Category: Top Story

Cranswick (LSE:CWK) shares advanced on Tuesday after Berenberg upgraded the food producer to “buy” from “hold” and increased its price target to 6,080 pence from 5,770 pence, citing planned investment in poultry production and its expectations for UK meat demand.

The shares rose 1.4% to 5,170 pence, their highest level in more than a week, while the FTSE 250 gained 1.18% in the latest available session.

The broker’s revised assessment followed an investor visit to Cranswick’s poultry facility in Eye, Suffolk, on 15 September.

Berenberg highlighted the company’s planned capacity expansion and potential for further investment, although it noted that the timing of a proposed second poultry-processing facility remains uncertain.

Berenberg Raises Price Target to 6,080 Pence

Berenberg increased its price target for Cranswick to 6,080 pence from 5,770 pence and upgraded its investment rating from “hold” to “buy”.

The change followed a visit to the company’s Eye poultry-processing facility with investors on 15 September.

According to Berenberg, the visit demonstrated Cranswick’s position in the poultry market and the potential benefits of additional production capacity.

The broker cited the company’s investment programme and its expectations for demand growth as factors supporting its revised outlook.

This was Berenberg’s first rating change for Cranswick in the past 12 months. The broker had previously assigned a “hold” rating and a 5,770-pence price target in November 2025.

Shares Reach Highest Level in More Than a Week

Cranswick shares increased 1.4% to 5,170 pence following the upgrade.

The price represented the stock’s highest level in more than a week.

The broader FTSE 250 index was up 1.18% during the latest available session.

The share price movement followed Berenberg’s revised rating and price target, although broader market conditions may also have influenced trading.

The broker’s new price target represents its assessment of the shares rather than a guaranteed future valuation.

Eye Poultry Facility Operating at 95% Capacity

Cranswick’s Eye facility in Suffolk currently processes approximately 1.6 million birds per week.

The plant is operating at around 95% of its existing capacity.

The company plans to invest a further £56 million to expand weekly processing capacity to 2 million birds.

The expansion is expected to be completed by April 2027, followed by a ramp-up period of approximately 12 to 18 months.

The investment would increase the facility’s processing capacity by 400,000 birds per week once fully implemented.

The timing of the additional production contribution will depend on completion of the expansion and the subsequent operational ramp-up.

Poultry and Pork Demand Expected to Increase

Berenberg expects UK poultry demand to grow by approximately 3% to 4% annually.

The broker also forecasts annual growth of 1% to 2% in pork demand.

It said constraints on industry supply could provide opportunities for Cranswick to increase production volumes.

Berenberg expects the company’s capital investment programme to support volume growth of at least the mid- to high-single-digit range.

These figures represent the broker’s forecasts and are subject to changes in consumer demand, industry supply and operating conditions.

The planned expansion at Eye is one of the investments identified by Berenberg as a potential contributor to future production growth.

Proposed £200 Million Grimsby Facility Remains Subject to Planning

Berenberg also highlighted Cranswick’s potential development of a second poultry-processing facility near Grimsby.

The proposed project would involve an investment of approximately £200 million.

Cranswick has submitted a planning application for the facility, but the timing of the development remains uncertain.

Berenberg has therefore excluded any contribution from the proposed plant from its financial forecasts.

The project could provide additional processing capacity if it proceeds, although its development remains dependent on the relevant approvals and investment decisions.

No construction timetable or expected operational start date was provided in the supplied report.

Valuation and Earnings Expectations

Berenberg said Cranswick’s shares were trading at approximately 15.7 times expected FY2027 earnings.

That compares with a valuation of around 19 times earnings two years earlier.

The broker linked its revised assessment to Cranswick’s investment programme and the potential for additional production volumes.

It also identified the company’s returns profile as a factor in its expectations for future earnings growth.

The valuation multiples and earnings outlook are based on Berenberg’s estimates rather than confirmed future results.

Outlook

Cranswick’s planned £56 million expansion at Eye is expected to increase processing capacity from approximately 1.6 million to 2 million birds per week, with completion targeted for April 2027.

The company anticipates a further 12- to 18-month period to ramp up the expanded facility.

Berenberg expects growth in UK poultry and pork demand to support the company’s investment plans, while its forecasts exclude the proposed £200 million Grimsby facility because of uncertainty over timing.

Following its review, the broker raised its price target to 6,080 pence and upgraded its rating to “buy”, with future performance dependent on demand conditions, capacity expansion and the execution of Cranswick’s investment programme.

