Author: Fiona Craig

Victorian Plumbing (LSE:VIC) said trading momentum seen in the first quarter has continued into its 2026 financial year, with revenue for the first 21 weeks rising 9% year on year. Growth was driven by increased order volumes across all product categories while margins remained stable. The board reaffirmed confidence in meeting full-year revenue and adjusted profit before tax expectations, highlighting resilient performance despite a competitive retail backdrop.

The company has agreed to acquire Merseyside-based Sovereign Transport Services and Sovereign Commercials for £3.4 million. The haulage business already provides logistics support to Victorian Plumbing as well as other regional goods operators. Funded primarily through existing cash resources, with a small equity component, the acquisition is intended to enhance control over fulfilment operations and improve delivery efficiency. Victorian Plumbing also confirmed that interim results are scheduled for release on 19 May 2026.

The group’s investment profile is supported by strong revenue growth and solid cash flow generation, which underpin its overall stock assessment. Technical indicators suggest neutral market momentum, while valuation metrics appear balanced, pointing to a broadly even risk-reward outlook.

More about Victorian Plumbing Group Plc

Victorian Plumbing Group plc is the UK’s leading specialist bathroom retailer, offering a wide selection of own-brand and third-party products to both consumers and trade customers. Headquartered in North West England, the company also operates the online-only homewares and furniture retailer MFI, expanding its offering across multiple home categories and price ranges.

Aston Martin Lagonda (LSE:AML) reported a challenging performance in 2025, with wholesale volumes declining 10% and revenue falling 21% amid softer macroeconomic conditions, increased tariffs in key markets including the United States and China, and reduced deliveries of higher-margin Special models. Gross margin narrowed from 37% to 29%, while adjusted EBIT loss widened to £189 million. Net debt increased to £1.38 billion, although the company reduced operating expenses and capital spending as part of its ongoing transformation strategy.

Despite the weaker financial results, management pointed to operational progress during the year, including the launch of Valhalla production, with 152 vehicles delivered in the fourth quarter. These deliveries supported higher average selling prices and helped generate modest positive free cash flow in Q4. The company ended the year with liquidity of £250 million, expected to rise further following a £50 million naming-rights agreement completed in early 2026. Aston Martin anticipates a meaningful improvement in performance this year, supported by a stronger product mix, continued cost controls and a renewed focus on margin expansion and debt reduction.

The company’s outlook remains shaped by significant financial pressures, including elevated leverage and ongoing losses. While technical indicators suggest some short-term positive momentum, longer-term trends remain negative, and valuation metrics appear unattractive given continued negative earnings. Recent corporate developments and earnings commentary highlight management’s efforts to stabilise performance, though macroeconomic headwinds continue to pose challenges.

More about Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings is a British luxury automotive manufacturer specialising in high-performance sports cars and grand tourers. The company targets the global ultra-luxury segment with a portfolio that includes mid-engined hybrid supercars and performance SUVs. Leveraging its heritage, motorsport associations and bespoke Special models, Aston Martin aims to compete with leading premium performance brands while executing a multi-year transformation focused on innovation, disciplined production and improved profitability.

Haleon plc (LSE:HLN), the global consumer health company behind brands including Sensodyne, Panadol and Advil, operates across key over-the-counter health categories such as oral care, pain relief and vitamins, serving broad everyday healthcare demand worldwide. The group continues to leverage its scientific expertise and established brand portfolio to maintain market share across major consumer health segments.

The company released its preliminary full-year 2025 results, proposing a total dividend of 7.1p per share, representing roughly 38% of adjusted earnings. The increase reflects strong free cash flow generation and continued organic operating profit growth during the year. Management also indicated that future ordinary dividends are expected to grow at least in line with adjusted earnings, signalling confidence in the company’s financial outlook and providing reassurance for income-focused investors ahead of a detailed analyst presentation and results Q&A session.

