Author: Fiona Craig

  • TMICC Posts Steady 2025 Sales Growth as Demerger Costs Pressure Earnings

    TMICC Posts Steady 2025 Sales Growth as Demerger Costs Pressure Earnings

    Magnum Ice Cream Co. N.V. (LSE:MICC) reported 2025 revenue of €7.9 billion, delivering 4.2% organic growth supported by a 1.5% increase in volumes and 2.6% pricing uplift. The company said all regions expanded market share during the year, while its leading brands introduced around 150 new products to sustain consumer engagement and category momentum.

    Although top-line performance remained robust, profitability was impacted by costs associated with the group’s separation and restructuring activities. Operating margins and net income came under pressure from one-off demerger expenses, foreign exchange headwinds, new transitional service agreement (TSA) cash charges and higher financing costs following the issuance of an oversubscribed €3 billion bond. A €180 million productivity drive helped mitigate some of these pressures but did not fully offset the incremental expenses tied to becoming a standalone business.

    The demerger, alongside listings in Amsterdam, London and New York, formally established TMICC as an independent, pure-play ice cream company. However, free cash flow declined sharply over the year, reflecting separation-related outflows, capital expenditure and increased interest payments.

    Looking ahead, management maintains that underlying category demand remains resilient, particularly across digital channels and in faster-growing AMEA markets. A €500 million multi-year productivity initiative is expected to support margin recovery, while the company is targeting 3%–5% organic sales growth in 2026 as it strengthens its competitive position in the global ice cream sector.

    More about Magnum Ice Cream Co. N.V.

    Magnum Ice Cream Co. N.V. is a leading global ice cream specialist with a brand portfolio that includes Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, Cornetto and Heartbrand. The company serves both at-home and out-of-home consumption channels, leveraging digital commerce, extensive retail distribution and an expanding freezer network to grow its presence across Europe, the Americas and AMEA regions.

  • Ondo Secures First U.S. LeakBot Contract Through vipHomeLink Alliance

    Ondo Secures First U.S. LeakBot Contract Through vipHomeLink Alliance

    Ondo InsurTech Plc (LSE:ONDO) has taken a significant step in its U.S. expansion after winning its first American insurance customer for its LeakBot water damage prevention system via a partnership with vipHomeLink. The company targets the estimated $17 billion annual water damage claims market across the U.S. and UK, working with 26 insurers and holding the London Stock Exchange’s Green Economy Mark for its focus on reducing loss-related environmental impact.

    LeakBot is designed as a self-install device that connects to a home’s Wi-Fi network, identifies hidden leaks and coordinates repairs through a mobile app and a network of engineers. Ondo collaborates with insurers to integrate the technology into their claims prevention strategies, aiming to lower claims frequency and severity.

    Under the new agreement, The Co-operative Insurance Companies will introduce LeakBot to policyholders in Vermont and New Hampshire. Ondo described the deal as an important milestone in its U.S. go-to-market plan. By leveraging vipHomeLink’s regional platform and co-branded marketing capabilities, the company aims to penetrate local and specialist insurers, build density in targeted markets and complement its direct relationships with larger national carriers. Additional launches through this channel are anticipated.

    While the strategic progress supports Ondo’s international growth ambitions, the company’s broader outlook remains shaped by weak financial performance and challenging technical indicators. Nonetheless, recent corporate activity—including fundraising initiatives and expansion into new markets—offers a degree of forward-looking optimism.

    More about Ondo InsurTech Plc

    Ondo InsurTech Plc is a London-listed technology provider focused on claims prevention solutions for home insurers worldwide. Its patented LeakBot device connects to household wireless networks to detect water leaks, notify homeowners via a mobile app and arrange repairs through specialist engineers. Research suggests the system can reduce water damage claim costs by up to 70%. The company partners with 26 insurers across Europe and the U.S., including Nationwide, Admiral and Hiscox, and derives the majority of its revenue from environmentally beneficial activities linked to loss prevention.

  • Europa Oil & Gas Expands Retail Fundraise After Strong Shareholder Demand

    Europa Oil & Gas Expands Retail Fundraise After Strong Shareholder Demand

    Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc (LSE:EOG) has increased the size of its WRAP Retail Offer after existing shareholders subscribed multiple times over the initial allocation. The offer, priced at 1.2p per share and accompanied by one warrant for every four shares issued, generated gross proceeds of approximately £641,000 through the issuance of more than 53 million new shares plus attached warrants. To manage dilution, the company scaled back individual applications despite the oversubscription.

