Category: Market News

Goodwin PLC (LSE:GDWN) reported a strong trading performance for the six months ended October 2025, with trading profit rising to £37.2 million, more than double the level achieved in the same period last year. The result reflects broad-based strength across the group’s diversified operations.

Demand from the defence and nuclear sectors was particularly supportive, alongside successful delivery of projects in areas such as radar systems and liquefied natural gas (LNG) valve manufacturing. These activities contributed to improved margins and a higher overall level of profitability during the period.

Net debt increased following the payment of a special dividend, but management remains confident in the company’s financial position. A healthy order book and sustained demand across core markets provide visibility over future revenues and underpin expectations for continued profitability.

From an investment perspective, Goodwin’s strong financial delivery and recent positive developments support its overall profile. However, valuation metrics point to a relatively high price-to-earnings multiple, and technical indicators show mixed momentum, which may temper near-term expectations.

More about Goodwin

Goodwin PLC is an engineering and manufacturing group specialising in high-integrity components for the defence and nuclear industries. The company also operates in pump manufacturing, radar systems, and valve production, with an international footprint spanning India, South Africa, the United States, and Qatar.

Watkin Jones plc (LSE:WJG) reported a resilient performance for the financial year ended 30 September 2025, generating revenue of £279.8 million and an adjusted operating profit of £6.3 million. The results reflect a stable operational outcome despite ongoing market headwinds affecting the wider property development sector.

A key positive for the group is the strength of its future pipeline, which stands at approximately £2 billion. This is supported by long-term strategic partnerships and a more diversified operating model, providing visibility over future activity and helping to mitigate near-term volatility. The company has also secured forward revenue for 2026, underpinning management’s confidence in the year ahead.

Looking forward, Watkin Jones is focused on disciplined cost control and further diversification of revenue streams. These priorities are intended to support margins and cash generation while positioning the business for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.

From an investment perspective, the outlook remains mixed. While cash flow has improved, revenue and margin pressures persist. Technical indicators point to weak momentum, and valuation metrics are challenged by the absence of earnings and dividend yield, suggesting a cautious stance for investors.

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Watkin Jones plc is a UK-based real estate developer specialising in residential and mixed-use schemes. The company has a particular focus on purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and build-to-rent (BTR) developments, working through innovative deal structures and long-term partnerships to deliver large-scale projects.

Wishbone Gold Plc (LSE:WSBN) shared insights into the development of its Red Setter Gold Dome Project during a recent investor interview featuring Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Poulden, alongside Director Edward Mead. The discussion provided an update on recent technical progress and outlined the company’s forward plans.

Key topics included anticipated drilling schedules, near-term milestones, and the potential influence of activity at neighbouring operations. Management also highlighted the expected flow of news over the coming year, offering investors greater visibility on how the project may advance.

The interview reflects Wishbone Gold’s ongoing engagement with shareholders and its efforts to communicate progress and strategic priorities as exploration work continues.

More about Wishbone Gold

Wishbone Gold Plc is a gold exploration and development company listed on the AIM and AQSE markets. The group’s activities are focused on advancing gold projects, including the Red Setter Gold Dome Project.

GEO Exploration Limited (LSE:GEO) has completed a £1.25 million equity raise through a share placement to fund the next phase of its exploration programme. The placing was completed at a 21.7% discount to the prior closing share price and is intended to support both ongoing and planned exploration activities.

The proceeds will be directed towards work at the Juno and Gorge projects in Australia, as well as providing flexibility to progress potential opportunities in Namibia. In particular, the funding enables GEO to continue evaluating prospects in the Walvis Basin, an area viewed as offering longer-term exploration upside.

In addition to financing exploration programmes, the capital raise will bolster working capital, strengthening the company’s ability to execute its strategy and respond to emerging opportunities. The successful completion of the placing indicates investor support for GEO’s technical progress and strategic direction.

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GEO Exploration Limited is an exploration-focused company engaged in the discovery and development of mineral resources. The group’s activities are centred on projects in Australia and Namibia, where it is advancing exploration initiatives aimed at building long-term shareholder value.