Haleon’s outlook is primarily supported by robust financial performance and favourable corporate developments. However, technical indicators and valuation metrics present a more balanced picture, with some near-term challenges evident. Commentary from the earnings call highlighted regional strength in several markets while noting ongoing pressures in North America. Overall, the company appears well positioned for continued growth, although careful management of liabilities and execution of strategic priorities remain important.

More about Haleon PLC

Haleon plc is a global consumer health business listed in both London and New York, focused on over-the-counter healthcare products across categories including oral health, vitamins, minerals and supplements, pain relief, respiratory and digestive health, and therapeutic skin care. Its portfolio features widely recognised brands such as Advil, Centrum, Panadol, Sensodyne, Theraflu and Voltaren, built around trusted science and sustained consumer demand for everyday health solutions.

EQTEC (LSE:EQT) has completed a detailed assessment of historical exploration records at its Green Rock Copper-Gold Project in Western Australia, highlighting high-grade surface mineralisation associated with key geological structures. Historical sampling reported grades reaching up to 46.7% copper and 5.31 g/t gold. The review has outlined several priority prospects and informed the design of the project’s first modern, systematic exploration programme, scheduled to begin after the wet season. Planned work will focus on field validation, geophysical surveys targeting malachite-hosted copper-gold mineralisation, and testing broader structural models across the licence area.

The project is contained within a single 31.5 km² exploration licence in the Ashburton Mineral Field, located near established mining infrastructure. EQTEC said the presence of overlapping copper and gold anomalies, combined with limited historical drilling, suggests considerable potential for future resource definition and value creation. An initial site visit is expected to refine exploration targets and support the company’s strategy of expanding into high-grade metals alongside its core energy transition activities.

EQTEC’s investment outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance, including ongoing losses, leverage pressures and negative cash flow generation. Technical indicators also reflect a continuing downward share price trend, while valuation metrics offer limited support given a negative P/E ratio and the absence of dividend yield data.

More about EQTEC plc

EQTEC plc, listed on AIM under the ticker EQT, positions itself as a technology-driven energy transition company that is expanding into mineral exploration. The group recently secured its first Australian copper-gold asset through the Green Rock Project in Western Australia’s Ashburton Basin, placing it within a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction alongside established operations.

Everplay Group plc (LSE:EVPL), formerly known as Team17 Group plc, operates as a global independent games label built around three core divisions covering premium video games, advanced working simulation titles and educational entertainment applications for children. Its portfolio features established intellectual property including Hell Let Loose and Worms, astragon’s Construction Simulator franchise, and StoryToys’ Disney- and LEGO®-themed learning apps designed for children under the age of eight.

The company confirmed it will publish its unaudited full-year 2025 results on 24 March 2026 and is increasing investor outreach activities ahead of the announcement. Management plans to host dedicated webcasts for both analysts and retail investors during the same week, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen communication with shareholders and provide greater visibility into the group’s evolving games and edtech strategy as it approaches the earnings release.

Everplay’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance and a constructive second-half outlook. However, bearish technical indicators and moderate valuation considerations temper the overall assessment, while the recent appointment of a new CEO introduces a positive strategic catalyst for the business.

More about Everplay Group

Everplay Group plc, previously Team17 Group plc, is a global independent video games developer and publisher focused on premium titles, simulation games and children’s educational apps. Through its Team17, astragon and StoryToys divisions, the company serves indie gaming audiences, simulation players and families with young children, supported by well-known franchises such as Hell Let Loose, Worms, Overcooked!, Construction Simulator and Disney-branded learning applications.

Hammerson (LSE:HMSO) delivered a strong recovery in 2025, reporting total net rental income of £180 million, up 23% year on year, while the value of its property portfolio increased 33% to £3.5 billion following targeted investment in major UK retail destinations and joint venture acquisitions. EPRA earnings rose 5% to £104 million and EPRA net tangible assets per share increased 6%. The group also returned to profitability under IFRS reporting, posting a £232 million profit supported by a £120 million property revaluation gain and improved operational efficiency.

