Author: Fiona Craig

  • Team Internet improves margins despite lower revenue as strategic review continues

    Team Internet improves margins despite lower revenue as strategic review continues

    Team Internet Group (LSE:TIG) reported first-half 2026 results in line with market expectations, with revenue declining as legacy AdSense for Domains income reduced to an immaterial level. Despite the lower top-line performance, the company delivered stronger profit margins, supported by growth across its DIS and Comparison businesses and improving performance within its Search division.

    Management said the Search business returned to profitability in June following the completion of a major operational transition and cost optimisation programme, reinforcing confidence in a stronger performance during the second half of the year.

    Margin improvement offsets revenue decline

    Gross revenue for the first half totalled US$179.1 million, while adjusted EBITDA came in at US$19.5 million.

    Although earnings declined year-on-year, net revenue margins improved significantly to 34.1%, reflecting the changing mix of the business and the benefits of operational efficiencies. The company also noted that its financial performance remains weighted towards the second half of the financial year, in line with normal seasonal trends.

    Strategic review and deleveraging remain priorities

    Net debt increased to US$117.5 million during the period, primarily as a result of tax settlements and working capital movements rather than additional borrowing.

    The board expects leverage to reduce significantly during the second half as cash generation improves. At the same time, Team Internet continues to progress its strategic review of the DIS division while also managing changes to its board, including the retirement of non-executive director Claire MacLellan.

    Management believes these initiatives will help strengthen the group’s long-term operating model and capital position.

    Financial outlook remains mixed

    The company’s financial outlook continues to reflect declining revenue, wider losses and higher leverage following a reduction in shareholder equity. However, the business continues to generate positive cash flow, albeit at lower levels than previously.

    Technical indicators remain moderately supportive over the near term, while valuation continues to be affected by negative earnings despite the company maintaining a modest dividend yield.

    About Team Internet Group

    Team Internet Group is a global internet services company focused on online identity and digital discovery solutions. The business operates through two principal segments: DIS, which provides domain name management, identity and software services, and its Comparison and Search divisions, which deliver digital advertising solutions. The group generates a significant proportion of its income through recurring subscriptions and revenue-sharing arrangements with business and consumer customers worldwide.

  • Kendrick Resources reports high-grade rare earth drilling at Teufelskuppe project

    Kendrick Resources reports high-grade rare earth drilling at Teufelskuppe project

    Kendrick Resources (LSE:KEN) has announced further encouraging drilling results from its Teufelskuppe rare earth project in Namibia, confirming extensive zones of near-surface light rare earth oxide (LREO) mineralisation within the project’s carbonatite complex. Recent diamond drilling intersected consistent mineralised intervals grading between 2.5% and 3.5% LREO across several dykes and sills, providing additional evidence of the continuity and scale of the deposit.

    Resource definition work continues

    The company is advancing a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate for the Teufelskuppe project while continuing both diamond and reverse circulation drilling programmes.

    The ongoing exploration campaign is designed to define the depth and lateral extent of the mineralised system, with the latest results supporting confidence in the project’s geological continuity and future resource potential.

    Project targets growing demand for critical minerals

    Teufelskuppe is predominantly enriched in the light rare earth elements cerium, lanthanum, neodymium and praseodymium, which are essential raw materials for technologies including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and defence applications.

    According to Kendrick Resources, the grades reported to date place the project among the higher-grade rare earth deposits globally, strengthening its potential to become an important future supplier of critical minerals to international markets seeking diversified supply outside traditional sources.

    Financial profile reflects exploration-stage status

    Kendrick Resources remains an exploration-stage company without operating revenue, and its financial profile continues to be characterised by ongoing losses, negative cash flow and a weakened balance sheet with negative equity.

    Although technical indicators remain supportive, reflecting positive share price momentum, valuation remains difficult to assess due to continued losses and the absence of a dividend.

    About Kendrick Resources PLC

    Kendrick Resources PLC is a mineral exploration and development company focused on identifying, acquiring and advancing resource projects through exploration, technical evaluation and resource development. The company has a portfolio of critical minerals projects in southern Africa, including the Teufelskuppe and Bonya rare earth projects in Namibia and the Blue Fox licence in northwest Zambia.

  • Victoria extends debt maturities as weaker flooring demand impacts annual results

    Victoria extends debt maturities as weaker flooring demand impacts annual results

    Victoria PLC (LSE:VCP) reported a challenging performance for the 2026 financial year, with underlying revenue declining 6.3% and EBITDA margins coming under pressure as softer demand during the second half weighed on trading. The group also recorded losses after impairment charges, refinancing expenses and restructuring costs affected its reported results.

