Author: Fiona Craig

  • Weir Group Expands Margins and Digital Mining Capabilities After Strong 2025 Performance

    Weir Group Expands Margins and Digital Mining Capabilities After Strong 2025 Performance

    Weir Group (LSE:WEIR) reported a strong set of results for 2025, with orders rising 7% and revenue increasing 6% on a constant-currency basis. Adjusted operating profit climbed 15%, pushing operating margins to just above 20%, supported by resilient aftermarket demand, higher mining activity and growth in higher-margin digital offerings.

    A key contributor to performance was the company’s software segment, where recurring revenue from Micromine increased at an annualised rate of 24%. Despite the operational gains, statutory profit was affected by acquisition-related costs and an increase in net debt linked to recent deal activity.

    During the year, Weir accelerated its strategic expansion through several acquisitions, including Micromine, Fast2Mine, Townley and ESEL. These additions, along with new technology partnerships and product launches, broaden the company’s reach in areas such as digital mining solutions, North American phosphate processing and sustainable tailings management.

    Management expects the momentum to continue into 2026, forecasting further revenue growth and margin improvement. Planned gains are expected to come from ongoing cost efficiencies under the company’s Performance Excellence programme, the full-year contribution from recent acquisitions and sustained demand for critical minerals.

    The company’s outlook is supported by strong operational performance and positive technical indicators. Strategic acquisitions and an expanding digital product offering are expected to underpin long-term growth. While valuation metrics appear broadly balanced, recent corporate developments and management commentary highlight confidence in the company’s strategic direction.

    More about Weir Group plc

    Weir Group is a global engineering company supplying mission-critical equipment, aftermarket services and digital solutions to the mining industry. Its product range includes mineral processing equipment, ground-engaging tools and software platforms designed to improve efficiency and sustainability in mining operations. The business benefits from a strong aftermarket revenue base and growing exposure to high-demand commodities such as copper, gold and phosphates.

  • eEnergy Secures £1.8m in Solar and LED Contracts Across UK Schools and Hospitals

    eEnergy Secures £1.8m in Solar and LED Contracts Across UK Schools and Hospitals

    eEnergy Group (LSE:EAAS) has announced two new public sector contracts in the UK worth a combined £1.8 million, strengthening its presence in the education and healthcare sectors. The agreements support the company’s strategy of delivering energy infrastructure upgrades through funded projects that require no upfront capital from clients.

    The larger contract, valued at £1.1 million, has been awarded by Unity Schools Partnership and will see rooftop solar photovoltaic systems installed across 19 schools. The project will deliver approximately 300 kW of on-site renewable energy capacity and expands an existing relationship between the two organisations, following earlier LED lighting upgrades completed at 14 schools within the partnership.

    The second contract, worth £700,000, has been secured with Plymouth University Hospital and involves upgrading lighting systems to energy-efficient LEDs across seven buildings. The work builds on previous installations completed in 19 hospital wards and is expected to improve lighting quality and safety while delivering measurable reductions in energy consumption and operating costs.

    Together, the projects highlight growing demand from public sector organisations seeking to lower energy usage and carbon emissions while managing tight operating budgets. eEnergy’s funded delivery model allows institutions to implement energy-saving infrastructure without significant upfront expenditure, which management believes supports continued growth.

    Despite these recent contract wins, the company’s broader outlook remains challenged by weak financial performance and subdued technical indicators. While recent corporate developments are positive, they do not fully offset ongoing operational pressures. The company also carries a negative price-to-earnings ratio and currently offers no dividend, which weighs on its overall valuation profile.

    More about eEnergy Group

    eEnergy Group is a UK-based Energy-as-a-Service provider that finances and delivers energy efficiency and energy generation projects for public sector and commercial organisations operating across multiple sites. Its solutions include LED lighting systems and smart controls, rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV, battery storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, supported by dedicated project funding facilities and public sector procurement frameworks.

  • Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Plans Move to LSE Main Market as Growth and Liquidity Improve

    Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Plans Move to LSE Main Market as Growth and Liquidity Improve

    Cordiant Digital Infrastructure (LSE:CORD) reported strong trading performance for the nine months to 31 December 2025, with portfolio revenue rising to £262.9 million and EBITDA reaching £125.1 million. The increase was driven by new contract wins, built-in price escalators, disciplined cost management and the addition of Datacenter United to its portfolio.

    The company maintained solid dividend coverage of 1.8 times against its target annual payout of 4.35p per share. Its financial position also remains stable, with consolidated gearing at 40.7% and no debt maturities due before June 2029. Cordiant reported available liquidity of £240.8 million, which it intends to deploy toward growth capital expenditure and selective bolt-on acquisitions.

    The board also confirmed plans to transfer the company’s listing from the London Stock Exchange’s Specialist Fund Segment to the Main Market under the Closed-ended Investment Funds category. The shift is expected to improve share liquidity, widen access for retail investors and potentially pave the way for inclusion in FTSE indices.

    Operational progress across the portfolio included development work on the Prague Gateway data centre project and the completion of CRA’s acquisition of IPTV and OTT platform provider nangu.TV. Meanwhile, broadcast infrastructure operator Emitel secured new contracts in radio broadcasting and Internet of Things services while continuing to assess potential data centre expansion opportunities. These developments align with Cordiant’s “buy, build and grow” strategy aimed at creating scalable digital infrastructure platforms.

    Overall, the company’s outlook remains positive, supported by favourable technical indicators and an attractive valuation profile. Recent strategic initiatives and portfolio expansion also reinforce management’s growth ambitions. However, cash flow pressures remain a modest constraint, partially offsetting the otherwise strong performance.

    More about Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited

    Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited is a London-listed investment company focused on digital infrastructure assets. Its portfolio spans data centres, fibre networks, broadcast towers and other connectivity platforms across Europe. The company aims to build diversified and scalable operating businesses through holdings such as CRA, Emitel, Speed Fibre and Datacenter United, targeting long-term, cash-generative growth from essential digital connectivity infrastructure.

  • Georgina Energy Progresses Drilling Preparations at Hussar EP513 Prospect

    Georgina Energy Progresses Drilling Preparations at Hussar EP513 Prospect

    Georgina Energy plc (LSE:GEX) has moved forward with preparations for drilling at its Hussar EP513 prospect in Western Australia, securing formal quotations for a primary drilling rig along with associated camp infrastructure and a dedicated water well drilling unit. The company is also organising contractor reconnaissance of access routes and the nearby airstrip while coordinating with a neighbouring exploration company to share mobilisation costs for certain civil works.

    Technical adviser Aztech Well Construction has issued additional requests for quotations covering essential well construction and drilling services. These include casing materials, wellhead equipment, logging services, cementing, drilling fluids, and geological and gas analysis support.

    Under the project structure, all preparatory site work, drilling and completion activities, and related infrastructure—such as water well development—will be financed by Harlequin Energy through a non-dilutive structured offtake agreement. Access and site preparation activities are expected to begin in late Q1 or during Q2 2026, with drill testing currently targeted for the third quarter of 2026.

    The Hussar prospect is considered a significant subsalt exploration target for helium, hydrogen and hydrocarbons in onshore Australia, and the upcoming drilling campaign represents a key step in evaluating its resource potential.

    Despite operational progress, the company’s broader outlook remains constrained by weak financial fundamentals, including the absence of revenue, widening losses, continued cash burn and negative equity alongside rising debt levels. Technical indicators provide some offset, with moderate upward price momentum and the share trading above key longer-term moving averages. However, valuation metrics remain difficult to assess due to the lack of available P/E and dividend data.

    More about Georgina Energy

    Georgina Energy plc is an exploration company focused on the development of helium and hydrogen resources. Through its wholly owned Australian subsidiary Westmarket O&G, the company holds 100% interests in the onshore Hussar prospect in Western Australia and the Mt Winter prospect in the Northern Territory. It is also advancing additional subsalt re-entry opportunities at Mt Kitty and Dukas within the Amadeus Basin as part of its strategy to establish itself in emerging critical gas markets.

