Category: Market News

Card Factory (LSE:CARD) has reported a 5.9% increase in revenue for the first half of 2025, demonstrating resilience amid ongoing economic pressures. The company has made strategic strides in expanding its store network and strengthening its digital presence. Strong seasonal performance, combined with the acquisition of Funky Pigeon, supports the company’s full-year expectations and enhances its digital strategy.

Efforts to broaden partnerships and diversify the product range have contributed positively to performance, although the online segment continues to face challenges. The Funky Pigeon acquisition is expected to accelerate digital growth and deliver meaningful synergies by FY27.

Card Factory benefits from strong financial performance, bullish technical indicators, and an attractive valuation. Recent insider buying and strategic acquisitions further reinforce confidence in the company’s growth prospects.

About Card Factory

Card Factory plc is the UK’s leading retailer specializing in greeting cards, gifts, and celebration essentials. The company offers a wide range of products for various occasions, with a particular focus on the celebration 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.

Avacta Group plc (LSE:AVCT) has announced its interim results for the first half of 2025, highlighting notable progress in its clinical programs, particularly the faridoxorubicin (AVA6000) Phase 1b trial, which has shown promising early clinical activity. The company has also renegotiated terms of its Heights Convertible Bond and raised £6.5 million to support upcoming bond payments, reflecting increasing confidence in its R&D pipeline.

Avacta expects multiple pipeline updates in late 2025, including further data from its faridoxorubicin program, which could strengthen its positioning in the oncology sector and attract stakeholder interest.

While technical indicators offer some short-term optimism, the company’s outlook remains influenced by ongoing financial challenges, including the need for additional funding and continued losses, despite strategic progress in its oncology-focused research.

About Avacta Group plc

Avacta Group plc is a clinical-stage life sciences company developing innovative oncology therapies. It utilizes its proprietary pre|CISION® platform, which employs tumor-specific proteases to deliver potent cancer drugs directly to tumors, minimizing systemic exposure and toxicity. Avacta’s pipeline includes pre|CISION® peptide drug conjugates and Affimer® drug conjugates, offering unique advantages over conventional cancer treatments.

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.

Close Brothers Group PLC (LSE:CBG) reported a solid performance for the financial year ending July 31, 2025, achieving an adjusted operating profit of £144 million despite a challenging market environment. The company has undertaken strategic actions to simplify its operations and strengthen its capital base, including divesting several businesses and focusing on commercial lines within its Premium Finance division. Cost-saving initiatives are underway, and the group plans to exit its Vehicle Hire business to enhance efficiency and seize growth opportunities.

Support from a favorable Supreme Court ruling and ongoing FCA consultations is expected to provide clarity on broader industry issues, further enabling Close Brothers’ strategic repositioning and long-term growth prospects.

While technical indicators and positive corporate events suggest favorable market sentiment and strategic alignment, financial performance challenges and valuation concerns remain. Effective management of revenue growth and cash flow will be essential for sustained stability.

About Close Brothers Group

Close Brothers Group PLC is a UK and Ireland-based financial services provider, specializing in banking, asset management, and securities trading. The company primarily serves small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), leveraging its strong market position and specialist expertise to support business growth and financial 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.

Wishbone Gold Plc (LSE: WSBN) has successfully secured £4 million through a new share issuance to fund the expansion of its exploration program at the Red Setter Gold Dome site. The funding, arranged with the support of OAK Securities, is expected to enhance the company’s exploration capabilities and strengthen its market position. The newly issued shares are scheduled to begin trading in mid-October 2025.

About Wishbone Gold

Wishbone Gold Plc is a mining company focused on gold exploration and development. Its primary operations center on the Red Setter Gold Dome site, where it is actively advancing its exploration efforts.

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.

Phoenix Copper Limited (LSE:PXC) has released its unaudited interim results for the first half of 2025, showing a reduction in group losses and an increase in company profits compared with the prior year. The company has made notable progress on its Empire Mine project, with proven and probable mineral reserves and a pre-feasibility study indicating strong potential cash flows. Rising prices for copper, gold, and silver have further strengthened the project’s financial outlook, suggesting significant added value.

Phoenix Copper is working to secure additional funding to complete construction of the Empire open-pit mine, with production anticipated in the near term.

About Phoenix Copper

Phoenix Copper Limited is a U.S.-focused producer and exploration company specializing in base and precious metals. The company’s core operations include the Empire Mine in Idaho, and it holds interests in various mineral reserves including copper, gold, and silver.

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.

Serica Energy (LSE:SQZ) has announced the acquisition of Prax Upstream Limited, which includes full ownership of the Lancaster field and stakes in several other North Sea assets. Valued at $25.6 million, the deal is expected to diversify Serica’s portfolio, boost reserves, and improve cash flow. This acquisition enhances Serica’s position as a key operator in the West of Shetland basin and opens up new opportunities for production growth. Completion is expected by the end of 2025, with additional financial benefits projected in 2026, including significant free cash flow and low decommissioning liabilities.