    Despite the weaker performance, management pointed to resilient pricing, operational improvements and encouraging signs of recovery, noting that the first quarter of FY2027 has delivered growth in both volumes and revenue alongside improved profitability.

    Refinancing strengthens long-term financial position

    Victoria has completed a comprehensive refinancing programme that extends its principal debt maturities to 2031, providing greater financial flexibility as the business works through the current market cycle.

    Subject to the necessary approvals, the refinancing is expected to reduce balance sheet liabilities by approximately £300 million while lowering annual finance costs by around £34 million.

    The company said these measures form part of a broader strategy to strengthen its capital structure and support future growth.

    Cost reductions and asset sales support recovery strategy

    Alongside the refinancing, Victoria is implementing additional efficiency measures, including cost-saving initiatives and planned asset disposals expected to generate approximately £70 million.

    The group also continues to focus on increasing market share across its key markets in the UK, Australia and the United States as flooring demand gradually improves.

    Management expects the business to generate at least £115 million of EBITDA during FY2027, reflecting confidence that operational improvements and stronger trading conditions will support the next phase of recovery while reducing leverage over time.

    Financial outlook remains mixed

    Victoria’s outlook continues to be influenced by declining revenue, significant losses and elevated leverage, alongside negative equity. While recent share price momentum has been positive, technical indicators suggest the stock may be approaching overbought territory, increasing the potential for short-term volatility.

    Management’s latest earnings update provided a more constructive tone, highlighting improving EBITDA, margin recovery and operational efficiency initiatives. However, valuation remains constrained by the company’s loss-making position.

    About Victoria PLC

    Victoria PLC is an international manufacturer, designer and distributor of flooring products, including carpets, rugs, underlay, ceramic tiles, luxury vinyl tiles, artificial grass and related accessories. Headquartered in Worcester, the company operates across the UK, continental Europe, the United States and Australia, employs approximately 5,000 people across more than 30 sites and is Europe’s largest carpet manufacturer.

  • Kazera Global to distribute 80% of Aftan settlement proceeds to shareholders

    Kazera Global to distribute 80% of Aftan settlement proceeds to shareholders

    Kazera Global (LSE:KZG) has announced plans to return approximately 80% of the net cash proceeds from its US$10.5 million settlement with African Tantalum’s counterparty, Hebei, to eligible shareholders through a dedicated Aftan Shareholder Return Programme. The initiative is intended to reward investors who remained supportive throughout the lengthy arbitration process while using contingent value rights (CVRs) to preserve shareholders’ entitlement to future distributions, even if they sell their shares after the qualifying dates.

    Contingent value rights to secure future distributions

    The company has established ex-entitlement and record dates for late July and early August 2026 as part of the programme.

    The timing of shareholder payments will depend on when Hebei fulfils its settlement obligations. If payment is received in full within the expected timeframe, qualifying shareholders are anticipated to receive a single distribution during early 2027. Alternatively, if settlement proceeds are received over a longer period, distributions are expected to be made in three instalments between early 2028 and early 2030.

    The use of contingent value rights is designed to ensure that eligible shareholders retain their claim to future payments regardless of any subsequent share transactions.

    Remaining funds to support future growth

    Kazera intends to retain approximately 20% of the settlement proceeds to strengthen its balance sheet and provide funding for future development opportunities.

    Management believes this approach balances returning capital to shareholders with maintaining financial flexibility to support the company’s long-term growth strategy. Retained funds are expected to contribute to the development of its investment portfolio, including its flagship heavy mineral sands project in South Africa, while reducing the need for future equity fundraising.

    Financial outlook reflects early-stage investment profile

    Kazera’s financial profile continues to be influenced by the characteristics of an early-stage resource investment company, with no current revenue generation, ongoing operating losses and continued cash outflows. Rising debt levels also limit balance sheet flexibility.

    Technical indicators remain broadly supportive, with the shares trading above major moving averages and momentum supported by a positive MACD reading. However, elevated RSI and stochastic indicators suggest the stock may be approaching overbought conditions. Valuation also remains constrained by negative earnings and the absence of a dividend.

    About Kazera Global plc

    Kazera Global plc is an AIM-listed investment company focused on building and developing a portfolio of resource-related assets, including heavy mineral sands operations in South Africa. The company aims to create shareholder value by advancing its investments, returning realised proceeds where appropriate and reinvesting capital into opportunities with long-term growth potential.