Leasing activity reached a record £51 million at positive rental spreads, with occupancy levels rising to 96%. Visitor numbers exceeded broader national retail trends, highlighting continued demand for high-quality retail destinations and reinforcing Hammerson’s competitive positioning within prime assets. The company maintained a solid financial profile, with a loan-to-value ratio of 39%, refinancing debt on favourable terms while advancing strategic asset repositioning initiatives and residential developments. A modest dividend increase reflected growing management confidence and improved income visibility for investors.

Hammerson’s outlook benefits from favourable technical indicators and supportive corporate developments that strengthen confidence in future performance. However, pressures related to profitability and cash flow remain considerations for investors. Valuation metrics present a mixed picture, combining a relatively high P/E ratio with an attractive dividend yield.

More about Hammerson plc R.E.I.T.

Hammerson plc is a UK-listed real estate investment trust focused on owning and managing prime retail-led destinations across the UK, France and Ireland. Its portfolio includes flagship shopping and mixed-use locations such as Westquay, Brent Cross, Bullring and Grand Central, where the company aims to create value through active asset management, redevelopment projects and data-driven leasing strategies designed to attract leading brands and maintain strong visitor traffic.

Standard Life plc, formerly Phoenix Group Holdings plc (LSE:PHNX), has officially registered its new corporate name with Companies House, completing a rebranding designed to unify the business under the established Standard Life name within the UK financial services sector. The company’s shares are scheduled to begin trading on the London Stock Exchange under the new ticker SDLF from 2 March 2026, alongside the launch of an updated corporate website reflecting the refreshed brand identity.

The rebrand does not affect the company’s underlying securities or investor holdings. Key identifiers including SEDOL codes, ISINs and the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) remain unchanged, helping ensure continuity for shareholders and market participants. Existing share certificates will continue to be valid, and investors are not required to take any administrative action, with the new company name appearing only on future-issued documentation.

The company’s investment outlook is supported by positive corporate developments and constructive earnings updates that highlight ongoing strategic progress and operational resilience. However, mixed financial performance and valuation concerns linked to profitability pressures continue to moderate the overall assessment. Technical indicators currently suggest a bullish share price trend, providing additional support to sentiment.

More about Phoenix Group Holdings

Standard Life plc, formerly Phoenix Group Holdings plc, is a financial services company focused on long-term savings and retirement solutions. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, the group provides investment, pension and retirement products while issuing both equity and debt securities to investors across UK and international capital markets.

Oxford Metrics (LSE:OMG) reported continued trading momentum across its Motion Capture and Smart Manufacturing businesses since 1 October 2025, as the company transitions to a new 31 December financial year-end ahead of a 15-month FY26 reporting period. Management highlighted solid demand across key markets and reiterated its focus on improving profitability while growing revenues, supported by an expanding sales pipeline and upcoming product launches.

Within Motion Capture, the Vicon division secured two significant entertainment contracts valued at £2.7 million across Eastern Europe and Japan, alongside additional stage expansion projects in China and turnkey life sciences agreements in India. Trading in the United States remained broadly stable year on year. Interest in markerless motion capture technology continues to increase globally, with planned product enhancements aimed at expanding applications — particularly in life sciences — while supporting stronger conversion rates and higher recurring software income.

In Smart Manufacturing, Oxford Metrics recorded several metrology contract wins with a major UK engineering group, repeat orders from an international food and beverage client, and new vision inspection projects covering medical vials, surgical blades, laboratory-grown diamonds and advanced semiconductor applications. As part of a structural reorganisation, Sempre and Industrial Vision Systems will merge into Industrial Vision and Metrology Systems Limited from 1 March 2026, a move intended to streamline execution, improve order-to-revenue conversion, and enhance operational efficiency as the division evolves toward a scalable, product-focused model.