IG Group Holdings plc (LSE:IGG) delivered a robust trading update for the quarter ended 30 November 2025, reporting a 29% rise in organic trading revenue alongside strong growth in new customer additions. The performance reflects increased market activity and continued traction from the group’s strategic initiatives.

In light of its financial strength, IG Group announced a £75 million extension to its ongoing share buyback programme, taking the total planned repurchases to £200 million. The move underlines management’s confidence in the company’s balance sheet, cash generation, and long-term outlook.

Strategic progress during the period included the integration of the Freetrade acquisition and further expansion into new geographic markets, with particularly strong momentum in the United States. The group has also secured cryptoasset licences in both the UK and the European Union, positioning it to capitalise on growing demand for digital asset trading. In the Asia-Pacific region, the proposed acquisition of Independent Reserve remains on track, with plans to roll out IG’s product capabilities across the platform once completed.

From an investment perspective, IG Group benefits from supportive technical indicators and a valuation that appears attractive relative to peers. While some pressure remains around revenue mix and cash flow growth, overall financial performance remains solid. The expanded buyback programme further enhances shareholder returns and highlights disciplined capital management.

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IG Group Holdings plc is a global financial services company focused on online trading and investment solutions. The group offers a broad product range, including OTC derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives, and share trading, and has a strong presence across Europe and the United States. IG Group continues to expand its cryptoasset capabilities while investing in customer acquisition and platform innovation.

Serica Energy plc (LSE:SQZ) has agreed to acquire a portfolio of Southern North Sea assets from Spirit Energy Limited in a deal valued at £57 million, with completion targeted for the second half of 2026. The transaction is expected to materially enhance Serica’s reserve base and production profile within the UK Continental Shelf.

A key element of the acquisition is an interest in the Cygnus gas field, one of the largest producing gas assets in the region. The additional assets are expected to be immediately cash generative, with management estimating around $100 million of free cash flow by 2028. The deal also broadens Serica’s operational footprint while maintaining a disciplined approach to decommissioning exposure.

Strategically, the acquisition supports Serica’s long-term growth ambitions and strengthens its position in the Southern North Sea, complementing its existing asset portfolio. The company continues to focus on generating strong cash flows while managing operational and regulatory risks.

From a market perspective, Serica benefits from a solid balance sheet and an attractive dividend yield, which provide some downside support. However, technical indicators point to bearish near-term momentum, and valuation metrics remain challenged due to the absence of earnings. In addition, operational execution and regulatory developments remain key factors to monitor.

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Serica Energy plc is an oil and gas exploration and production company with a strong focus on the UK Continental Shelf. The group is engaged in the development, operation, and management of offshore hydrocarbon assets, with an emphasis on maintaining a balanced and cash-generative portfolio.

Time Finance plc (LSE:TIME) reported record revenue and profit for the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, alongside continued expansion of its lending book. The results extend the group’s growth trajectory to eighteen consecutive quarters, reflecting consistent execution of its strategy and resilient demand across its core markets.

The strong performance was driven by a clear emphasis on secured lending, particularly within the Invoice Finance and Asset Finance divisions. This focus has translated into improved financial metrics, including growth in net tangible assets and a reduction in arrears and bad debt write-offs, pointing to disciplined risk management and improving portfolio quality.

Operational momentum leaves the company well positioned to sustain growth in the second half of the year and beyond, supporting management’s objective of delivering long-term value for shareholders.

From an investment standpoint, Time Finance’s robust financial delivery and positive corporate developments underpin its overall profile. Technical indicators suggest scope for further share price upside, while valuation measures indicate the stock may be undervalued. The lack of an earnings call does not materially affect the overall assessment.

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Time Finance plc is an independent specialist finance provider serving UK small and medium-sized enterprises. The company offers flexible funding solutions through a multi-product platform, with a core focus on Asset Finance and Invoice Finance. Operating primarily as an own-book lender, Time Finance also brokers transactions when appropriate, supporting businesses at various stages of growth.