  • discoverIE raises sales and earnings expectations as order growth accelerates

    discoverIE raises sales and earnings expectations as order growth accelerates

    discoverIE Group plc (LSE:DSCV) has upgraded its outlook after reporting a strong start to the 2026–27 financial year, driven by robust demand across its industrial electronics portfolio. The FTSE 250 company, which designs and manufactures customised electronic components for OEM customers, said continued order momentum has strengthened confidence in full-year sales and earnings performance.

    Strong order intake supports improved guidance

    During the first quarter, discoverIE recorded a 31% increase in organic orders and 6% organic sales growth, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.15. The company said the performance reflects sustained customer demand across its core end markets.

    Including contributions from recently acquired businesses Trival and Storm, total sales increased 10% at constant exchange rates. Based on current trading, management now expects full-year earnings to exceed previous board expectations.

    The group also reported a healthy order book, a growing pipeline of new design wins and an active acquisition pipeline, providing additional support for future growth.

    Acquisition strategy continues to complement organic expansion

    discoverIE continues to pursue its long-term strategy of combining organic growth with targeted acquisitions to expand its technology offering and market reach.

    Management believes the combination of strong underlying demand, recent acquisitions and a healthy pipeline of opportunities positions the business to deliver further growth across its industrial end markets.

    Financial outlook remains positive despite valuation pressures

    The company’s outlook continues to be supported by improving earnings and a consistent track record of generating positive free cash flow, although higher leverage remains a factor for investors to monitor.

    Technical indicators remain favourable, reflecting a strong upward share price trend. However, some momentum measures suggest the shares may be approaching overbought conditions, increasing the potential for short-term volatility. Valuation also remains relatively demanding, with a high price-to-earnings ratio and a modest dividend yield.

    About discoverIE Group plc

    discoverIE Group plc is a FTSE 250 international electronics group specialising in the design and manufacture of customised components for industrial applications. Through its Magnetics & Controls and Sensing & Connectivity divisions, the company supplies OEM customers operating in sectors including industrial automation, security, renewable energy, medical technology and electrified transport. discoverIE operates across 21 countries and employs approximately 4,600 people worldwide.

  • CleanTech Lithium produces high-purity lithium carbonate as Laguna Verde development progresses

    CleanTech Lithium produces high-purity lithium carbonate as Laguna Verde development progresses

    CleanTech Lithium (LSE:CTL) has produced approximately 330 kilograms of high-purity lithium carbonate from material generated at its Laguna Verde Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) pilot plant. The lithium carbonate, processed by Empower at its new facility in Dallas, achieved purity levels of up to 99.91%, while a further 250 kilograms remains contained within recycle fluids for future recovery.

    The production process incorporates DuPont nanofiltration and boron removal technology, helping the company validate its proposed processing flowsheet while also assessing opportunities to improve project economics through the recovery of valuable by-products.

    Optimisation programmes support next phase of project development

    CleanTech Lithium is progressing several technical studies aimed at enhancing the performance and efficiency of the Laguna Verde project ahead of its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).

    Current work includes a process validation programme with Lanshen in Chile as part of the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), benchmarking of DLE adsorbent technology in France, and a brine reinjection study being carried out with Zelandez.

    These initiatives are intended to optimise lithium recovery, ensure the project consistently meets battery-grade product specifications and develop sustainable brine reinjection solutions to support long-term environmental performance.

    Technical work strengthens project investment case

    By refining its processing flowsheet and advancing engineering studies, CleanTech Lithium aims to improve the commercial attractiveness of the Laguna Verde project for future strategic partners, customers and investors.

    The company believes the latest production results and ongoing optimisation work will strengthen the project’s readiness for the DFS while supporting discussions with potential offtake partners seeking high-purity lithium products for electric vehicle and battery supply chains.

    Financial outlook reflects development-stage profile

    As a pre-revenue development company, CleanTech Lithium continues to report operating losses and negative free cash flow while investing in project advancement. Technical indicators also remain weak, with the shares trading below key moving averages and momentum measures remaining negative.

    Valuation metrics provide limited support due to the company’s loss-making position and the absence of a dividend, making direct comparisons with established producers more challenging.

    About CleanTech Lithium PLC

    CleanTech Lithium PLC is an exploration and development company focused on sustainable lithium production in Chile. Listed on AIM and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the company is advancing its flagship Laguna Verde brine project using Direct Lithium Extraction technology alongside downstream processing partnerships to produce high-purity lithium carbonate for the global battery and electric vehicle industries.

  • Scancell and Neuphoria agree all-share merger supported by up to US$89 million financing

    Scancell and Neuphoria agree all-share merger supported by up to US$89 million financing

    Scancell Holdings (LSE:SCLP) has agreed to merge with U.S.-based Neuphoria Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NEUP) in an all-share transaction that will create a combined biotechnology company operating under the Scancell name. Following completion of the deal, existing Scancell shareholders are expected to own approximately 85.5% of the enlarged group, while Neuphoria investors will hold the remaining 14.5%.