  • URU Metals Begins Ground Geophysical Surveys at Zeb Nickel Project

    URU Metals Begins Ground Geophysical Surveys at Zeb Nickel Project

    URU Metals (LSE:URU) has started line clearing and preparation for a ground-based geophysical survey at its Zeb Nickel Project in South Africa, initiating the next stage of exploration at the site. The programme follows earlier airborne surveys and aims to improve both safety and accuracy during data collection along gravity and frequency-domain electromagnetic survey lines.

    The planned ground surveys will focus on two high-priority target zones and are expected to generate higher-resolution data than previous airborne work. This enhanced detail should help refine the interpretation of existing electromagnetic, magnetic and gravity datasets collected across the project area.

    By improving the definition of conductive zones and dense ultramafic rock units, URU aims to better identify potential zones of semi-massive to massive nickel sulphide mineralisation. The results are expected to guide future drill targeting, potentially lowering exploration risk and strengthening the company’s positioning in the critical metals exploration sector ahead of its next drilling phase.

    Despite progress on the exploration front, URU’s overall outlook remains constrained by weak underlying fundamentals typical of early-stage exploration companies, including a lack of revenue, ongoing cash burn and negative equity. Technical indicators also remain subdued, with the share price trading below key short-term moving averages and a negative MACD signal. Recent corporate developments—including securing a mining right and completing an oversubscribed financing—provide some positive counterbalance.

    More about URU Metals

    URU Metals is a mineral exploration and development company focused on critical metals projects in South Africa. The company seeks to advance high-potential assets such as the Zeb Nickel Project while emphasising responsible mining practices, regulatory compliance and engagement with local stakeholders as it develops resources within the country’s growing critical minerals sector.

  • Dotdigital Acquires AI Lead-Capture Platform Alia to Strengthen Shopify Ecosystem Presence

    Dotdigital Acquires AI Lead-Capture Platform Alia to Strengthen Shopify Ecosystem Presence

    Dotdigital (LSE:DOTD) has agreed to purchase Alia Software, a rapidly expanding U.S.-based SaaS provider that uses AI-powered pop-ups and interactive website tools to convert anonymous visitors into email and SMS subscribers for Shopify merchants. The transaction, valued at up to $60 million and financed entirely from the company’s existing cash reserves, adds Alia’s lead-capture capabilities and its customer base of around 2,700 merchants to Dotdigital’s customer experience and data platform (CXDP).

    The acquisition is expected to deepen Dotdigital’s integration within the Shopify ecosystem while supporting higher-margin recurring revenue through cross-selling opportunities and international expansion. By incorporating Alia’s technology into its CXDP offering, Dotdigital aims to help brands capture and convert more first-party customer data, improving engagement across marketing channels.

    Founded in 2022, Alia has quickly built traction and is currently generating more than $8 million in forward-looking annual recurring revenue while operating with positive cash EBITDA. The business will continue to operate from its New York headquarters under its existing leadership team, with integration into Dotdigital’s platform planned in stages to maintain continuity for customers.

    The deal follows Dotdigital’s earlier acquisitions of Fresh Relevance and Social Snowball. Together, these transactions have significantly expanded the company’s scale, increasing forward-looking annual recurring revenue from £48.9 million to over £81 million. The acquisitions have also helped grow partner-driven sales and revenue originating from the United States, supporting the company’s strategy of evolving into a multi-product global marketing technology platform while maintaining strong profitability.

    Dotdigital’s broader outlook remains supported by steady revenue growth and solid profitability metrics. Technical indicators suggest moderately positive momentum in the shares, while valuation metrics point to a relatively balanced investment profile. The lack of recent earnings call disclosures or major corporate events does not materially affect the overall assessment.