Smiths Group (LSE:SMIN) reported headline operating profit of £399 million for the year ended 31 July 2026, exceeding the company-compiled analyst consensus of £388 million, as the industrial engineering group continued to restructure its portfolio.

Headline operating profit increased 2.7% from £388 million a year earlier, while revenue rose 2.1% to £1.94 billion. Organic revenue growth was 1.2%.

The company also announced that it had launched a process to divest a legacy US asbestos liability associated with its John Crane business.

Smiths shares rose more than 5% in early London trading following the announcement.

Revenue Rises 2.1% to £1.94 Billion

Smiths Group reported annual revenue of £1.94 billion, representing an increase of 2.1% compared with the previous financial year.

Organic revenue growth, which excludes the effects of acquisitions, disposals and currency movements, was 1.2%.

Headline operating profit increased 2.7% to £399 million, ahead of the company-compiled analyst consensus of £388 million.

The headline operating margin improved to 20.6% from 20.5%, while return on capital employed stood at 23.5%.

Headline earnings per share rose 6.0% to 86.8 pence.

On a statutory basis, operating profit declined 16.6% to £289 million, reflecting one-off items associated with the group’s portfolio restructuring.

The difference between headline and statutory operating profit reflects the impact of these adjustments on the reported results.

John Crane Records 2.3% Organic Growth

John Crane, Smiths Group’s industrial engineering business, reported organic revenue growth of 2.3% during FY2026.

Performance was supported by original equipment sales and activity in the Americas.

However, the division absorbed an estimated £20 million impact associated with the Middle East conflict.

The company did not provide further details of the disruption or its potential implications for FY2027 in the supplied announcement.

John Crane remains a central part of Smiths Group’s industrial engineering operations following the disposal of other businesses.

Flex-Tek Revenue Declines 0.4% Organically

Flex-Tek reported a 0.4% decline in organic revenue for the financial year.

Growth in aerospace was offset by weaker sales in construction and thermal solutions.

Smiths has been adjusting Flex-Tek’s portfolio through acquisitions and disposals as part of its wider restructuring programme.

During the year, the company sold three Flex-Tek industrial businesses for £40 million.

It also acquired DRC HeatTransfer for £165 million, expanding Flex-Tek’s activities into cooling and data centre markets.

The acquisition forms part of the group’s efforts to develop its remaining industrial engineering businesses.

Interconnect and Detection Disposals Reach £3.3 Billion

Smiths Group completed the disposals of its Interconnect and Detection businesses for a combined enterprise value of £3.3 billion.

The transactions formed part of the company’s strategy to concentrate its operations on industrial engineering.

The combined disposal value exceeded market expectations, according to the company.

Smiths also completed the £40 million sale of three Flex-Tek industrial businesses and acquired DRC HeatTransfer for £165 million.

Chief Executive Roland Carter described FY2026 as a year of significant strategic progress as the company moved towards a more focused industrial engineering portfolio.

The transactions have changed the composition of the group, with its future financial performance increasingly dependent on its remaining operations.

Process Launched to Divest US Asbestos Liability

Smiths Group announced that it had initiated a process to divest a legacy US asbestos liability associated with John Crane.

The proposed transaction is intended to remove the liability from the group’s balance sheet and reduce earnings volatility.

The company has not confirmed a buyer, transaction value or completion timetable.

Any reduction in liabilities and earnings volatility remains conditional on the successful completion of a disposal.

The announcement represents a further element of Smiths Group’s efforts to simplify its financial and operational structure following its portfolio disposals.

Net Cash Reaches £1.75 Billion

Smiths Group ended FY2026 with net cash of £1.75 billion.

The balance sheet position was strengthened by pension fund transactions during the year.

The company also progressed its capital return programme, completing £1.5 billion of a planned £3 billion share buyback.

A further £1.5 billion remains to be returned under the programme.

The buyback is taking place alongside the group’s restructuring and investment in its remaining businesses.

Smiths has not specified a completion date for the outstanding share repurchases in the supplied announcement.

FY2027 Organic Revenue Growth Forecast at Approximately 4%

Smiths Group expects organic revenue growth of approximately 4% in FY2027.

The company is also targeting a headline operating margin of around 21% for the financial year.

The guidance follows FY2026 organic revenue growth of 1.2% and a headline operating margin of 20.6%.

Smiths reiterated its medium-term targets of 5% to 7% organic revenue growth and a headline operating margin of 21% to 23%.

These targets reflect management’s expectations for the remaining industrial engineering portfolio following the recent disposals and acquisitions.

Actual performance will depend on trading conditions, the contribution from the group’s businesses and the execution of its restructuring plans.