    The retail raise sits alongside a separate £3.5 million placing, bringing the total number of new shares to roughly 345 million. If approved at a rescheduled general meeting expected around 3 March 2026, the enlarged share capital will increase Europa’s voting share base to about 1.32 billion shares. Admission of both the placing and retail offer shares to AIM trading is anticipated on or around 5 March 2026, subject to shareholder approval. The WRAP Retail Offer remains conditional on completion of the placing, although the placing itself is not dependent on the retail component.

    The expanded equity base will also reset the benchmark for regulatory disclosure thresholds under UK transparency rules, a key consideration for investors monitoring reportable holdings. Strategically, the combined fundraising is intended to reinforce Europa’s financial flexibility and potentially improve liquidity in its shares.

    From an outlook perspective, the company continues to face financial headwinds, with notable declines in revenue and profitability weighing on performance metrics. However, recent corporate activity and some constructive technical signals provide partial offset, pointing to potential operational momentum ahead. Valuation indicators remain subdued due to ongoing unprofitability, though insider participation and strategic initiatives may lend cautious optimism.

    More about Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc

    Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc is an AIM-listed exploration, development and production company with oil and gas interests across West Africa, the UK and Ireland. The group focuses on upstream opportunities in these regions, utilising London capital markets to support growth while maintaining a diverse retail shareholder base.

  • Yellow Cake Secures US$110m to Increase Physical Uranium Exposure

    Yellow Cake Secures US$110m to Increase Physical Uranium Exposure

    Yellow Cake plc (LSE:YCA) has completed an oversubscribed equity placing, raising roughly US$110 million through the issue of 12,818,760 new shares at £6.29 apiece to a mix of existing and new institutional investors. The fundraising exceeded the initial US$75 million target, with the new shares—equivalent to around 5.3% of the company’s pre-issue share capital—set to begin trading on AIM on 17 February 2026. Following admission, total voting rights will rise to 252,659,184 shares.

    The capital injection will enable Yellow Cake to fully exercise its 2026 uranium purchase option under its long-standing supply framework with Kazatomprom. Management also intends to preserve flexibility for additional opportunistic purchases of physical uranium. By increasing its U3O8 inventory at a time when it anticipates tightening global supply and structurally rising demand—driven in part by electrification trends and the energy requirements of AI-focused data centres—the company aims to strengthen its leverage to uranium price movements and deliver enhanced long-term shareholder value.

    Despite its strategic positioning, the investment case continues to be shaped by uneven financial performance, including volatile earnings and persistently negative cash flow, although the balance sheet remains debt-free. Technical indicators suggest a solid upward trend, but near-overbought conditions and a negative price-to-earnings ratio temper the overall assessment.

    More about Yellow Cake plc

    Yellow Cake plc is a London-listed specialist investment vehicle offering direct exposure to the uranium spot price through the acquisition and holding of physical U3O8. Incorporated in Jersey, the company seeks to generate returns primarily from uranium price appreciation and related transactions. Its strategy is underpinned by a long-term supply agreement with Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer.

  • CleanTech Lithium Provides CEOL Update and Retains Former CFO in Advisory Role

    CleanTech Lithium Provides CEOL Update and Retains Former CFO in Advisory Role

    CleanTech Lithium PLC (LSE:CTL) has confirmed that its application for a Special Lithium Operating Contract (CEOL) covering the Laguna Verde project remains under active review by Chilean authorities. The chief executive has recently held meetings with the Ministry of Mining, which the company described as constructive, and management reiterated its confidence that the project will meet the requirements necessary for approval. Securing the CEOL is a pivotal step for Laguna Verde, a cornerstone asset in CleanTech Lithium’s Chile growth strategy and its ambition to supply lithium materials into the global battery value chain.

    Separately, the group announced that former chief financial officer and director Gordon Stein, who had been scheduled to step down on 11 February, will continue supporting the business under a consultancy arrangement through at least the end of June 2026 in a non-board CFO capacity. Stein will work alongside newly appointed project finance adviser Cutfield Freeman & Co as the company seeks to secure a strategic funding partner. The arrangement is intended to maintain financial stability and continuity as the company advances toward its next development phase.

    From a financial standpoint, the outlook remains constrained by the company’s pre-revenue status, widening losses and ongoing negative operating and free cash flow, underscoring continued reliance on external capital despite moderate leverage levels. Technical indicators provide some counterbalance, with the share price trading above key moving averages and momentum metrics such as MACD and RSI showing supportive trends. Nonetheless, valuation remains pressured by negative earnings and the absence of dividend support.

    More about CleanTech Lithium PLC

    CleanTech Lithium PLC is an exploration and development company focused on building sustainable lithium operations in Chile to support the global clean energy transition. Listed on AIM and in Frankfurt, the company controls the Laguna Verde and Viento Andino projects, along with the Arenas Blancas exploration asset in the lithium-rich Atacama region. It intends to utilise direct lithium extraction technology to reduce environmental impact while supplying battery-grade lithium to international markets.