The board confirmed it is continuing to evaluate acquisition opportunities aligned with its long-term strategy while maintaining disciplined capital allocation. Management expects further progress in FY26 driven by a strong order pipeline, new Motion Capture product introductions and efficiency benefits from the Smart Manufacturing restructuring, with a refreshed three-year strategy and capital allocation framework scheduled for presentation later this year.

Oxford Metrics’ overall investment profile is supported by strong technical momentum and a stable balance sheet, although profitability pressures remain. An attractive dividend yield offers some offset to a negative P/E ratio, while limited earnings call data and corporate developments constrain deeper assessment.

More about Oxford Metrics

Oxford Metrics is a UK-based smart sensing and measurement technology company serving customers in more than 70 countries across life sciences, entertainment, engineering and smart manufacturing sectors. Through its Vicon motion capture business and its Smart Manufacturing operations — including Industrial Vision Systems and Sempre — the group delivers motion measurement, machine vision and metrology solutions to blue-chip clients in industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and automotive.

Morgan Sindall Group (LSE:MGNS) reported record financial results for 2025, with revenue increasing 10% to £5.0 billion and adjusted profit before tax rising 35% to £232.6 million. Improved margins and a strong net cash position of £531 million supported performance during the year. The company raised its full-year dividend by 20% and entered 2026 with a record £19.1 billion pipeline of secured and preferred bidder projects, leading management to upgrade its medium-term growth targets for the Infrastructure and Mixed Use Partnerships divisions despite ongoing challenges in the housing market.

Growth was delivered across all major business units, with particularly strong contributions from the Fit Out and Construction divisions. Partnership Housing recorded steady progress, while Property Services returned to profitability following remediation work. Mixed Use Partnerships absorbed planned investment spending ahead of project commencements scheduled for 2026. The group also retained leading ESG ratings, reinforcing its reputation as a financially resilient and sustainability-focused contractor, while highlighting confidence in long-term demand across its core markets.

Morgan Sindall’s investment profile is supported by strong operational performance and positive corporate developments. Technical indicators point to a sustained upward share price trend, although overbought signals suggest some near-term caution may be warranted. Valuation metrics appear balanced, presenting a relatively neutral risk-reward profile.

More about Morgan Sindall

Morgan Sindall Group is a UK-based construction and regeneration company operating through five decentralised divisions: Partnership Housing, Mixed Use Partnerships, Fit Out, Construction and Infrastructure. The group delivers projects across public, regulated and private sectors, with a strategic emphasis on organic growth, strong order visibility and sustainability-driven operations.

Strategic Minerals (LSE:SML) announced new assay results from drillhole CRD041 at its Redmoor tungsten-tin-copper project in Cornwall, confirming the continuation of the high-grade Sheeted Vein System within the largely underexplored western, tin-rich section of the deposit. The drilling also identified additional tin-dominant mineralised zones beyond the established SVS structures, along with new mineralisation outside the current resource model, supporting the company’s geological interpretation and indicating potential for future resource expansion.

Management stated that the objectives of the 2025 drilling programme have been successfully achieved, including verification of historical drilling data, confirmation of structural and grade continuity, and testing of areas within the existing JORC Exploration Target. Against a backdrop of strengthening global pricing trends for both tungsten and tin, the company believes forthcoming resource and economic updates — supported through the Shared Prosperity Fund programme — could further enhance Redmoor’s standing as one of Europe’s highest-grade undeveloped tungsten projects.

The company’s outlook benefits from improved financial performance recorded in 2024 and supportive technical momentum in the share price. However, valuation metrics remain stretched, with a high P/E ratio and no dividend yield data, while overbought technical indicators suggest elevated near-term risk.

More about Strategic Minerals

Strategic Minerals plc is an international exploration and production company listed on AIM and USOTC. Its flagship Redmoor project in southeast Cornwall focuses on tungsten, tin and copper resources, developed through its wholly owned subsidiary Cornwall Resources Limited. The group aims to advance high-grade polymetallic assets in Europe amid evolving global demand for critical and industrial metals.