    The combined business intends to secure a Nasdaq listing while retaining Scancell’s existing AIM quotation. Under the terms of the transaction, each Neuphoria share will be exchanged for American Depositary Shares (ADSs) in Scancell, with shareholders also receiving contingent value rights linked to Neuphoria’s partnered assets and potential future monetisation events.

    Financing package to fund late-stage melanoma programme

    Alongside the merger, Scancell is putting in place financing of up to US$89 million to support the next stage of its clinical development strategy.

    The funding package includes a US$39.1 million private placement, a UK placing and retail offer targeting approximately US$15 million, and a proposed US$25 million debt facility backed by funds managed by BlackRock.

    Subject to the successful completion of the merger and Nasdaq listing in the fourth quarter of 2026, the enlarged group expects to hold pro forma net cash of around US$79.1 million (£59.2 million). Management believes this will extend the company’s cash runway into 2029 and fully fund the planned global registrational Phase 3 trial of its lead melanoma immunotherapy, iSCIB1+.

    Dual listing supports U.S. expansion strategy

    The proposed Nasdaq listing is intended to broaden Scancell’s access to U.S. capital markets and increase its visibility among specialist life sciences investors. The merger with Neuphoria is also expected to strengthen the company’s presence in the U.S. biotechnology market while supporting the advancement of its late-stage oncology pipeline.

    Management sees the transaction as an important step towards accelerating clinical development and creating a stronger platform for future growth.

    Financial outlook reflects growth opportunity and investment needs

    Scancell’s outlook continues to reflect the characteristics of a clinical-stage biotechnology company, with ongoing operating losses, cash burn and negative equity weighing on its financial profile. Valuation also remains constrained by the absence of positive earnings.

    However, recent clinical and regulatory progress has strengthened investor sentiment, supported by a clear pathway towards Phase 3 development. Technical indicators remain positive, although elevated share price momentum suggests the stock could experience increased short-term volatility.

    About Scancell Holdings

    Scancell Holdings is a UK-based biotechnology company focused on developing targeted, off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapies. Its lead programme, iSCIB1+, is being developed for the treatment of advanced melanoma, while the company continues to expand its oncology pipeline. Scancell is listed on AIM and is seeking a dual listing on Nasdaq to broaden its access to U.S. institutional investors and support its long-term growth strategy.

  • Antofagasta resumes Los Pelambres operations following severe weather disruption

    Antofagasta resumes Los Pelambres operations following severe weather disruption

    Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO) has restarted production at its Los Pelambres copper mine in Chile after operations were temporarily suspended because of severe weather that brought heavy rainfall and intermittent power outages across several regions. The company confirmed the shutdown was carried out in an orderly manner and reported no injuries or significant damage to equipment or essential infrastructure. Full-year production guidance remains unchanged.

    Mine infrastructure performs as designed during storm

    The miner said the El Mauro tailings storage facility and its associated water management systems operated effectively throughout the adverse weather conditions. Surge ponds and controlled rainwater discharge systems functioned as intended, helping the site manage increased water flows during the storm.

    With operations now returning to normal, Antofagasta has reaffirmed its production outlook for the year, indicating that the temporary disruption is not expected to have a material impact on planned output.

    Company supports local recovery efforts

    In addition to restoring mining operations, Antofagasta is assisting local authorities and communities in Chile’s Choapa Province with recovery efforts. The company is supporting activities including road clearance and other emergency response measures aimed at helping affected areas recover following the severe weather.

    The response highlights Antofagasta’s ongoing involvement in the communities surrounding its mining operations while maintaining the safe resumption of production at Los Pelambres.

    Financial outlook remains supported by operational strength

    Antofagasta continues to benefit from strong underlying operating performance, positive technical momentum and a constructive earnings outlook supported by funded growth projects across its portfolio.

    However, these strengths are balanced by a relatively high valuation, reflected in an elevated price-to-earnings ratio and modest dividend yield. Higher leverage and recent negative free cash flow during a period of elevated capital expenditure also remain factors influencing the company’s financial outlook.

    About Antofagasta

    Antofagasta plc is a Chile-focused mining company with a portfolio centred on copper production, including its flagship Los Pelambres operation. The group operates large-scale mining, processing and infrastructure assets that supply copper to global markets while maintaining a significant presence across Chile’s principal mining regions.