Outlook

Smiths Group enters FY2027 following the disposal of its Interconnect and Detection businesses, further changes to Flex-Tek’s portfolio and the completion of half of its planned £3 billion share buyback.

The company expects organic revenue growth of approximately 4% and a headline operating margin of around 21% in the new financial year.

Management is also pursuing the disposal of John Crane’s legacy US asbestos liability, although the proposed transaction has not yet been completed.

The group’s medium-term objectives remain organic revenue growth of 5% to 7% and a headline operating margin of 21% to 23%, as it focuses on its remaining industrial engineering operations.

MedPal AI (LSE:MPAL) is moving rapidly from proving demand to building the infrastructure required to support a much larger digital healthcare business, with annualised revenue now exceeding £35 million and New Health continuing to scale at pace.

In a new ADVFN Watch List interview, Jason Drummond, CEO of MedPal AI, outlined the latest progress across the business, highlighting accelerating customer growth, rising order volumes and a major expansion of the group’s GLP-1 fulfilment capacity.

The numbers underline just how quickly the business has developed.

New Health generated £1.8 million of revenue in August, its first full month of marketing, while September is already running more than 35% ahead of August on a daily basis, according to Drummond.

More than 1.5 million of new orders or order value had already been processed in the first 19 days of September, with more than 12,000 orders recorded during that period.

The scale of the acceleration is particularly striking when viewed against the original expectations for the New Health launch.

Drummond said the business had initially prepared for around 300 new orders a day. Instead, MedPal has already reached days where it is dispensing as many as 2,000 orders, representing approximately £300,000 of business in a single day.

For a business still in the early stages of its commercial rollout, that represents significant operating momentum.

From zero to more than 25,000 customers

Customer acquisition is another key part of the story.

According to Drummond, New Health has grown from zero to more than 25,000 customers since July, with the business focused on combining competitive pricing with clinical support rather than relying on purchased customer acquisition.

That distinction could become increasingly important as the customer base matures.

While New Health is still relatively early in its development, Drummond said the business is already seeing customers return for further medication.

Around 27% of customers are already coming back, he said, despite many having only joined during the second half of August or the beginning of September.

That creates the potential for repeat orders to build alongside new customer acquisition.

For a digital healthcare platform, repeat customers can be particularly valuable because the cost of acquiring the original customer does not have to be incurred again for every subsequent order.

Building capacity for the next stage

The rapid increase in demand has also created a very different challenge for MedPal: making sure its infrastructure can keep up.

The company has raised £5 million, predominantly from existing shareholders, with the funding being used in part to expand GLP-1 fulfilment capacity at its Sarus Court facility.

The scale of the planned upgrade is substantial.

The more than 20,000 sq ft facility was originally designed to handle approximately 3,000 orders per day. MedPal is now investing just under £1 million into its GLP-1 fulfilment line, taking potential capacity to approximately 14,000 orders per day.

Drummond expects the expanded facility to be operational by the end of October.

At maximum capacity, the new line could represent approximately £2 million of order revenue per day, according to management.

That does not mean MedPal is forecasting revenue at that level. Rather, it illustrates the scale of the infrastructure being put in place to ensure that fulfilment capacity does not become a constraint on future growth.

Owning the healthcare journey

Another feature of MedPal’s model is the degree of vertical integration being developed across the business.

The company operates its own clinic, robotic dispensing, delivery infrastructure and technology platform.

Drummond argues that automation across the chain can reduce both cost and friction while allowing MedPal to maintain competitive pricing and clinical support.

That infrastructure is becoming increasingly important as the business moves from an early-stage growth story towards a potentially much larger healthcare platform.

There is also a significant working-capital component to rapid growth.

MedPal has to pay for medication before it is delivered, while payments from the NHS and other counterparties arrive later. As volumes increase, the amount of working capital required to bridge that timing difference also increases.

The latest £5 million raise therefore provides not only investment capital for additional fulfilment capacity, but also additional resources to support the working-capital requirements associated with a rapidly expanding business.

Growth rather than braking

Perhaps the clearest message from the interview is that MedPal is now focused on matching infrastructure with demand rather than slowing growth to fit existing capacity.

Drummond said existing shareholders had effectively encouraged the company to “keep this thing going”, with management now looking to expand the business and capture the demand it is seeing.

The company is also in discussions with major UK clearing banks regarding facilities to support the working-capital requirements of the expanding operation.

That is an important development as MedPal moves into its next phase.

The business has gone from zero to more than £35 million of annualised revenue in just 11 months, according to Drummond, while New Health has rapidly established a growing customer base and significant order volumes.

