Author: Fiona Craig

Beazley plc (LSE:BEZ) posted a profit before tax of $502.5 million for the first half of 2025, underpinned by disciplined underwriting and a clear focus on sustainable, long-term returns in a challenging market. Insurance written premiums grew by 2%, while return on equity held firm at 18.2%.

The company continues to adapt to shifting market dynamics, prioritizing rate adequacy and leveraging its broad product portfolio to navigate a softening environment. Beazley sees significant growth potential in the expanding cyber insurance segment and remains committed to innovation and resilience, particularly in managing complex risks such as those linked to climate change.

Strong revenue growth, prudent cash management, and strategic advances in key areas like property and cyber underpin the company’s performance. While short-term technical signals point to some weakness, Beazley’s current valuation suggests the stock may be undervalued, offering potential upside.

About Beazley plc

Beazley plc is a global specialist insurer with a presence across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia. It operates seven Lloyd’s syndicates and offers an extensive range of niche insurance products, including Professional Indemnity, Cyber Liability, Property, Marine, Reinsurance, Accident and Life, and Political Risks and Contingency. In the United States, Beazley participates in both admitted and surplus lines markets and is a market leader in several of its chosen sectors.

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.

Severfield plc (LSE:SFR) has appointed Paul McNerney as its next Chief Executive Officer, with the role to commence in the autumn. McNerney brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the construction and engineering industries, most recently at Laing O’Rourke, where he oversaw major projects and spearheaded business transformation and growth initiatives.

His leadership is expected to guide Severfield through its current rebuilding phase and position the company for a new chapter of expansion and innovation, reinforcing its market leadership and long-term prospects.

While Severfield continues to face financial pressures, particularly in revenue and cash flow, its stable balance sheet and attractive dividend yield offer some resilience. Technical indicators suggest neutral momentum, and recent corporate developments provide a modestly positive influence on the outlook.

About Severfield

Severfield is the UK’s leading structural steel specialist, with an annual production capacity of roughly 150,000 tonnes. Operating from seven sites and employing around 1,800 people, the group delivers large-scale, complex projects across diverse sectors. It also holds a 50/50 joint venture with JSW Steel, India’s largest steel producer, expanding its footprint in the Indian market.

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.

CLS Holdings PLC (LSE:CLI) has released its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2025, showcasing solid progress on key strategic objectives, including lettings, property sales, and refinancing activities. While net rental income declined and the group posted a loss after tax, lettings rose 17%, and property disposals totaling £143 million contributed to reduced leverage.

The company remains optimistic for the second half of 2025, supported by healthier market conditions and a strong leasing backdrop. CLS is also pushing ahead with its ESG agenda, allocating significant resources toward its 2030 Net Zero Carbon Pathway.

Although the business continues to face challenges from sustained net losses and elevated leverage, strategic milestones — such as targeted asset sales and recent executive share purchases — offer reasons for cautious optimism. A high dividend yield adds to the investment appeal, though technical indicators point to near-term volatility.

About CLS Holdings PLC

CLS Holdings PLC is a leading commercial landlord specializing in high-quality office space, with a £1.75 billion diversified portfolio spanning the UK, Germany, and France. The company emphasizes sustainability and leverages its local expertise to deliver tailored office solutions.

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.

Guident Corp., a portfolio company of Tekcapital (LSE:TEK), has entered into a partnership with the City of Boca Raton, Florida, to introduce an autonomous shuttle service. Scheduled to launch in fall 2025, the service will operate along a 2.6-mile loop, starting with a 0.6-mile segment in Mizner Park.

Developed in collaboration with Circuit and Auve Tech, the initiative will showcase the MiCa autonomous shuttle’s ability to navigate complex urban settings, with the potential to position Boca Raton as a frontrunner in sustainable urban transportation.

About Tekcapital Plc

Tekcapital Plc is a UK-based intellectual property investment group dedicated to transforming innovative, university-developed technologies into market-ready products that improve quality of life. The company is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

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.

Balfour Beatty (LSE:BBY) delivered robust results for the first half of 2025, buoyed by strong performances in its UK Construction and Support Services divisions. Profit from operations in its earnings-based businesses rose 7%, and the company hit its 3% margin target for UK Construction a year earlier than planned.

Although US Construction operations recorded a loss due to cost overruns, the group remains upbeat, supported by a £19.5 billion order book underpinned by UK government infrastructure projects. This pipeline is expected to sustain healthy cash generation, enabling continued dividends, share buybacks, and strategic market expansion.

Balfour Beatty’s results highlight its operational resilience and growth potential, reinforced by ongoing contract wins and capital return programs. While technical signals suggest the stock may be overbought in the near term, its reasonable valuation and positive earnings trajectory bolster the investment case.

About Balfour Beatty

Balfour Beatty is a major international infrastructure group active in construction and support services, with operations concentrated in the UK and US. The company specializes in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects across energy transition, transport, and defense sectors, alongside infrastructure investment activities.

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.

Ultimate Products plc (LSE:ULTP) posted a 3.4% decline in unaudited group revenue to £150.1 million for the financial year ended 31 July 2025, as softer consumer demand weighed on sales. However, revenue from UP-owned brands rose by 4.3%, underscoring their role in delivering sustainable long-term value.

The company’s adjusted EBITDA fell 31%, largely due to higher freight expenses, while net bank debt increased to £14.1 million. In a potential bid to broaden its investor base, the board is evaluating a move from the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market to AIM. CEO Andrew Gossage voiced confidence in the firm’s ongoing strategic investments and operational upgrades, which aim to strengthen market positioning and drive durable growth.

While Ultimate Products maintains a strong valuation and solid financial footing, technical trends indicate bearish short-term sentiment. Nonetheless, initiatives such as share buybacks highlight the group’s long-term investment appeal.

