.

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.

Iofina plc (LSE:IOF) achieved a record monthly iodine production of 74.3 metric tons in August 2025, driven by operational efficiency and the commissioning of its new plant, IO#11. The company also reported a $1.8 million increase in cash reserves, supported by Employee Retention Tax Credit refunds received for retaining staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These milestones highlight Iofina’s focus on growth and operational excellence, with plans to expand into new areas and further increase iodine production in the future.

About Iofina plc

Iofina plc is a vertically integrated producer of iodine and specialty chemical products. It ranks as North America’s second-largest iodine producer and operates through Iofina Resources and Iofina Chemical. Iofina Resources develops and manages iodine extraction plants using proprietary technology, while Iofina Chemical manufactures high-quality halogen specialty chemicals.

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.

Vertu Motors (LSE:VTU) reported steady results for the five months ending July 2025, with used car volumes and margins holding firm despite supply constraints and subdued consumer confidence. Growth in the aftersales segment has been strong, and the company has maintained tight cost control even amid inflationary pressures.

Challenges persist in the new car market due to the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate and broader consumer trends. However, government incentives for electric vehicles are expected to support demand. Vertu Motors is also expanding its presence with new BYD sales outlets and continues its share buyback program, reinforcing shareholder value. Additionally, the company is engaged in discussions with the Financial Conduct Authority regarding a proposed motor finance redress scheme following a Supreme Court ruling.

The company’s outlook is underpinned by a solid financial base and attractive valuation, including a low P/E ratio and healthy dividend yield. Share buybacks further enhance value, though technical indicators are mixed, showing short-term bearish signals offset by longer-term support. Limited recent earnings call data leaves some uncertainty regarding management’s strategic outlook.

About Vertu Motors

Vertu Motors is a leading UK automotive retailer with 195 sales and aftersales locations. The company specializes in new and used car sales and high-margin aftersales services, including vehicle repair and maintenance.

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.

Tern plc (LSE:TERN) reported a marked improvement in its financial performance for the first half of 2025, with losses reduced by 64% compared to H1 2024, supported by a 7% reduction in administrative expenses. The company also made a strategic investment in Sure Ventures plc to diversify its holdings and capture potential synergies, while raising additional capital through successful share placements to support its investment strategy.

Despite ongoing macroeconomic pressures affecting its portfolio companies, Tern continues to prioritize disciplined cash management and long-term value creation for shareholders.

About Tern plc

Tern plc focuses on generating value from Internet of Things (IoT) technology businesses. Operating within the broader technology sector, the company invests in areas such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR). Tern targets high-growth technology firms and provides support to early-stage, disruptive IoT portfolio companies.

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.

Fusion Antibodies plc (LSE:FAB) reported significant revenue growth for the year ending March 2025, with sales rising to £1.97 million from £1.14 million the previous year. The company highlighted its strategic advancements in the diagnostics market, reducing dependence on the more volatile biotech sector, alongside securing several major contract wins. A successful £1.17 million fundraising round and collaboration with the U.S. National Cancer Institute have strengthened its flagship OptiMAL® program, positioning the company for continued expansion.

Despite broader economic uncertainty, Fusion Antibodies sees opportunities arising from funding pressures in the biotechnology sector, as companies increasingly outsource development to manage costs. However, the company still faces financial challenges, including prior losses and declining revenues. Technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and valuation metrics reflect ongoing unprofitability. Nonetheless, recent fundraising and strategic collaborations provide cautious optimism for the future.

About Fusion Antibodies plc

Based in Belfast, Fusion Antibodies plc is a contract research organization specializing in pre-clinical antibody discovery, engineering, and supply for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Its services include antibody generation, development, production, characterization, and optimization, helping pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies accelerate the development of innovative products. The company serves an international client base, including major pharmaceutical firms.

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.

Defence Holdings PLC (LSE:ALRT) has revealed its inaugural AI product at DSEI 2025, developed in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence and a leading technology partner. The launch, part of a strategic alliance with Whitespace Global Limited, represents a major milestone for Defence Holdings, strengthening its position in the defence sector by delivering sovereign-grade scalability, resilience, and security in its technology solutions.

About Defence Holdings PLC

Defence Holdings PLC is the UK’s first publicly listed, software-focused defence company, dedicated to providing sovereign digital capabilities across national security, resilience, and defence readiness.

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.