With additional fulfilment capacity expected by the end of October, the focus now shifts towards how quickly MedPal can scale the platform while maintaining service levels, customer retention and operational efficiency.

For investors following the MedPal story, the latest update provides a clear indication of the company’s current priorities: convert accelerating demand into recurring revenue, expand fulfilment capacity and build the infrastructure required to support the next stage of growth.

With New Health still in the early stages of its rollout and the new GLP-1 fulfilment line set to materially increase capacity, MedPal AI is entering an important phase in its development.

The challenge is no longer simply demonstrating demand — it is building enough capacity to meet it.

For more information visit – https://medpal.co/

Oxford Biomedica (LSE:OXB) reported revenue of £80.2 million for the first half of 2026, representing a 10% increase on a constant-currency basis, supported by demand for its development and manufacturing services.

The cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) secured a record 17 new clients during the period and reported a revenue backlog of approximately £193 million.

Gross margin declined to 37%, while the company recorded a small operating EBITDA loss. Adjusted EBITDA nevertheless improved compared with the corresponding period last year.

Oxford Biomedica reiterated its full-year revenue guidance of £180 million to £200 million and confirmed that GMP manufacturing operations at its Durham facility in North Carolina are now operational.

Revenue Increases 10% on a Constant-Currency Basis

Oxford Biomedica generated revenue of £80.2 million during the first six months of 2026, an increase of 10% at constant currency.

Growth was supported by demand for the company’s development and manufacturing services, which are used by customers developing cell and gene therapies.

The company provides viral vector development and manufacturing services across several technologies, including lentiviral, adeno-associated viral and adenoviral vectors.

Its services cover multiple stages of development, from early research and clinical programmes through to commercial manufacturing.

The supplied announcement does not provide the reported-currency revenue growth rate or a breakdown of revenue by service category.

Record 17 New Clients Secured

Oxford Biomedica reported 17 new client wins during the first half, a record for the company.

The additions form part of its strategy to expand and diversify its customer base.

The company provides outsourced development and manufacturing services to organisations working on cell and gene therapies.

New client relationships may involve development work, manufacturing services or programmes that progress through different stages of clinical and commercial development.

The supplied announcement does not disclose the value of the new contracts or specify their expected contribution to revenue.

Gross Margin Declines to 37%

Oxford Biomedica reported a gross margin of 37% for the first half of 2026, reflecting a reduction compared with the previous period.

The company also recorded a small operating EBITDA loss.

Adjusted EBITDA improved year on year, supported by continued cost discipline.

The supplied announcement does not provide the precise operating EBITDA loss, adjusted EBITDA figure or comparative gross margin.

The difference between operating EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should be considered when assessing the company’s underlying profitability.

Oxford Biomedica continues to manage its cost base while expanding its manufacturing capacity and customer relationships.

Durham Manufacturing Facility Begins GMP Operations

Oxford Biomedica confirmed that good manufacturing practice (GMP) manufacturing operations at its Durham facility in North Carolina are now operational.

The site expands the company’s manufacturing presence in the United States and complements its existing facilities in the UK, France and Bedford, Massachusetts.

The additional capacity forms part of Oxford Biomedica’s international manufacturing network.

The company is developing its global operations to serve customers across different stages of cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing.

The supplied announcement does not specify the Durham facility’s production capacity or expected revenue contribution.

Revenue Backlog Reaches Approximately £193 Million

Oxford Biomedica reported a revenue backlog of approximately £193 million at the end of the first half.

The company also indicated that a substantial proportion of its expected 2026 revenue is covered by existing contracts.

The backlog provides visibility over future contracted work, although the timing of revenue recognition will depend on project delivery and contractual arrangements.

The company has not disclosed the precise percentage of full-year revenue covered by contracts or the expected conversion schedule for the backlog.

The combination of existing contracted work and new client wins supports management’s decision to maintain its full-year revenue expectations.

FY2026 Revenue Guidance Maintained at £180 Million to £200 Million

Oxford Biomedica reiterated its guidance for full-year 2026 revenue of between £180 million and £200 million.

The company cited its contracted revenue coverage and existing backlog alongside continued demand for development and manufacturing services.

The guidance remains unchanged following first-half revenue of £80.2 million.

Oxford Biomedica continues to focus on customer acquisition, delivery of contracted programmes and the expansion of its manufacturing network.

Actual full-year performance will depend on the timing and execution of customer projects and the recognition of associated revenue.

Long-Term Revenue Ambition of Approximately £500 Million

Oxford Biomedica continues to target annual revenue of approximately £500 million by 2030.