While Serica maintains a stable financial position with strong liquidity and strategic growth plans, it faces challenges from inconsistent revenue growth, negative earnings, and short-term bearish technical signals. Nonetheless, positive prospects for 2026 and a strong dividend yield provide some optimism for investors.

About Serica Energy

Serica Energy plc is an oil and gas company focused on exploration and production in the UK North Sea. The company is recognized for strategic acquisitions and efficient management of offshore assets, with the goal of enhancing production capabilities and expanding its resource base.

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.

ASOS plc (LSE:ASC) has reported significant strategic progress in FY25, focusing on building a more resilient and sustainably profitable business. The company has addressed legacy operational challenges, adopted a disciplined commercial approach, and prioritized re-engaging its customer base. Key achievements include a marked reduction in net debt, improved gross profit margins, and enhanced operational efficiencies.

Looking ahead to FY26, ASOS plans to continue its transformation, emphasizing customer engagement and further profitability improvements, supported by a streamlined cost structure and strengthened business model.

Despite these advances, the company’s outlook is influenced by ongoing financial pressures, including declining revenues and high leverage. Technical indicators and valuation metrics remain a concern, although operational improvements highlighted in the earnings call provide some optimism. Challenges in sales performance and market conditions persist.

About ASOS plc

Founded in 2000, ASOS plc is a leading global fashion retailer serving over 18 million active customers across more than 200 markets. The company offers a wide range of fashion products under its own brands, including ASOS DESIGN, ARRANGE, COLLUSION, Topshop, and Topman, as well as products from international and local partner brands. ASOS leverages an agile commercial model, including ASOS Fulfilment Services, Partner Fulfils, and Test & React, to make the latest fashion trends accessible worldwide.

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.

Invinity Energy Systems (LSE:IES) has reported its interim results for the first half of 2025, recording revenue of £2.0 million and a notable reduction in operating losses. The company has advanced efforts to lower battery costs and expand its order book, securing new customer orders totaling 11.7 MWh. Strategic investments from Atri Energy and Next Gen Mobility have strengthened Invinity’s cash position to £39.7 million.

The company is focused on scaling its operations globally, with particular attention to the UK Cap and Floor Scheme, which could support up to 1,000 jobs in Scotland. Invinity is also growing partnerships in India and China to meet rising demand for long-duration energy storage solutions.

Despite these strategic achievements, Invinity continues to face financial challenges, including ongoing losses and pressure on revenue growth. Technical indicators show a mixed outlook, with some short-term bullish signals, while valuation remains difficult due to negative earnings and no dividend payments.

About Invinity Energy Systems

Invinity Energy Systems plc is a global leader in the manufacture of vanadium flow batteries, designed to provide large-scale, high-throughput energy storage for businesses, industries, and power grids. Their factory-built batteries are engineered to operate continuously for over 30 years without degradation, making them ideal for demanding renewable energy applications. Formed in April 2020 through the merger of redT energy plc and Avalon Battery Corporation, Invinity operates in major energy storage markets including the UK, Canada, USA, and China.

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.

Tower Resources PLC (LSE:TRP) has reported its interim results for H1 2025, highlighting notable progress across its African operations in Cameroon and Namibia. The company finalized farm-out agreements for its Thali license in Cameroon and PEL96 in Namibia, attracting significant investment from Prime Global Energies Limited.

Although government approvals have experienced delays, Tower Resources remains optimistic about beginning drilling operations in Cameroon by early 2026. In Namibia, the company is moving forward with seismic data acquisition plans. Meanwhile, in South Africa, discussions for a joint venture license are ongoing, though no substantial progress has yet been made.

About Tower Resources

Tower Resources PLC is an Africa-focused energy company specializing in the exploration and development of oil and gas assets. The company holds interests in offshore licenses in Cameroon and Namibia and participates in joint ventures in South Africa, aiming to expand its presence in the African energy 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.

Oracle Power PLC (LSE:ORCP) has signed a binding Right to Mine and Co-Operation Agreement with MEGA Resources and Bain Global Resources for the Northern Zone Gold Project in Western Australia. Under the arrangement, MEGA Resources will fully fund the project, providing mining, geological, and engineering support, while profits will be split equally between Oracle, Riversgold, and the partners.

The agreement removes the need for Oracle to provide upfront capital and allows the company to participate in potential profits from the project. This partnership is expected to accelerate gold extraction and expand drilling operations, strengthening Oracle’s position in the region.

About Oracle Power PLC

Oracle Power PLC is an international mining project developer with a focus on gold exploration and production. Operating through its subsidiaries, the company forms strategic partnerships to advance mining projects, including the Northern Zone Gold Project in Western Australia.

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.