  • Physiomics Secures South Korean Oncology Modelling Engagement

    Physiomics Secures South Korean Oncology Modelling Engagement

    Physiomics plc (LSE:PYC) has been awarded a new contract by a South Korea-based clinical-stage biopharma group focused on next-generation antibody-drug conjugates and immuno-oncology treatments. Valued at up to £66,600, the assignment will involve applying pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling and simulation to support dose selection for one of the client’s oncology candidates. The work is set to begin immediately and is expected to conclude within two months.

    The agreement expands Physiomics’ footprint in Asia and aligns with its strategy to grow its international client base beyond core markets. It also reflects increasing demand for advanced quantitative modelling tools to reduce risk and improve decision-making in cancer drug development. Management described the mandate as further evidence of the company’s ability to deliver data-driven insights at pivotal clinical stages, where accurate dose optimisation can materially influence outcomes.

    Despite the strategic progress, the company’s broader outlook continues to be shaped by financial challenges. Persistent losses and ongoing cash outflows weigh on performance, even as revenues showed a rebound in 2025 and the balance sheet remains debt-free. Technical indicators offer a more constructive picture, with the share price trading above key moving averages, though overbought signals suggest potential short-term volatility. Valuation metrics remain constrained by negative earnings and the lack of dividend support.

    More about Physiomics plc

    Physiomics plc is a UK-based specialist in mathematical modelling, biostatistics and data science, supporting biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the development of new medicines and personalised therapies. Through computational approaches, custom-built models and its proprietary Virtual Tumour platform, the company helps streamline drug development across discovery, pre-clinical and clinical phases. Its client roster includes Merck KGaA, Astellas and Bicycle Therapeutics.

  • Myprotein Expands Into UK Food-to-Go Through Greencore Partnership

    Myprotein Expands Into UK Food-to-Go Through Greencore Partnership

    THG PLC (LSE:THG) has unveiled a new licensing agreement between its Myprotein brand and convenience food manufacturer Greencore, paving the way for a range of protein-packed salads and wraps to launch in Sainsbury’s stores. The move is designed to accelerate Myprotein’s push beyond its traditional sports nutrition base, increasing its exposure in everyday, high-frequency food-to-go occasions.

    The partnership forms part of THG’s broader strategy to scale Myprotein’s offline distribution and licensing network to 100,000 retail outlets. It builds on existing collaborations with Müller, Iceland and Jimmy’s Coffee, which collectively delivered more than 43 million units into retail channels during 2025. Management believes that a growing roster of partners, combined with sustained consumer appetite for convenient, protein-rich and “clean label” products, could drive licensed product volumes above 60 million units in 2026. The initiative is expected to further embed the brand within the expanding healthy convenience segment.

    From a financial perspective, THG continues to navigate material headwinds. Elevated leverage levels and ongoing losses remain key constraints on the investment case. However, recent strategic developments and supportive technical indicators point to improving momentum, offering some balance to the pressure from underlying fundamentals.

    More about THG PLC

    THG PLC is a Manchester-headquartered global e-commerce platform operating across THG Beauty and THG Nutrition. Its portfolio includes leading consumer brands such as Lookfantastic, Dermstore, Cult Beauty and Myprotein. THG Beauty provides digital retail infrastructure for more than 1,000 third-party brands, while THG Nutrition, led by Myprotein, delivers health and wellness products through direct-to-consumer channels and an expanding network of offline retail partnerships worldwide.

  • Guardian Metal Steps Up Nevada Tungsten Strategy with U.S. Defense Funding

    Guardian Metal Steps Up Nevada Tungsten Strategy with U.S. Defense Funding

    Guardian Metal Resources Plc (LSE:GMET) has outlined accelerated progress across its Nevada tungsten portfolio, supported by a US$6.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense and a US$21 million equity placing. During the interim period, the company finalised an updated Technical Summary and Mineral Resource Estimate for its Pilot Mountain project, lifting open-pit constrained indicated resources by 16% compared with the 2018 assessment and moving the asset closer to a pre-feasibility stage.

    Field activity remains active at Tempiute, where drilling campaigns and environmental baseline studies are under way. The group has also expanded its land position at both Pilot North and Tempiute through additional claim acquisitions, strengthening the broader tungsten opportunity. Beyond tungsten, Guardian Metal progressed exploration work targeting copper, gold and lithium across its Garfield, Golconda, Kibby Basin and Stonewall properties.