The ambition is supported by its plans to expand its customer base, develop its manufacturing capabilities and increase the scale of its global operations.

The company operates facilities in the UK, France and the United States, with the Durham site now providing additional GMP manufacturing capacity.

The £500 million figure is a longer-term management objective rather than a confirmed revenue outcome.

Progress towards that target will depend on customer demand, contract execution and the company’s ability to expand its services and operations.

Outlook

Oxford Biomedica enters the second half of 2026 with revenue of £80.2 million, a backlog of approximately £193 million and a record 17 new client wins during the first half.

The company has maintained its full-year revenue guidance of £180 million to £200 million, supported by existing contracted work.

Its priorities include delivering customer programmes, developing its international manufacturing operations and expanding its client base.

Management continues to pursue its longer-term objective of approximately £500 million in annual revenue by 2030, while maintaining cost discipline following the first-half decline in gross margin.

Kingfisher (LSE:KGF) reported a 9.9% increase in adjusted pre-tax profit to £404 million for the six months ended 31 July 2026, supported by improved gross margins, higher customer transactions and cost control.

The home improvement retailer recorded a 1.6% increase in total sales including marketplace activity, while like-for-like sales rose slightly. Screwfix, Poland and Iberia were among the main contributors to growth.

Gross margin improved by 70 basis points, and adjusted earnings per share increased 16.1%. The company also generated £339 million in free cash flow.

Following the first-half results, Kingfisher upgraded its full-year guidance for adjusted pre-tax profit and free cash flow, maintained its interim dividend and continued its £300 million share buyback programme.

Sales Increase 1.6% as Customer Transactions Rise

Kingfisher reported a 1.6% increase in total sales including marketplace activity during the first half of its financial year.

Like-for-like sales also increased slightly, supported by higher customer transaction volumes.

The group identified Screwfix, Poland and Iberia as areas of particular growth during the period.

Kingfisher operates home improvement retail brands including B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama and Brico Dépôt across the UK, Ireland, France, Poland and Iberia.

The company continues to serve both trade professionals and DIY customers through its stores, digital platforms and marketplace operations.

Adjusted Pre-Tax Profit Reaches £404 Million

Adjusted pre-tax profit increased 9.9% to £404 million for the six-month period.

Gross margin expanded by 70 basis points, while adjusted earnings per share rose 16.1%.

The improvement in profitability reflected a combination of sales growth, cost control and a one-off business rates refund.

Ongoing share buybacks also supported adjusted earnings per share.

The business rates refund was a non-recurring benefit, meaning its contribution should be distinguished from the performance of the group’s underlying retail operations.

The supplied announcement does not provide the value of the refund or a profit figure excluding its impact.

Screwfix, Poland and Iberia Support Growth

Kingfisher reported growth at Screwfix and across its businesses in Poland and Iberia during the first half.

The performance contributed to the group’s increase in total sales and helped offset differences in trading conditions across its retail markets.

Screwfix forms a central part of Kingfisher’s trade-focused operations, while the group also serves professional customers through its other retail brands.

The company reported market share gains during the period, although the supplied announcement does not provide individual market share figures for each country or business.

Kingfisher continues to develop its retail operations across its European markets while expanding services for trade customers.

Trade Sales Penetration Reaches 31%

Trade sales accounted for 31% of Kingfisher’s sales during the first half, reflecting the group’s continued focus on professional customers.

The company has been expanding its trade offering across its retail brands, including Screwfix and its other home improvement businesses.

Kingfisher also reported increased activity through its digital channels.

Online penetration reached 22%, highlighting the contribution of e-commerce to the group’s overall sales mix.

The retailer continues to develop its digital operations, marketplace services and retail media activities alongside its physical store network.

Free Cash Flow Reaches £339 Million

Kingfisher generated £339 million in free cash flow during the six months ended 31 July 2026.

The company reported the cash generation alongside its increase in adjusted pre-tax profit and improvement in gross margin.

Following the interim results, Kingfisher raised its full-year free cash flow guidance.

The supplied announcement does not specify the revised cash flow target or provide a comparative first-half figure.

Free cash flow remains relevant to the group’s investment plans and shareholder distributions, including dividends and share buybacks.

Interim Dividend Maintained at 3.8 Pence

Kingfisher maintained its interim dividend at 3.8 pence per share.

The group is also progressing a £300 million share buyback programme.

Share repurchases contributed to the increase in adjusted earnings per share during the first half, alongside the improvement in profitability.

The company continues to return capital to shareholders while investing in its retail and digital operations.

