Author: Fiona Craig

James Cropper plc (LSE:CRPR) revealed that a major merchant customer will cease purchasing certain colored paper products from its Paper & Packaging division, leading to a notable decline in sales. Nevertheless, the company highlights that its Paper & Packaging segment is outperforming expectations thanks to strategic adjustments and efficiency improvements, with an anticipated rise in Adjusted EBITDA by the end of fiscal year 2026. Meanwhile, the Advanced Materials business recorded a 10% increase in revenue in Q1 FY26 and is projected to maintain this growth trajectory.

The Board remains optimistic about delivering significant profitability improvements across the Group in FY26 despite current challenges.

James Cropper’s shares face pressure amid shrinking revenues, negative profit margins, and unfavorable valuation indicators. Coupled with bearish technical trends, these factors pose challenges. However, effective cash flow management and recent strategic initiatives provide a foundation for potential recovery. Addressing operational inefficiencies and focusing on boosting profitability will be crucial for strengthening the company’s market position.

About James Cropper

James Cropper plc is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced materials and specialty paper products. The company operates through two core divisions: Advanced Materials, which produces nonwoven fabrics and electrochemical coatings serving industries such as aerospace, clean energy, and defense; and Paper & Packaging, offering premium creative papers and custom molded fiber packaging solutions. With a history spanning 180 years, James Cropper is dedicated to innovation and sustainability, actively supporting the shift towards a circular economy.

Plus500 (LSE:PLUS) delivered a robust financial performance in the first half of 2025, posting a 4% increase in revenue to $415.1 million alongside a 1% rise in EBITDA to $185.1 million. The company bolstered its international presence by securing regulatory licenses in Canada and the UAE and announced the acquisition of Mehta Equities in India, strengthening its foothold in the global futures trading arena.

Driven by a commitment to innovation and supported by proprietary technology, Plus500 has seen growth in customer deposits and enhanced shareholder returns. The company’s strategic diversification into the US futures market, coupled with its geographic expansion, is expected to underpin future growth momentum.

While some technical indicators remain weak, Plus500’s attractive valuation and ongoing strategic initiatives contribute to a favorable overall outlook.

About Plus500

Plus500 is a leading global fintech group specializing in technology-driven trading platforms. It offers a diverse portfolio of trading instruments including Contracts for Difference (CFDs), share dealing, and futures and options trading. Regulated across multiple jurisdictions, Plus500 provides access to over 2,500 financial products across various asset classes. Its platforms are accessible on desktop, mobile, and web, with a strong emphasis on customer support and risk management.

Touchstone Exploration Inc. (LSE:TXP) has successfully drilled the Cascadura-5 well in Trinidad and Tobago, reaching a depth of 7,020 feet and intersecting substantial hydrocarbon-bearing sand formations. Located within the Ortoire block, the well was completed on time and within budget, providing valuable insights into the Cascadura geological structure.

The company intends to bring the Cascadura-4 and Cascadura-5 wells online as part of its existing natural gas facility, which could contribute to increased production capacity and future growth opportunities.

About Touchstone Exploration

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Touchstone Exploration Inc. focuses on acquiring and developing petroleum and natural gas assets. The company operates primarily onshore in Trinidad and Tobago, engaging in exploration, development, and production activities. Touchstone’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker ‘TXP’.

Central Asia Metals Plc (LSE:CAML) has agreed to a revised deal to acquire all outstanding shares of New World Resources Limited (NWR) in an off-market takeover valued at around A$230 million. The transaction offers NWR shareholders a straightforward cash exit and comes with the full recommendation of the NWR board. In addition, CAML will provide a US$6.5 million unsecured loan facility to NWR, replacing a previously planned equity injection.

This acquisition is anticipated to strengthen CAML’s market position while providing NWR shareholders with enhanced liquidity and certainty.

Central Asia Metals benefits from solid financial results and an appealing valuation, supported by recent positive corporate developments. Despite some mixed technical indicators, the company’s outlook remains favorable.

About Central Asia Metals

Headquartered in the UK, Central Asia Metals is a base metals producer operating primarily in Europe and Central Asia. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and holds a market capitalization of about US$400 million. Its key assets include the Sasa underground zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia and the Kounrad SX-EW copper facility in Kazakhstan. CAML is backed by prominent institutional investors, including Fidelity International, JO Hambro, and BlackRock.

Rockhopper Exploration plc (LSE:RKH) has confirmed it will receive a €31 million insurance payout following the annulment of a prior award in the Ombrina Mare arbitration case. The decision was made by an ad hoc arbitration committee, triggering Rockhopper’s entitlement under an insurance policy specifically tied to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) proceedings.

The company expects to collect the full insured amount and is actively preparing to file a new arbitration request. Discussions are currently underway to determine the appropriate timing and structure for this next legal step, as Rockhopper continues to pursue compensation related to the halted Ombrina Mare offshore oil development in Italy.

About Rockhopper Exploration

Rockhopper Exploration plc is a UK-based oil and gas exploration company with a strategic focus on the North Falkland Basin. The company’s portfolio includes high-impact exploration and development assets aimed at unlocking long-term value in frontier energy regions. Rockhopper remains committed to advancing its projects while managing legal and regulatory challenges through strategic risk mitigation, including insurance-backed arbitration proceedings.

Thor Energy Plc (LSE:THR) has announced encouraging results from a recent geochemical survey at its HY-Range project in South Australia, revealing elevated concentrations of natural hydrogen and helium. These findings mark a significant step forward in defining exploration targets and identifying optimal drilling locations, positioning the HY-Range license as a strong candidate for future development in the emerging natural hydrogen and helium market.

