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  • Everyman Media Bolsters Leadership With CFO Appointment and Interim Creative Director Role

    Everyman Media Bolsters Leadership With CFO Appointment and Interim Creative Director Role

    Everyman Media Group (LSE:EMAN) has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Sheree Manning as Chief Financial Officer and the elevation of long-standing non-executive director Charles Dorfman to Interim Creative Director with executive responsibilities. Manning brings more than two decades of senior finance and leadership experience, including roles at National World and other major media and retail groups, and is due to join the board later in February. Outgoing finance director Will Worsdell will remain in post until mid-March to support a smooth transition.

    Dorfman’s move into an executive creative position draws on his extensive background in cross-media production and investment. Interim chief executive management said the change is designed to strengthen Everyman’s creative proposition while supporting the group’s next stage of growth, reflecting a dual focus on tighter financial discipline and differentiated content as the company continues to expand its premium cinema estate across the UK.

    From a market perspective, the outlook is shaped primarily by financial performance. While there are signs of potential recovery through improving revenues and cash generation, the business continues to face challenges linked to high leverage and a lack of profitability. Technical indicators point to a bearish trend, and valuation metrics suggest the shares may be undervalued, largely reflecting ongoing financial risk.

    More about Everyman Media Group

    Everyman Media Group is a leading UK independent premium cinema and entertainment operator, running a growing portfolio of venues that combine cinema exhibition with in-house hospitality. The group differentiates itself through a curated mix of mainstream and independent films, live theatre and concert screenings, high-quality food and drink, and intimate venues designed as destination spaces within local communities.

  • Blencowe Confirms Broad, Shallow Graphite Mineralisation at Orom-Cross Iyan

    Blencowe Confirms Broad, Shallow Graphite Mineralisation at Orom-Cross Iyan

    Blencowe Resources Plc (LSE:BRES) has released a second set of assay results from 12 shallow drill holes at the Iyan deposit within its Orom-Cross Graphite Project in Uganda. The latest data confirm thick, near-surface graphite mineralisation, with multiple intersections exceeding 30 metres from surface and several holes ending in mineralisation, pointing to further depth potential.

    The results support Iyan’s positioning as a bulk blending deposit with higher-grade zones, underpinning the case for low-strip, efficient mining and future resource growth. They also advance the company’s plans to expand scale ahead of an updated JORC resource estimate, which is expected in the first quarter of 2026. Blencowe said further assay results from the nearby Beehive deposit are still to come and are expected to play a role in refining mine planning, funding discussions, and potential offtake agreements.

    Strategically, the findings strengthen Orom-Cross’s credentials as a potential long-life source of critical graphite at a time when Western markets are seeking to diversify supply away from China. From a market perspective, the company continues to face financial challenges, with no revenue, ongoing losses, and increased cash burn in 2025. However, technical indicators remain supportive, with the share price in a clear uptrend and positive momentum, while valuation remains difficult to assess due to negative earnings and the absence of dividend data.

    More about Blencowe Resources Plc

    Blencowe Resources Plc is a London-listed natural resources company focused on developing the Orom-Cross Graphite Project in Uganda. The project targets large-scale, near-surface graphite deposits intended to deliver long-life, low-cost supply to global battery and industrial markets seeking secure sources of critical minerals outside China.

  • European Shares Trade Mixed as Earnings Season Continues Ahead of ECB and BOE Decisions: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Shares Trade Mixed as Earnings Season Continues Ahead of ECB and BOE Decisions: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equity markets showed mixed performance on Thursday as investors assessed overnight declines on Wall Street alongside a fresh wave of corporate earnings releases, while attention remained fixed on upcoming monetary policy announcements from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England.

    At 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX index slipped 0.2% and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 declined 0.4%, while France’s CAC 40 advanced 0.6%.

    Corporate results dominate market focus

    Global investor sentiment has been pressured by growing concerns over the escalating costs tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure, which contributed to a sharp sell-off in U.S. technology shares overnight and losses across major Asian markets earlier in the day.

    Alphabet signalled late Wednesday that its capital expenditure could potentially double this year, reflecting another significant increase in spending by Google’s parent company as it expands investment to overcome computing capacity limitations and strengthen its position in the AI sector.

    Meanwhile, European investors continued reviewing earnings from several major regional corporations.

    Energy giant Shell (LSE:SHEL) reported adjusted earnings of $3.26 billion for the fourth quarter, representing a decline from $3.7 billion recorded a year earlier and marking the company’s weakest quarterly performance in nearly five years.

    Danish shipping group Maersk (TG:DP4A) announced fourth-quarter operating profit broadly aligned with market expectations but warned that declining freight rates, combined with ongoing industry pressures, could negatively impact earnings in 2026.