The supplied announcement does not specify how much of the £300 million buyback programme has been completed.

Full-Year Profit and Cash Flow Guidance Upgraded

Kingfisher upgraded its full-year expectations for adjusted pre-tax profit and free cash flow following the first-half performance.

The revised outlook reflects the group’s sales performance, gross margin improvement and cash generation during the period.

The company reported higher customer transactions, growth in its trade and digital channels, and market share gains across its operations.

However, the supplied announcement does not include the revised numerical guidance ranges.

The contribution from the one-off business rates refund should also be considered when assessing the relationship between first-half profitability and the group’s underlying performance.

Outlook

Kingfisher enters the second half of its financial year with upgraded guidance for adjusted pre-tax profit and free cash flow.

The group continues to focus on expanding its trade customer offering, developing its e-commerce and marketplace activities, and managing operating costs.

Its first-half results included a 1.6% increase in total sales including marketplace activity, adjusted pre-tax profit of £404 million and free cash flow of £339 million.

Kingfisher has maintained its interim dividend at 3.8 pence per share and is continuing its £300 million share buyback programme.

Mortgage Advice Bureau (LSE:MAB1) reported an 8.6% increase in revenue to £161 million for the first half of 2026, supported by higher mortgage completion volumes and refinancing activity.

Adjusted profit before tax increased 2.1% to £14.8 million, while adjusted earnings per share rose slightly. However, statutory profit declined as administrative expenses increased and operating margins narrowed.

The UK mortgage intermediary reported a 16% increase in total mortgage completions to £16.5 billion, maintained its share of new mortgage lending and expanded its position in the product transfer market.

The group also increased its interim dividend but expects only modest profit growth for the full year, citing delayed digital lead generation and changing mortgage market conditions.

Revenue Increases 8.6% as Adjusted Profit Reaches £14.8 Million

Mortgage Advice Bureau reported first-half revenue of £161 million, an increase of 8.6% compared with the corresponding period last year.

Adjusted profit before tax rose 2.1% to £14.8 million, while adjusted earnings per share increased slightly.

Statutory profit declined during the period, reflecting higher administrative expenses and a reduction in operating margins.

The company reported increased mortgage activity, particularly in refinancing and product transfers, which helped offset slower conditions in the housing market.

The supplied announcement does not provide the statutory profit figure or the specific adjusted earnings per share amount.

Mortgage Completions Increase 16% to £16.5 Billion

Total mortgage completions rose 16% to £16.5 billion during the first half of 2026.

Mortgage Advice Bureau maintained an 8.2% share of new UK mortgage lending, while its share of the product transfer market increased to 3.2%.

The increase in product transfer market share reflects the group’s activity in refinancing, where existing borrowers seek new mortgage arrangements or move to alternative products.

Refinancing activity contributed to overall completion volumes during a period of slower housing market activity.

The company continues to provide mortgage and protection advice through its network of more than 2,100 appointed representative advisers.

Refinancing Activity Offsets Slower Housing Market

Mortgage Advice Bureau reported a shift in market activity towards refinancing during the first half.

The group benefited from increased mortgage completions and a larger share of the product transfer market, although conditions in the housing market remained subdued.

Management identified refinancing as an important contributor to the company’s performance, alongside its existing new mortgage lending business.

The company expects refinancing volumes to increase further from 2027, although the timing and scale of this activity remain dependent on market conditions.

Its business model covers mortgage advice, specialist lending, protection and general insurance services.

Digital Lead Generation Delays Affect Outlook

Mortgage Advice Bureau reported delays in digital lead flows during the period.

These delays, together with changing mortgage market conditions, have affected the group’s expectations for full-year profitability.

The company continues to invest in its technology-driven intermediary platform, which connects customers, advisers, lenders and insurers.

Management expects operational efficiency improvements to contribute to financial performance from 2027 onwards.

However, the supplied announcement does not specify the financial impact of delayed digital lead generation or provide quantified efficiency targets.

Interim Dividend Increased

Mortgage Advice Bureau increased its interim dividend following the first-half results.

The dividend increase was announced alongside revenue growth of 8.6% and a 2.1% rise in adjusted profit before tax.

The company has not disclosed the revised dividend per share in the supplied announcement.

The increase comes despite a decline in statutory profit and narrower operating margins during the period.

FY2026 Profit Growth Expected to Be Modest

Mortgage Advice Bureau expects modest profit growth for the full year, reflecting the current mortgage market environment and delays in digital lead generation.

The group anticipates that increased refinancing volumes and operational efficiency improvements will support higher performance from 2027 onwards.