  • RC365 expands fintech offering through strategic partnership with Hong Kong’s Nexara Capital

    RC365 expands fintech offering through strategic partnership with Hong Kong’s Nexara Capital

    RC365 Holding plc (LSE:RCGH) has announced that its subsidiary, RCPAY, has formed a strategic partnership with Hong Kong-based Nexara Capital to provide multi-currency virtual banking accounts, API connectivity and fintech solutions designed to support Nexara’s international growth plans. The agreement marks RCPAY’s first collaboration with a securities and asset management firm licensed by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), extending its RC3.0 virtual account platform into the wealth management sector.

    Partnership broadens virtual banking and wealth management services

    Under the agreement, RCPAY will deliver its virtual account infrastructure alongside standardised API integration and Wealth Management Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions. The collaboration is intended to streamline financial operations while supporting Nexara’s cross-border business activities.

    Both companies have also committed to maintaining rigorous compliance standards, including anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions screening and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures, ensuring the services meet regulatory requirements.

    Agreement supports RC365’s regional growth strategy

    The partnership strengthens RC365’s efforts to expand its B2B2C fintech ecosystem by increasing the reach of its payment and virtual banking solutions within Hong Kong’s financial services industry.

    Management believes the agreement could create additional commercial opportunities as the company builds its presence across Hong Kong and the wider Asian fintech and wealth management markets, while further enhancing the capabilities of its RC3.0 platform.

    Financial outlook remains under pressure

    RC365 continues to face financial challenges, with declining revenue, ongoing losses, elevated leverage and negative cash flow weighing on its outlook. Market technicals also remain weak, with the share price trading below key moving averages and momentum indicators such as MACD remaining negative.

    Valuation metrics provide limited support due to continued negative earnings, while the company does not currently offer a dividend.

    About RC365 Holding PLC

    RC365 Holding plc is a London-listed fintech and payment solutions provider operating primarily across East and Southeast Asia through its subsidiaries Regal Crown Technology and HC Capital. The group offers payment gateway services, enterprise software support, digital remittance, foreign exchange solutions and asset-linked credit card products for multinational businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises and individual customers. RC365 is also expanding into virtual banking services and pursuing growth opportunities in the UK and European markets.

  • Alien Metals reports resource growth and exploration success at Elizabeth Hill

    Alien Metals reports resource growth and exploration success at Elizabeth Hill

    Alien Metals (LSE:UFO) has highlighted significant progress at the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project in Western Australia following a strong June quarter delivered by its joint venture partner, West Coast Silver. The project has achieved its first JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate, comprising 141,000 tonnes grading 617 grams per tonne silver for a total of 2.795 million ounces. Alien continues to hold a 30% interest in the project alongside an 8.7% equity stake in West Coast Silver.

    Drilling expands high-grade silver mineralisation

    Recent drilling has identified a new high-grade silver zone beneath and to the south of the historic mine workings, while also extending broad zones of near-surface mineralisation to the north and west of the existing resource.

    The exploration programme also intersected additional massive sulphide mineralisation, highlighting the potential for nickel, copper and palladium alongside the project’s silver resources. These results suggest further upside as exploration continues across the wider mineral system.

    Funded exploration programme supports next development phase

    West Coast Silver finished the quarter with approximately A$3.0 million in cash, providing funding for the next stage of exploration and development across the 180-square-kilometre project area.

    The planned programme includes district-scale geophysical surveys, resource expansion drilling, mine development studies and resource conversion work, all aimed at advancing Elizabeth Hill towards future production.

    For Alien Metals, continued exploration success at the project enhances its exposure to high-grade silver while also increasing the potential value of associated polymetallic discoveries within its Australian asset portfolio.

    Financial profile reflects exploration-stage business

    Alien Metals remains an exploration company without revenue generation, and its financial profile continues to reflect operating losses and ongoing investment in exploration activities. Market technicals also remain weak, with the share price trading below key moving averages and momentum indicators including MACD and RSI remaining negative.

    Valuation provides some support through a moderate price-to-earnings multiple, although the company does not currently offer a dividend yield.

    About Alien Metals Ltd

    Alien Metals Ltd is an AIM-listed mining exploration and development company with interests in iron ore, silver, platinum group metals and base metals across Australia and the Northern Territory. Its principal assets include the 90%-owned Hancock Iron Ore Project in Western Australia, the Georgina Basin IOCG Project in the Northern Territory, and joint venture interests in the Munni Munni PGM project and the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project.

    The company follows a diversified development strategy by advancing its core assets through exploration, technical studies and strategic partnerships. In addition to its project interests, Alien Metals also holds equity investments in companies including West Coast Silver and GreenTech Metals, providing additional exposure to future resource growth and development opportunities.