    BNP Paribas (EU:BNP) lifted its profitability targets for 2028 after fourth-quarter profit climbed 28%, with France’s largest bank expecting structural cost savings and a supportive interest rate environment to accelerate future earnings expansion.

    Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (LSE:BVA) reported net profit of €2.53 billion for the fourth quarter, representing a 4% increase from €2.43 billion a year earlier, supported by loan growth in Spain and Mexico that helped offset higher credit provisions.

    Siemens Healthineers (TG:SIE) posted strong first-quarter results, with robust demand for imaging technology and cancer treatment equipment helping to offset weaker performance in its diagnostics division and the impact of currency fluctuations.

    ECB and BOE policy decisions in focus

    Outside the corporate sphere, German industrial orders increased 7.8% in December compared with the previous month, significantly outperforming expectations for a 2.2% decline.

    The European Central Bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged at 2% later in the day, marking a fifth consecutive meeting without a rate adjustment. However, the sharp decline in eurozone inflation during January may present new challenges for policymakers.

    Recent data showed eurozone consumer price inflation slowed to 1.7% year-on-year in January, down from 1.9% in December.

    Similarly, the Bank of England is expected to hold its benchmark rate steady at 3.75% later in the session, with analysts pointing to persistent inflation risks despite signs of softening labour market conditions.

    Oil prices fall as U.S.-Iran talks ease supply fears

    Crude oil prices dropped sharply on Thursday after the United States and Iran agreed to hold diplomatic talks in Oman on Friday, easing concerns about potential military escalation that could disrupt energy supply in the region.

    Brent crude futures for April delivery fell 1.5% to $68.39 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude declined 1.6% to $64.10 per barrel.

    Both oil benchmarks had climbed roughly 3% on Wednesday amid concerns that negotiations between the United States and Iran might collapse.

    Despite the planned discussions, uncertainty remains, with concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump could still proceed with previously issued threats to strike Iran, the fourth-largest oil producer within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, potentially triggering broader instability in the region.

  • Vodafone Reports Q3 Revenue Growth and Maintains Upper-End FY26 Profit and Cash Flow Outlook

    Vodafone Reports Q3 Revenue Growth and Maintains Upper-End FY26 Profit and Cash Flow Outlook

    Vodafone (LSE:VOD) reported group total revenue of €10.5 billion for the third quarter of FY26, representing a 6.5% year-on-year increase, while service revenue rose 7.3% to €8.5 billion. Growth was primarily driven by strong performance across African markets, continued momentum in Türkiye and the consolidation of Three UK and Telekom Romania into group results.

    Germany returned to modest service revenue growth during the quarter, while UK performance recorded a small, expected decline, largely reflecting prior-year one-off factors. On an organic basis, service revenue increased 5.4%, while group Adjusted EBITDAaL rose 2.3% organically for the quarter and 5.3% year-to-date.

    Vodafone confirmed it expects to deliver results at the upper end of its full-year FY26 guidance ranges for profit and cash flow. However, operating profit declined significantly during the period, primarily due to non-cash accounting impacts associated with mergers and acquisitions activity linked to the company’s restructuring in India.

    Management highlighted continued progress integrating the VodafoneThree UK business, which is expected to strengthen the company’s competitive position in the UK market. The group also reported ongoing double-digit organic growth across its African operations, supported in part by expanding financial services offerings.

    Vodafone maintained a strong focus on shareholder returns, completing €3.5 billion of share buybacks and confirming plans to increase its FY26 dividend per share. The company said these capital return initiatives reflect confidence in its medium-term cash flow outlook despite near-term accounting pressures.

    Vodafone’s outlook combines strategic progress and positive operational momentum with some financial and valuation challenges. Strong technical trading trends and positive earnings sentiment provide support, while ongoing integration activities and corporate developments strengthen long-term growth potential.

    More about Vodafone

    Vodafone Group Plc is a multinational telecommunications provider offering mobile, fixed-line, broadband and digital connectivity services across Europe, the UK, Türkiye and Africa. The company serves both consumer and enterprise customers, including wholesale connectivity and expanding financial services solutions in African markets. Vodafone has recently strengthened its UK market position through the integration of Three UK operations as part of its broader strategic transformation.

  • Shell Earnings Slip on Weaker Prices but Strong Cash Flow Supports Higher Shareholder Returns

    Shell Earnings Slip on Weaker Prices but Strong Cash Flow Supports Higher Shareholder Returns

    Shell (LSE:SHEL) reported fourth-quarter 2025 income attributable to shareholders of $4.1 billion, representing a significant increase year-on-year but a decline compared with the previous quarter. The quarter-on-quarter reduction reflected unfavourable tax adjustments, lower marketing margins, reduced realised commodity prices and higher operating costs.