    More about Dotdigital

    Dotdigital Group is a London-based provider of AI-powered customer experience and data platforms used by more than 4,000 brands across 150 countries. Its CXDP software enables marketers to unify and analyse customer data, build targeted audience segments and deliver personalised marketing campaigns across channels including email, SMS and other digital touchpoints to increase engagement, conversions and long-term customer loyalty.

  • Faron Pharmaceuticals Releases 2025 Annual Report Highlighting Progress in Immunotherapy Development

    Faron Pharmaceuticals Releases 2025 Annual Report Highlighting Progress in Immunotherapy Development

    Faron Pharmaceuticals (LSE:FARN) has issued its Annual Report for 2025, providing shareholders with detailed updates on the company’s financial results, governance framework and progress across its clinical development programmes. The report includes the Board of Directors’ report, audited financial statements and the remuneration report.

    The document also outlines developments related to Faron’s lead immunotherapy candidate, bexmarilimab, including progress in the ongoing Phase I/II BEXMAB clinical study targeting aggressive blood cancers. The annual report is available in both English and Finnish on the company’s website, offering investors broader access to information on the company’s strategy and research progress.

    Publishing the full report in two languages reflects Faron’s commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance across its dual listings on the AIM market in London and Nasdaq First North. The disclosures provide stakeholders with greater visibility into the company’s operations as it continues to advance its oncology pipeline.

    Faron hopes the detailed reporting will help maintain engagement with existing shareholders while also supporting interest from potential investors as it works to strengthen its position within the competitive field of cancer immunotherapy development.

    More about Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy

    Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd, headquartered in Turku, Finland, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing new immunotherapies designed to activate the body’s immune system against cancer. Its lead programme, bexmarilimab, is being tested in several clinical studies for hematological cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, as well as in solid tumors, often alongside established treatment regimens.

  • Mila Resources Gains Full Ownership of Queensland Projects as Drilling Highlights Gold Prospects

    Mila Resources Gains Full Ownership of Queensland Projects as Drilling Highlights Gold Prospects

    Mila Resources (LSE:MILA) reported a busy six months of exploration activity for the period ended 31 December 2025, highlighted by the acquisition of full ownership of its Yarrol, Mount Steadman and Monal licences and increased exploration across its Queensland gold and copper portfolio.

    At the Yarrol project, the company completed a 1,451-metre diamond drilling programme that confirmed the extension of gold-bearing structures beyond the boundaries of the historical resource. Results suggest the strongest near-term exploration potential lies in shallow mineralised zones along strike from the existing deposit. In response, Mila has planned a 1,600-metre reverse circulation drilling campaign designed to test step-out targets adjacent to the current resource area.

    Exploration efforts are also progressing at the Mount Steadman and Monal licences, where Mila is evaluating regional gold and copper prospects. The company aims to expand on historic non-JORC resource estimates while also investigating potential porphyry-style mineralisation similar to nearby discoveries in the region.

    Operational capacity has been strengthened with the expansion of the technical team, including the promotion of Alastair Goodship to Chief Operating Officer. The leadership change is intended to support the company’s accelerating exploration programme across its Queensland assets.

    Financially, Mila recorded an interim loss of £239,046 during the period while capitalising approximately £406,000 in exploration spending. The company also raised £1.05 million through new equity issuance and warrant exercises, finishing the period with £636,903 in cash to fund ongoing drilling and portfolio advancement.

    Despite maintaining a low-debt structure and a strengthened equity base, Mila’s overall outlook remains constrained by its early-stage profile. The company continues to report no revenue and negative free cash flow, while technical indicators show weak momentum with the share price trading below key moving averages and a negative MACD. Valuation metrics remain limited given the negative earnings profile and absence of a dividend.

    More about Mila Resources

    Mila Resources is a London-listed exploration company focused on gold and copper opportunities in Queensland, Australia. Its portfolio includes the Yarrol, Mount Steadman and Monal licences within the South-Eastern Goldfield. The company positions itself as a post-discovery exploration accelerator, targeting projects with the potential to deliver scalable gold and copper resources.