In parallel with its exploration progress, the company has also undergone a key leadership transition. Andrew Hume has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, following a period of corporate restructuring and strategic asset acquisitions. These changes are intended to sharpen Thor’s focus on clean energy minerals and improve its long-term commercial prospects.

Despite the operational momentum, Thor Energy continues to face serious financial headwinds. The company currently has no revenue streams and is contending with limited liquidity. Moreover, weak technical indicators and unfavorable valuation metrics weigh heavily on the company’s market outlook. However, its focus on critical clean energy resources such as hydrogen, helium, and uranium offers potential upside as the global energy transition accelerates.

About Thor Energy Plc

Thor Energy Plc is a natural resource exploration company dedicated to advancing hydrogen and helium projects that support the global shift toward sustainable energy. In addition to its hydrogen and helium assets, Thor maintains interests in uranium and other energy-related metals. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and aims to play a strategic role in the development of next-generation energy sources.

Eneraqua Technologies PLC (LSE:ETP) has reported expected revenue of £63 million for the financial year ending January 2025, with adjusted pre-tax profit meeting market expectations. A key highlight in the year was a £7 million contract win in its water division, which contributed meaningfully to the company’s overall performance.

Looking ahead, however, Eneraqua faces mounting headwinds in FY26. Project delays in the energy segment and late payments from clients are placing pressure on cash flow and disrupting supply chain operations. In response, the company is actively managing its working capital and pursuing short-term funding options. Additionally, it is finalizing the sale of a non-core subsidiary to strengthen its financial position.

Despite some operational wins, the broader outlook remains cautious. Eneraqua’s shares reflect declining financial metrics, including a negative price-to-earnings ratio, weak profitability, and limited market momentum. These challenges, combined with an absence of dividends, contribute to the current subdued investor sentiment.

About Eneraqua Technologies PLC

Eneraqua Technologies specializes in delivering energy and water efficiency solutions across the UK. Its services focus on upgrading aging heating infrastructure in communal and district heating systems, as well as improving water efficiency for utilities and commercial clients, such as hotels and care homes. The company’s proprietary Control Flow HL2024 technology supports clients in achieving Net Zero and decarbonization objectives. Eneraqua continues to play a vital role in retrofitting infrastructure to align with the UK’s climate goals.

GSTechnologies Limited (LSE:GST) has raised £1.75 million through a share placing, with plans to launch a retail offer to existing shareholders to secure an additional £250,000. The capital raised will support the expansion of the company’s Bitcoin treasury holdings, in line with its newly adopted Treasury Policy focused on digital asset accumulation.

The placing, facilitated by CMC Markets, is subject to customary conditions, and trading of the new shares on the London Stock Exchange is expected to begin around 15 July 2025. This fundraising initiative underscores GSTechnologies’ strategic pivot toward digital assets as part of its broader fintech vision.

While the company continues to grapple with operational and profitability hurdles, including underwhelming financial metrics and weak technical performance, its recent moves—including strategic acquisitions—point to emerging growth possibilities. These developments offer a glimmer of optimism in an otherwise challenging landscape.

About GSTechnologies Limited

GSTechnologies is a fintech firm focused on harnessing technology to deliver innovative financial solutions. Active in the evolving digital finance space, the company is exploring blockchain-based initiatives and is building a Bitcoin reserve as part of its long-term strategy. GSTechnologies is listed on the London Stock Exchange and continues to reposition itself amid the changing dynamics of global finance.

Renold plc (LSE:RNO) has reached an agreement to be acquired by MPE Bid Co through a court-approved scheme of arrangement. The proposed cash transaction will result in MPE Bid Co taking full ownership of Renold’s issued share capital. The board of directors at Renold has endorsed the offer and is encouraging shareholders to vote in favor of the acquisition and the associated resolutions.

The deal comes as Renold wraps up a solid FY2025 performance but looks ahead to headwinds in FY2026, including declining sales volumes and adverse currency movements. In response, the company is pursuing pricing strategies and operational adjustments to offset these pressures and maintain profitability.

Despite the near-term challenges, Renold remains in a strong financial position, supported by healthy cash flows and a compelling valuation. While technical market indicators are currently mixed, the company’s stable performance and the strategic nature of the acquisition suggest continued growth potential under new ownership.

About Renold plc

Renold plc is a global engineering group specializing in the design and manufacture of industrial chains and power transmission systems. With a diverse international footprint, the company serves a wide range of industries and continues to build its capabilities through both organic initiatives and targeted acquisitions. Renold is recognized for its engineering excellence and commitment to delivering value-driven solutions to its customers around the world.

1Spatial plc (LSE:SPA), a leading provider of Location Master Data Management (LMDM) solutions, is making solid progress in its strategic shift toward a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model. The company reports a strong flow of new contracts, particularly in the UK, where recent wins and project extensions highlight growing demand for its offerings. Meanwhile, the US market is showing increased interest, though contract finalizations remain slower due to longer sales cycles.

To support its SaaS and Software Solutions growth, 1Spatial is continuing to invest in targeted business development while maintaining a disciplined approach to cost control. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to scale its cloud-based services and strengthen recurring revenue streams.

Financially, the company remains on firm footing, with steady revenue increases and effective cash flow management underpinning its performance. However, from a technical standpoint, the stock faces bearish momentum, and its elevated price-to-earnings ratio suggests potential overvaluation. These mixed signals result in a cautiously optimistic outlook for the near term.

About 1Spatial plc

Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, 1Spatial is a global technology company specializing in Location Master Data Management. Its platform helps organizations, including governments and enterprises, to validate, manage, and optimize spatial data for better decision-making. The company’s patented rules engine powers a suite of software solutions and SaaS applications, supporting clients across key markets including the UK, USA, France, Belgium, Ireland, Tunisia, and Australia. Listed on the AIM market, 1Spatial continues to position itself as an innovator in geospatial data management.