    Adjusted earnings dropped 40% compared with the prior quarter and declined 22% for the full year to $18.5 billion. Adjusted EBITDA also fell 15% to $56.1 billion, primarily due to weaker liquids and liquefied natural gas prices, softer trading and optimisation performance, and reduced chemicals margins. These pressures were partly offset by stronger production volumes, lower operating costs and supportive tax impacts.

    Shell generated operating cash flow of $9.4 billion during the fourth quarter and $42.9 billion for the full year. Annual free cash flow reached $26.1 billion after capital expenditure of $20.9 billion. Net debt increased to $45.7 billion, with gearing rising to 20.7%, largely reflecting strong shareholder distributions.

    The company returned $5.5 billion to shareholders during the fourth quarter through a combination of dividends and share buybacks. Shell also announced a new $3.5 billion share repurchase programme, reinforcing its commitment to returning capital to investors despite softer earnings and cash flow compared with 2024.

    Strategically, Shell highlighted $5.1 billion in structural cost savings achieved since 2022 and continued investment across its portfolio. The company recently approved final investment decisions for Australia’s Gorgon Stage 3 integrated gas development and Nigeria’s HI gas project, supporting future growth in upstream production and LNG capacity despite a weaker pricing and margin environment.

    Shell’s outlook reflects a stable financial position supported by strong operating margins and a resilient balance sheet. Attractive valuation metrics and positive investor sentiment following recent results provide additional support. However, technical trading indicators suggest potential short-term weakness, while slower revenue and cash flow growth remain key risks to monitor.

    More about Shell

    Shell plc is a global energy company operating across the oil, natural gas and liquefied natural gas value chains, alongside expanding investments in electricity and lower-carbon energy solutions. The company produces, processes and trades hydrocarbons, supplies fuels and lubricants globally, and continues to develop integrated gas, chemicals and cleaner energy projects to serve industrial, commercial and retail customers worldwide.

  • BT Group Achieves Record Fibre Adoption as Revenue Declines but Outlook Remains Intact

    BT Group Achieves Record Fibre Adoption as Revenue Declines but Outlook Remains Intact

    BT Group (LSE:BT.A) has reported continued progress in expanding its UK digital infrastructure and customer base, with its full fibre broadband network now reaching 21.4 million premises, including 5.9 million in rural communities. Record numbers of fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections pushed Openreach’s customer take-up rate above 38%, reflecting strong demand for higher-speed connectivity services.

    The group also recorded further expansion in its mobile business, with its 5G customer base rising to 14.3 million users. Enhanced 5G+ coverage now reaches 69% of the UK population. BT reported growth across its Consumer segment, with increases in broadband, mobile and TV customers, while EE maintained its position as the UK’s highest-rated mobile network across multiple independent performance assessments.

    Despite the operational progress, BT reported that adjusted group revenue for the third quarter declined 4% year-on-year to £5.0 billion, while adjusted EBITDA slipped 1% to £2.1 billion. The decline reflected ongoing reductions in legacy voice services, weaker handset and device sales, and the impact of previous business disposals. Reported profit before tax also fell, partly due to losses linked to the company’s sports joint venture.

    Management highlighted continued progress in cost transformation initiatives, including lower labour and energy consumption and improvements in customer satisfaction. BT also confirmed completion of all planned disposals within its International division. The company reiterated that it remains on track to meet its full-year guidance and expects to deliver substantial growth in free cash flow over the medium term.

    BT’s outlook reflects solid operational and financial execution, supported by strategic transformation efforts and positive corporate developments. However, technical trading indicators suggest weaker share price momentum. Valuation metrics indicate relatively balanced pricing, supported by an attractive dividend yield.

    More about BT Group plc

    BT Group plc is one of the UK’s leading telecommunications providers, operating through its Openreach, Consumer, Business and International divisions. The company delivers fixed and mobile connectivity services, including full fibre broadband and 5G mobile networks, alongside television and digital services under brands such as EE, BT and Plusnet. BT continues to focus on expanding next-generation network infrastructure and providing integrated communications solutions for residential, commercial and public sector customers.

  • European Shares Trade Mixed Following Eurozone Inflation Print: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Shares Trade Mixed Following Eurozone Inflation Print: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equity markets were mixed on Wednesday as investors digested the latest Eurozone inflation figures and looked ahead to key central bank decisions.