Management continues to focus on developing its intermediary platform, maintaining its position in new mortgage lending and expanding its product transfer activities.

The company has not provided a specific full-year profit forecast in the supplied announcement.

Outlook

Mortgage Advice Bureau enters the second half of 2026 following an increase in mortgage completions and revenue, alongside a smaller rise in adjusted profitability.

The group expects refinancing activity to remain an important component of its business as housing market conditions continue to affect new mortgage lending.

Management anticipates modest profit growth for FY2026, with efficiency improvements and higher refinancing volumes expected to contribute to performance from 2027.

The company’s financial results will continue to reflect mortgage completion volumes, product transfer activity, operating costs and the development of its digital lead generation capabilities.

Serabi Gold (LSE:SRB) reported revenue of $100.1 million for the first half of 2026, supported by increased gold production and a higher realised gold price.

The Brazil-focused gold producer recorded EBITDA of $44.4 million, an increase of 69%, while profit after tax reached $30.1 million.

Gold production rose to 23,049 ounces during the six-month period, with sales totalling 21,348 ounces.

The company ended the period with cash of $65.7 million and no debt, while operating costs increased as production at the Coringa mine continued to ramp up.

Serabi also secured a 10-year extension of a regional tax incentive in Brazil and continued work on regulatory approvals for Coringa.

Gold Production Reaches 23,049 Ounces

Serabi produced 23,049 ounces of gold during the first half of 2026, with sales of 21,348 ounces.

The company operates the Palito Gold Complex in Pará state, Brazil, and is advancing the Coringa project as part of its production and development activities.

Revenue increased to $100.1 million, reflecting higher gold output and a substantial increase in the realised selling price.

The company did not disclose the precise realised gold price or comparative production figures in the supplied announcement.

Serabi continues to focus on its existing mining districts, combining underground production with development and exploration activities.

EBITDA Increases 69% to $44.4 Million

Serabi reported EBITDA of $44.4 million for the six months, representing a 69% increase compared with the corresponding period last year.

Profit after tax rose to $30.1 million, while revenue reached $100.1 million.

The increase in earnings was supported by higher gold sales prices and increased production, although operating costs also rose during the period.

The company ended the first half with $65.7 million in cash and remained debt-free.

Its cash position provides financial resources for ongoing operations and development activities, including work at Coringa.

Cash Costs Rise to $2,010 Per Ounce

Serabi reported cash costs of $2,010 per ounce during the first half of 2026.

All-in sustaining costs (AISC) reached $2,682 per ounce.

The increase in operating costs reflected the continuing ramp-up at the Coringa mine and one-off general and administrative expenses.

The company is progressing Coringa’s development alongside its existing operations at Palito.

Further changes in production volumes and operating costs will depend on the progress of the ramp-up and the company’s operational activities.

Brazilian Tax Incentive Extended for 10 Years

Serabi secured a 10-year extension of a regional tax incentive applicable to its operations in Brazil’s Amazon region.

The extension maintains an effective corporate tax rate of approximately 15.25% for the Palito operation.

The incentive provides continued access to the regional tax arrangement over the extended period.

The company reported the extension alongside its first-half financial results and ongoing development activities.

Coringa Licensing Remains a Development Priority

Serabi continued to advance the regulatory licensing process for its Coringa project during the first half.

The company is seeking the approvals required to support further development and increased throughput at the mine.

Management anticipates that additional regulatory approvals could allow the project to increase production capacity, although the timing and outcome of the licensing process remain uncertain.

Coringa’s ramp-up contributed to higher operating costs during the reporting period.

The project forms part of Serabi’s strategy to expand production within its existing Brazilian mining districts.

Balance Sheet Ends Period Debt-Free

Serabi reported cash holdings of $65.7 million at the end of the first half and confirmed that it had no outstanding debt.

The cash position followed the increase in revenue and earnings during the period.

The company continues to allocate resources to its existing mining operations, Coringa’s development and exploration within its established districts.

Its financial performance remains linked to gold production volumes, realised selling prices and operating costs.

Outlook

Serabi’s priorities for the remainder of 2026 include progressing the Coringa licensing process, continuing the mine’s operational ramp-up and maintaining production at its existing operations.

The company expects further development at Coringa to support increased throughput and gold production, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

The 10-year extension of the Amazon regional tax incentive maintains Palito’s effective corporate tax rate at approximately 15.25%.

Following the first-half results, Serabi reported cash of $65.7 million, no debt and EBITDA of $44.4 million, while higher operating costs remain a factor in its financial performance.