  • Raspberry Pi Plans Two Investor Presentations for 2025 Full-Year Results

    Raspberry Pi Plans Two Investor Presentations for 2025 Full-Year Results

    Raspberry Pi Holdings plc (LSE:RPI) will hold a live hybrid presentation of its results for the year ended 31 December 2025 at 09:30 GMT on 31 March 2026 in London, aimed primarily at analysts and institutional investors. Later the same day, management will host a separate online presentation and Q&A session at 14:00 GMT, providing broader access for investors and market participants interested in the company’s financial performance and strategy.

    The sessions will be led by Chief Executive Officer Eben Upton and Chief Financial Officer Richard Boult. Hosting both in-person and virtual formats reflects Raspberry Pi’s effort to widen investor engagement as the company’s profile in public markets continues to grow following strong worldwide uptake of its compact and affordable computing platforms.

    By offering multiple opportunities for investors to interact with management, the company aims to strengthen transparency around its results and outlook while reaching a wider shareholder base. The approach may also help support liquidity in its shares as Raspberry Pi positions itself as a significant participant in markets spanning industrial computing, education technology and semiconductor applications.

    Fundamentally, the company benefits from strong revenue expansion and a healthy balance sheet. However, recent declines in margins and negative free cash flow remain areas of concern. Market indicators also appear cautious, with the share price trading below key long-term moving averages and a negative MACD reading. In addition, a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of a dividend weigh on the stock’s overall investment profile.

    More about Raspberry Pi Holdings plc

    Raspberry Pi Holdings plc, headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, develops and sells low-cost, high-performance computing platforms used by engineers, educators and technology enthusiasts around the world. The company operates as a vertically integrated engineering organisation, spanning semiconductor intellectual property, hardware and software development, and regulatory compliance. Its products serve industrial and embedded systems, the enthusiast community and the education sector, with more than 75 million devices shipped globally.

  • Barratt Redrow Appoints Ventia Chief Dean Banks as Incoming CEO in 2026 Leadership Transition

    Barratt Redrow Appoints Ventia Chief Dean Banks as Incoming CEO in 2026 Leadership Transition

    Barratt Redrow (LSE:BTRW) has announced that Dean Banks will become its next Group Chief Executive, taking over from David Thomas, who plans to step down after more than a decade leading the company. Thomas, who has spent 17 years with the group and 11 as CEO, will remain in the role until Banks joins during the final quarter of 2026.

    Banks currently serves as Group Chief Executive of Ventia in Australia and brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience across publicly listed construction and infrastructure companies. Barratt Redrow said his industry background and track record in managing large-scale businesses made him the preferred candidate to guide the company through its next stage of development.

    To ensure continuity, Thomas will continue as CEO and board member until Banks formally assumes the role. He will then remain with the company until March 2027 to support the leadership transition and provide a structured handover period.

    The board said Banks’ appointment followed an extensive search process carried out with the help of external advisers. Chair Caroline Silver said the company is entering the transition from a position of strategic clarity and financial strength, while Thomas noted that Barratt Redrow’s leadership team and long-term strategy are well established. Banks described the move as an opportunity to build on a strong platform in the UK homebuilding sector.

    Barratt Redrow also stated that further regulatory disclosures relating to Banks will be released in accordance with UK listing rules. The company’s next scheduled market update will be a trading statement on 15 April 2026, which investors will watch closely as the leadership succession approaches.

    Despite operating in a challenging environment for profitability and cash generation, Barratt Redrow maintains a solid balance sheet and disciplined financial management. The company’s ongoing share buyback programme continues to support shareholder returns, though valuation metrics and technical signals suggest the stock may currently lack strong price momentum.

    More about Barratt Redrow

    Barratt Redrow plc is one of the UK’s largest residential property developers, focused on building high-quality and sustainable homes nationwide. Operating within the housebuilding and construction sector, the company targets a broad range of homebuyers while pursuing a strategy centred on disciplined expansion, operational efficiency, and strong customer service, supported by a robust financial position and a nationwide development footprint.