    Financially, total assets increased to US$37.6 million during the period, despite a wider interim loss, as capital inflows bolstered the balance sheet. The company also became a participant in several U.S. defense-aligned industry groups, reinforcing its ambition to help rebuild a domestic tungsten supply chain amid heightened strategic focus on critical minerals.

    From an outlook perspective, performance continues to be constrained by limited revenue generation, expanding losses and rising cash outflows, although the group maintains a debt-free position. Market technicals offer more constructive signals, with a sustained upward trend and positive price momentum. Nevertheless, valuation metrics remain pressured by negative earnings and the absence of dividend support.

    More about Guardian Metal Resources Plc

    Guardian Metal Resources Plc is a strategic minerals exploration and development company focused on restoring U.S.-sourced tungsten production and enhancing American supply chain security for defense-critical metals. The company is advancing two flagship Nevada projects: Pilot Mountain, one of the largest undeveloped tungsten deposits in the United States, and Tempiute, historically the nation’s largest producing tungsten mine.

  • Thruvision Lands First UK Deals Under Subscription-Based Security Model

    Thruvision Lands First UK Deals Under Subscription-Based Security Model

    Thruvision Group plc (LSE:THRU) has recorded its first UK orders under its newly introduced “Screening as a Service” offering, a subscription-based model that provides customers with access to its walk-through security systems, along with ongoing support and training, in exchange for a fixed monthly payment. The structure is intended to eliminate significant upfront capital expenditure, enabling organisations to implement advanced screening capabilities more rapidly and with greater budget flexibility.

    The initial contracts represent an important step in the deployment of the company’s revised commercial strategy. Management views the early uptake as evidence of growing appetite for more adaptable procurement frameworks within the security screening sector. By shifting toward a subscription format, Thruvision aims to widen adoption of its technology and attract organisations seeking to modernise security infrastructure without committing to large capital outlays.

    From a financial standpoint, the company’s near-term outlook remains constrained by weaker fundamentals, including falling revenues and ongoing losses. While technical indicators suggest a broadly neutral trend, valuation metrics continue to reflect the pressure associated with sustained negative earnings. The absence of recent earnings call disclosures or major corporate events means those elements do not materially affect the overall assessment.

    More about Thruvision Group plc

    Thruvision Group plc is an international designer, manufacturer and supplier of walk-through security screening solutions deployed by government and commercial customers across more than 30 countries. Its AI-enabled systems are capable of identifying concealed metallic and non-metallic threats in real time, facilitating efficient and non-intrusive people screening. The company operates offices and production facilities in both the UK and the United States.

  • Tees Valley Lithium Advances Recovery and Compliance Strategy Through New UK Alliances

    Tees Valley Lithium Advances Recovery and Compliance Strategy Through New UK Alliances

    Alkemy Capital Investments Plc (LSE:ALK) has moved to strengthen the operational and compliance profile of its Tees Valley Lithium (TVL) project by entering into new UK-based partnerships focused on lithium recovery, recycled supply, and digital traceability. The agreements are designed to lift processing efficiency, cut waste, and reinforce the refinery’s credentials as a low-carbon, regulation-ready supplier to Europe’s battery and automotive industries.

    TVL has signed a memorandum of understanding with Watercycle Technologies to introduce modular, on-site lithium recovery systems at its proposed refinery. The initiative could enable the recovery of roughly 800 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent each year—representing an estimated $16 million in potential value. In parallel, a separate framework arrangement outlines the supply of up to 50,000 tonnes of recycled lithium feedstock over a five-year period beginning in 2028, bolstering long-term feedstock security.

    In addition, TVL has partnered with Circulor to implement batch-level digital tracking across its materials supply chain. The system will monitor provenance and recycled content, positioning the company to surpass upcoming EU Battery Regulation requirements for recycled lithium. The traceability platform is also aligned with standards adopted by major original equipment manufacturers, including Volvo, Ford, and Panasonic, enhancing TVL’s appeal to leading battery and EV producers.

    From an investment perspective, the company’s outlook remains weighed down by financial headwinds. Alkemy continues to report limited revenue generation, sustained operating losses, negative free cash flow, and a balance sheet showing negative equity alongside rising debt levels.

    However, market technical indicators provide some counterbalance, pointing to a firm upward trend and strengthening price momentum. Despite this, valuation metrics remain under pressure due to the group’s loss-making position and the absence of dividend support.

    More about Alkemy Capital Investments Plc

    Alkemy Capital Investments Plc is a UK-based developer of infrastructure projects tied to critical minerals essential for the energy transition. Through its wholly owned Tees Valley Lithium subsidiary, the company is progressing plans to establish what is intended to be Europe’s first standalone lithium hydroxide refinery, supplying battery-grade lithium chemicals to the region’s electric vehicle supply chain.