Guardian Metal Resources (LSE:GMET), (AMEX:GMTL) (USOTC:GMTLF) is continuing to build momentum at its Tempiute Tungsten Project in Nevada, with a 92-metre mineralised intersection providing another significant indication of the scale of the system.

Guardian Metal Resources is adding further weight to its growing U.S. tungsten story, with the latest drilling results from the Tempiute Project in Nevada demonstrating broad zones of tungsten mineralisation and providing additional support for the company’s plans to move towards an initial Mineral Resource.

The standout result from the latest drilling is certainly eye-catching.

Drill hole TP26-046 at the Schofield Zone intersected 92.0 metres at 0.34% WO₃ from 102.5 metres, including 12.7 metres at 0.53% WO₃ and 5.1 metres at 0.49% WO₃.

For investors, the significance is not simply the headline grade. It is the combination of width, grade and continuity that makes the result important as Guardian continues to build its geological understanding of Tempiute.

And there is more to come.

Guardian has completed 28 of the 46 planned Phase II diamond drill holes, with assays still pending from a further 24 holes.

That means the latest announcement is another step in what remains an active exploration programme, rather than the conclusion of the story.

Building towards a resource

One of the key developments at Tempiute is the transition from exploration towards resource definition.

Guardian’s Phase II programme has been designed to test the continuity, thickness and grade of tungsten mineralisation around and beyond the historic underground workings.

That work is important because the ultimate investment proposition at an exploration project depends on establishing how much mineralisation exists, its grade and how it could potentially be developed.

The latest results are beginning to provide that picture.

Alongside the 92-metre intersection, TP26-042 returned 20.2 metres at 0.21% WO₃, including 6.9 metres at 0.35% WO₃, while TP26-044 intersected 23.9 metres at 0.22% WO₃.

The company is therefore seeing multiple broad mineralised intervals rather than relying on a single isolated result.

That distinction matters.

The historic mine could become increasingly important

Tempiute also has an interesting advantage that many greenfield exploration projects do not have: historic underground workings.

Guardian is now planning to rehabilitate strategically located historic workings, with work expected to begin in October 2026.

The existing adits provide underground access approximately 200 metres from the South Thumb and Schofield zones. Once rehabilitation is complete, Guardian plans to undertake underground drilling.

This could give the company an additional way of testing the mineralisation at depth and around the historic production areas.

It also provides an important reminder that Tempiute is not an entirely new discovery. Tungsten was historically mined at the project, while Guardian’s exploration is now demonstrating that mineralisation extends beyond the areas previously worked.

Exploration continues to expand the picture

The results from Phase II follow an encouraging Phase I regional exploration programme comprising 41 diamond drill holes, with 20 holes intersecting strong tungsten mineralisation.

Crucially, Guardian says the results indicate that tungsten-skarn mineralisation is present across several areas outside the historically mined zones.

Among the Phase I results was 32.4 metres at 0.26% WO₃, including 1.7 metres at 2.00% WO₃, while another hole returned 14.0 metres at 0.35% WO₃, including 5.8 metres at 0.63% WO₃.

The emerging picture is therefore one of a much larger mineralised system that Guardian is progressively defining through drilling.

Why tungsten matters

The Tempiute story also needs to be viewed against the backdrop of growing interest in tungsten as a critical mineral and the strategic importance of developing domestic supply in the United States.

Guardian’s wider strategy is centred on establishing a U.S.-based tungsten supply chain, with Tempiute complementing the company’s flagship Pilot Mountain Project.

Pilot Mountain provides Guardian with an advanced development asset, while Tempiute offers additional exploration and resource-definition potential.

That combination gives investors exposure to two different stages of the development cycle within the same broader tungsten strategy.

What investors should watch next

The immediate focus will be on the remaining Phase II assays.

With 24 holes still awaiting results, the next batches of data could provide further information on the continuity and scale of mineralisation across the Schofield, South Thumb and surrounding zones.

Guardian is ultimately working towards a potential initial Mineral Resource at Tempiute.

Today’s result does not establish that resource — and the project remains at the exploration stage — but a 92-metre intersection at 0.34% WO₃ represents another substantial piece of geological information for the company.

The bigger story is the accumulation of evidence.

Broad tungsten intersections. Multiple mineralised zones. Historic underground infrastructure. Further drilling underway. And a company now moving towards resource definition.

For Guardian Metal, Tempiute is increasingly looking like more than simply an exploration add-on to Pilot Mountain.

With another batch of assays still to come, the next stage of the Tempiute story could be about defining just how big this tungsten system really is.

For more information visit – https://guardianmetalresources.com