Hollywood Bowl Group plc (LSE:BOWL) reported a strong set of results for the financial year ended 30 September 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year of record revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Revenue increased by 8.8% to £250.7 million, reflecting the continued success of investments in new bowling centres, refurbishment programmes, and targeted marketing initiatives.

Operational momentum was supported by dynamic pricing strategies and a sustained focus on enhancing the customer experience. While the business faced external pressures from elevated living costs and unseasonal weather patterns, its differentiated, value-led leisure offering helped maintain demand across core markets.

International expansion remained a key growth driver, with the Canadian business delivering particularly strong performance. The number of centres in Canada increased materially during the year, and the region now contributes around 15% of total group revenue, underlining the scalability of Hollywood Bowl’s model outside the UK.

Strategically, the group continues to emphasise affordable, multi-generational leisure experiences, positioning itself well within the competitive out-of-home entertainment market. This approach has enabled Hollywood Bowl to defend market share while continuing to grow revenues.

From a market perspective, the shares are underpinned by robust financial performance and supportive technical indicators. However, overbought signals and a valuation that appears broadly fair may limit short-term upside. Further improvements in cash flow generation and cost control could strengthen the company’s financial flexibility over time.

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Hollywood Bowl Group plc is the largest ten-pin bowling operator in the UK and Canada. The company specialises in delivering accessible, family-friendly leisure experiences through a network of bowling centres that combine bowling with amusements, food, and drink, creating a comprehensive entertainment offering for a broad customer base.

Kromek Group plc (LSE:KMK) has confirmed that it will publish its interim results for the six-month period ended 31 October 2025 on 20 January 2026. In addition, the company will host an online question-and-answer session for investors on 26 January 2026, offering shareholders the opportunity to engage directly with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

The planned Q&A reflects Kromek’s ongoing focus on transparency and open communication with the investment community. By providing direct access to senior management, the company aims to offer greater insight into recent performance, strategic priorities, and market conditions, which could help shape investor sentiment and market perception.

From an outlook perspective, Kromek benefits from solid underlying financial performance and recent positive corporate developments. While technical indicators remain mixed, valuation metrics suggest the shares may offer potential upside. The lack of a formal earnings call at this stage is not viewed as a significant factor in the overall assessment.

More about Kromek Group plc

Kromek Group plc is a specialist developer of radiation detection and bio-detection technologies, serving medical, security, and industrial markets. Headquartered in County Durham, UK, with manufacturing facilities in both the UK and the United States, the company leverages its cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) platform to deliver advanced imaging and detection solutions. Its portfolio includes nuclear radiation detection systems for homeland security and aviation, as well as the development of biosecurity technologies for airborne pathogen detection.

Oriole Resources PLC (LSE:ORR) has advanced its Bibemi Gold Project in Cameroon by submitting an amended technical report to the Ministry of Mines, a key step aimed at accelerating the Exploitation Licence application process. This submission is intended to support constructive engagement with regulators and keep the project on track for potential approval.

According to the project’s Preliminary Economic Assessment, Bibemi could be developed as an open-pit operation with an initial mine life of approximately seven years and forecast production of around 72,000 ounces of gold. The assessment estimates upfront capital expenditure of $60.4 million, with a projected payback period of about four years, highlighting the project’s economic viability.

Discussions are ongoing with the Cameroonian authorities to agree on tax and customs frameworks, with Oriole targeting the grant of an exploitation licence by mid-2026. These negotiations are a critical component of de-risking the project ahead of potential development.

Beyond the current mine plan, Bibemi offers considerable upside. Less than one-fifth of the total identified gold resources are reflected in the existing PEA, leaving scope for further exploration, resource growth, and potential extensions to mine life and production levels.

More about Oriole Resources PLC

Oriole Resources PLC is an AIM-listed gold exploration company with a focus on West and Central Africa. The group is engaged in the exploration and development of gold assets, with its flagship project being the Bibemi Gold Project in Cameroon.