    Fresh data showed that inflation in the euro area slipped below the European Central Bank’s 2% target in January, helped by lower energy prices and a firmer euro. According to flash estimates from Eurostat, the harmonized index of consumer prices rose 1.7% year on year last month, in line with expectations and down from 2.0% in December.

    Core inflation, which strips out volatile items such as energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, edged down slightly to 2.2% from 2.3% in the previous month.

    Government bond yields across the region eased modestly after surveys indicated that economic momentum in the Eurozone weakened for a second straight month in January. Final data from S&P Global showed that private sector activity expanded at its slowest pace since September, weighed down by softer growth in services.

    The final composite output index came in at 51.3 in January, below both the preliminary estimate and December’s reading of 51.5. While the index remains above the 50 mark—signaling expansion—it points to more subdued growth, albeit for a thirteenth consecutive month.

    Attention now turns to central bank meetings on Thursday. The European Central Bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, with markets focusing on its assessment of the growth and inflation outlook. The Bank of England is also anticipated to leave rates on hold, with any revisions to its economic forecasts likely to be limited.

    In equity markets, Germany’s DAX was down 0.4%, while France’s CAC 40 gained 0.9% and the UK’s FTSE 100 rose 1.2%.

    On the corporate front, Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) slid sharply in Copenhagen after CEO Mike Doustdar pointed to headwinds from significantly lower U.S. pricing for its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy. Shares in Swiss drugmaker Novartis (NYSE:NVS) also moved lower after the company warned of a decline in profits this year.

    Banco Santander (LSE:SAN) fell after the Spanish lender agreed to acquire Webster Financial Corp. in a $12 billion transaction. French bank Credit Agricole (EU:ACA) also dropped following a 39% fall in fourth-quarter profit.

    Germany’s Infineon Technologies (TG:IFX) traded lower after announcing plans to step up investment in data-center technology to meet rising demand for artificial intelligence solutions.

    On the upside, UK pharmaceutical group GSK (LSE:GSK) advanced after reporting stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter profits. Beazley (LSE:BEZ) shares surged after Zurich Insurance Group reached an agreement in principle on the key financial terms of a potential cash offer for the London-based specialty insurer.

  • European Markets Tick Higher as Earnings Roll In; UBS Steals the Spotlight: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Markets Tick Higher as Earnings Roll In; UBS Steals the Spotlight: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities edged modestly higher on Wednesday, with investors weighing a fresh round of corporate earnings while looking ahead to closely watched eurozone inflation data later in the session.

    By 08:02 GMT, Germany’s DAX was up 0.2%, France’s CAC 40 had added 0.4%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 was trading 0.3% higher.

    Earnings season in focus, UBS stands out

    The sharp decline in precious metals seen late last week has stabilised, allowing markets to refocus on the busy earnings calendar. Several large European corporates are due to report in the coming days, keeping company results firmly in the spotlight.

    UBS (NYSE:UBS) impressed investors after reporting a 56% jump in net profit, comfortably beating forecasts. The performance was driven by strong contributions from both wealth management and investment banking. The Swiss lender, the world’s largest wealth manager, also said it plans to buy back at least $3 billion of shares in 2026—matching last year’s programme—and signalled an ambition “to do more.”

    GSK (LSE:GSK) also drew attention after projecting slower sales growth in 2026 in the first outlook delivered by its new chief executive, Luke Miels. The drugmaker is shifting its strategic focus toward strengthening its pipeline as it prepares for future patent expiries affecting key HIV treatments.

    Novartis (NYSE:NVS) said it expects operating profit to fall by a low single-digit percentage in 2026, citing mounting pressure from lower-cost generic competition, including on established products such as heart drug Entresto.

    In the banking sector, Banco Santander (LSE:SAN) reported a 12% increase in attributable profit for 2025, marking its fourth straight year of record results, supported by resilient net interest income and record fee generation.

    Meanwhile, Crédit Agricole (EU:ACA) posted a 24% drop in fourth-quarter net income after a sizable first-consolidation charge linked to its Banco BPM stake weighed on results, despite record revenues for the year and a proposed dividend increase.

    Attention will also turn to Wall Street later in the day, with markets awaiting results from Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) after the close. The group is expected to report a 15.5% rise in revenue to $111.37 billion, with investors keenly focused on its 2026 spending plans, cloud demand outlook and updates on AI capacity constraints.

    Eurozone inflation data ahead

    Away from earnings, preliminary eurozone inflation figures for January are due later on Wednesday, just ahead of the European Central Bank’s policy decision. Consensus expectations point to headline inflation easing slightly to 1.7% year on year, comfortably below the ECB’s 2% target.