About Ultimate Products plc

Ultimate Products plc is a leading name in the homeware sector, with a portfolio of well-known brands including Salter and Beldray. The company operates across five key product categories: Small Domestic Appliances, Housewares, Laundry, Audio, and Heating & Cooling. Serving more than 300 retailers in 38 countries, its customer base spans discount chains, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Oldham, Greater Manchester, the company employs over 370 staff, with additional offices in Guangzhou, China, and Paris, France.

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.

Glanbia (LSE:GLB) posted a solid performance in the first half of 2025, recording a 6% year-on-year revenue increase to $1.93 billion, fueled by strong gains in both Health & Nutrition and Dairy Nutrition divisions. While EBITDA and adjusted EPS experienced a decline, the company lifted its full-year guidance, citing stronger revenue momentum and improving margins.

Key strategic actions during the period included acquiring Brazilian-based Sweetmix and divesting Body & Fit. Glanbia also announced a 10% rise in its interim dividend and continued share buybacks, underscoring its disciplined capital allocation and commitment to shareholder value.

About Glanbia plc

Glanbia plc is a global leader in nutrition, serving the Health & Nutrition and Dairy Nutrition markets. The company specializes in delivering innovative nutritional solutions and products, catering to the growing demand from health-conscious consumers and the performance nutrition 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.

Nativo Resources Plc (LSE:NTVO) has completed the purchase of the remaining 50% stake in its Peruvian joint venture, Boku Resources SAC, taking full ownership of the company. The move is aimed at consolidating operations and sharpening the company’s focus on gold production in Peru, with particular attention to the Bonanza and Morrocota mines.

In preparation for restarting production, Nativo will collaborate with Inveritas Global Holdings Ingenieria S.A. to conduct field surveys and sampling programs. The acquisition is expected to improve operational efficiency and reinforce Nativo’s competitive standing within Peru’s gold mining industry.

About Nativo Resources Plc

Nativo Resources Plc is dedicated to gold exploration, mining, and processing in Peru. Its portfolio includes multiple acquired and optioned projects, with an emphasis on developing the Tesoro Gold Concession, which hosts the Bonanza and Morrocota mines. The company’s activities cover primary gold extraction, gold ore processing, and recovery from tailings. In addition to expanding its mining operations, Nativo allocates part of its free cash flow and future capital raises to acquiring Bitcoin, which it holds as a long-term treasury reserve asset.

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.

European stocks posted another mixed performance on Tuesday after Washington extended its suspension of higher tariffs on Chinese goods until November 10, temporarily easing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

By midday, Germany’s DAX was down 0.4%, the U.K.’s FTSE 100 was hovering just above flat, and France’s CAC 40 was up 0.3%.

The British pound strengthened against both the euro and the dollar following U.K. labor market data, which showed payrolls falling for a sixth straight month and vacancies declining further, while wage growth remained strong. Separate figures revealed U.K. retail sales rose 2.5% year-over-year in July.

In corporate news, Cancom SE (TG:COK) slipped 2.6% in Frankfurt after the German IT services provider swung to a second-quarter loss from a profit a year earlier.

In Paris, Valneva (EU:VLA) jumped 8.2% after the specialty vaccine maker reported a 37.8% revenue increase for the first half of the year.

Hannover Re (TG:A30VQR) fell 1.3% despite posting higher net income and reinsurance revenue in the first half.

Swiss generics and biosimilar group Sandoz (LSE:0SAN) gained over 1% after partnering with Elawan Energy to develop 150MW of solar projects in Spain.

Shares of Spirax Group (LSE:SPX) surged 13% after the U.K.-based industrial thermal energy and fluid technology company delivered better-than-expected first-half 2025 earnings.

Derwent London (LSE:DLN) dropped 4.2% after announcing the retirement of Executive Director Nigel George.

Recruitment firm Page Group (LSE:PAGE) lost 1.3% after reporting a 99% plunge in first-half pre-tax profit amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges and tariff-related uncertainty.

Entain (LSE:ENT), the owner of Ladbrokes, fell nearly 3% despite strong first-half results and raising its full-year guidance.

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.

U.S. stock index futures pointed sharply higher on Tuesday, suggesting a strong start to the trading day as investors reacted to fresh inflation figures from the Labor Department. The upbeat move follows Monday’s session, where markets drifted without clear direction before closing moderately lower.

The latest CPI data showed consumer prices rising 0.2% in July, following a 0.3% gain in June, perfectly matching market forecasts. On an annual basis, inflation held steady at 2.7%, defying expectations for a slight uptick to 2.8%.

Core CPI, which strips out food and energy, advanced 0.3% for the month after a 0.2% increase in June, also in line with projections. Year-over-year, core inflation accelerated to 3.1% from 2.9%, a bit hotter than the 3.0% economists had anticipated.

Despite the stronger annual core reading, traders appeared to view the report as reinforcing the case for the Federal Reserve to begin easing policy. The CME FedWatch Tool now shows a 90.1% probability of a quarter-point rate cut in September.

On Monday, markets showed little conviction after last week’s rally, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 200.52 points, or 0.5%, to 43,975.09. The Nasdaq Composite fell 64.62 points, or 0.3%, to 21,385.40, while the S&P 500 slipped 16.00 points, or 0.3%, to 6,373.45.

Traders’ caution came ahead of a busy week for economic releases, including data on producer prices, retail sales, and industrial production, which could further shape expectations for monetary policy.

Sector performance was largely muted on Monday, although oil services stocks tumbled sharply, with the Philadelphia Oil Service Index down 2.1% despite higher crude prices. Shares of oil producers and transporters also fell, weighing on the broader market.

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.