    The central bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged at 2% for a fifth consecutive meeting. However, a significant deviation from expectations could unsettle policymakers, who have recently voiced concerns about the euro’s rapid appreciation against the dollar and its potential disinflationary impact.

    Oil prices extend gains

    Oil prices continued to edge higher, supported by geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, which have raised concerns about potential supply disruptions from the region.

    Brent crude futures for April added 0.1% to $67.40 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose 0.2% to $63.38. Both benchmarks had climbed nearly 2% in the previous session.

    Reports on Tuesday said the US had shot down an Iranian drone approaching a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, while Iranian gunboats were also observed near a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents came just ahead of scheduled talks between Washington and Tehran this week, casting doubt over whether the discussions will proceed as planned.

  • FTSE 100 Rises as Oil Shares Advance; GSK and Beazley Draw Attention

    FTSE 100 Rises as Oil Shares Advance; GSK and Beazley Draw Attention

    UK equities opened higher, with sentiment improving after AI-related concerns that pressured software stocks in the previous session began to fade. Strength in oil majors, alongside company-specific news from GSK plc (LSE:GSK) and takeover target Beazley PLC (LSE:BEZ), helped lift the benchmark index.

    Energy stocks provided the largest boost to the FTSE 100, as BP PLC (LSE:BP.) and Shell PLC (LSE:SHEL) moved higher in line with rising crude prices. Oil markets were supported by escalating tensions between the US and Iran, underpinning gains across the sector. By 0934 GMT, the blue-chip index was up 0.6%, while sterling strengthened 0.1% against the dollar to $1.3710. Elsewhere in Europe, Germany’s DAX slipped 0.5%, while France’s CAC 40 rose 0.4%.

    In UK stock-specific news, Beazley shares jumped 8.5% after the insurer received a takeover approach from Zurich Insurance Group valuing the business at about £8 billion. Zurich’s sixth proposal offers 1,335 pence per share, made up of 1,310 pence in cash plus permitted dividends of up to 25 pence for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing a 4.2% increase on its prior bid.

    GSK was also in focus after the drugmaker outlined a slower pace of sales growth for 2026. The company expects revenue to rise between 3% and 5% on a constant-currency basis, compared with 7% growth in 2025, while core earnings per share are forecast to increase by 7% to 9%. Vaccine sales are projected to range from a low single-digit decline to “stable.” GSK shares rose more than 1% following the update.

    Watches Of Switzerland Group PLC (LSE:WOSG) reported strong third-quarter trading across both the US and UK during the Holiday period, noting that demand for its core luxury brands continues to outstrip supply in both markets.

    DCC plc (LSE:DCC) said it delivered solid operating profit growth in its fiscal third quarter, supported by organic growth and the initial contribution from its Austrian acquisition FLAGA, while reiterating its full-year outlook for good profit growth.

    Meanwhile, SSE PLC (LSE:SSE) maintained its guidance for 2025/26 adjusted earnings per share of 144–152 pence. The midpoint of the range sits around 2% below market consensus, which the company attributed to mixed weather conditions affecting renewable generation, despite otherwise strong operational performance.

  • GSK Flags Slower Top-Line Momentum for 2026 in First Outlook Under New CEO

    GSK Flags Slower Top-Line Momentum for 2026 in First Outlook Under New CEO

    GSK (LSE:GSK) said it expects sales growth to moderate in 2026, forecasting revenue growth of between 3% and 5% on a constant-currency basis, down from the 7% increase delivered in 2025. The guidance marks the company’s first forward outlook since the appointment of chief executive Luke Miels.

    The group said core earnings per share are expected to increase by 7% to 9% in 2026. Vaccine sales are projected to range from a low single-digit decline to being “stable,” while Specialty Medicines revenue is anticipated to grow by a low double-digit percentage. General Medicines sales are forecast to sit between a low single-digit fall and “stable,” reflecting mixed demand trends across the portfolio.

    The outlook comes as GSK looks to navigate upcoming patent expiries linked to its leading HIV treatments by broadening and strengthening its drug development pipeline. “2026 will be a key year of execution and operational delivery,” Miels said in a statement.

    For the fourth quarter of 2025, GSK reported core earnings per share of 25.5 pence as turnover rose 8% to £8.62 billion. Total operating profit jumped 65% to £1.1 billion, lifting the operating margin to 12.8%, an improvement of 4.6 percentage points. On a core basis, operating profit increased 18% to £1.63 billion, with the core operating margin rising to 19%, up 1.6 percentage points.

    Commenting on the full-year performance, Miels said: “GSK delivered another strong performance in 2025, driven mainly by Specialty Medicines, with double-digit sales growth in Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation (RI&I), Oncology and HIV.”