ADVFN UK Market News

Category: Top Story

  • Bellway increases completions and upgrades guidance as housing demand stabilises

    Bellway increases completions and upgrades guidance as housing demand stabilises

    Bellway (LSE:BWY) reported a resilient performance for the six months to 31 January 2026, with housing completions rising 2.7% to 4,702 homes. Underlying operating profit increased 1.5% to £159m, despite a slightly lower operating margin and a modest rise in legacy building-safety costs. The housebuilder reaffirmed its focus on shareholder returns, announcing a higher interim dividend alongside the continuation of its £150m share buyback programme while maintaining a disciplined balance sheet. The group also indicated that full-year housing volumes, average selling prices and underlying operating profit are now expected to exceed earlier guidance, even as mortgage-market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty continue to influence the wider UK housing sector.

    Bellway’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance and positive commentary from its earnings update, pointing to steady growth and disciplined capital allocation. However, technical indicators suggest some short-term bearish momentum in the share price, while valuation measures indicate the stock may be relatively expensive. The company’s ability to manage cash flow effectively and navigate potentially slower market conditions will remain important for sustaining performance.

    More about Bellway

    Bellway p.l.c. is a UK residential property developer focused on building new homes across a wide range of regional markets. The group operates with a substantial owned, controlled and strategic land bank and serves both private homebuyers and social housing providers. Bellway has also invested in its own timber-frame manufacturing facility to enhance construction efficiency and improve control over product quality.

  • KEFI Gold and Copper raises £35.6m through conditional equity fundraising

    KEFI Gold and Copper raises £35.6m through conditional equity fundraising

    KEFI Gold and Copper (LSE:KEFI) has completed the RetailBook portion of its latest equity fundraising, conditionally raising about £941,574 through the issuance of 78,464,474 new shares priced at 1.2 pence each. Combined with the previously announced firm and conditional placings and subscriptions, the total capital raised now amounts to approximately £35.6m, requiring the issue of 2,964,194,769 new shares.

    The RetailBook proceeds, along with the wider fundraising, remain subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting scheduled for mid-April and the admission of the new shares to trading later that month. Strong participation in the RetailBook offer supports KEFI’s plans to progress its development projects in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia. However, the scale of the new share issuance will lead to significant dilution for existing shareholders once the transaction is completed.

    The company’s outlook continues to be weighed down by weak financial performance, including the absence of revenue, ongoing losses and persistent cash burn. Technical indicators provide some support, with the share price trading above key moving averages and a positive MACD signal. Nevertheless, valuation remains challenging due to negative earnings and the lack of a stated dividend yield.

    More about KEFI Gold and Copper

    KEFI Gold and Copper is a UK AIM-listed exploration and development company focused on gold and copper assets located along the Arabian Nubian Shield. Its core portfolio includes projects in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, positioning the group within emerging mining jurisdictions that offer significant potential for both precious and base metals development.

  • Fevertree grows revenue and broadens product mix as U.S. transition pressures margins

    Fevertree grows revenue and broadens product mix as U.S. transition pressures margins

    Fevertree Drinks plc (LSE:FEVR) delivered modest revenue expansion in 2025, with Fever-Tree branded sales rising 4% at constant currency and showing stronger momentum in the second half of the year. Adjusted EBITDA declined 16%, reflecting the impact of the company’s new U.S. partnership structure, transition-related expenses and higher marketing investment.

    The group continued to diversify its portfolio beyond tonic water, which now accounts for about 45% of total revenue. Performance in the United States remained robust during the transition to the company’s distribution partnership with Molson Coors. In Europe, the business recorded market share gains, while ginger beer sales grew at a double-digit rate, reinforcing the brand’s broader product momentum.

    Profitability was affected by softer conditions in the U.K. on-trade channel, along with a cautious provision related to a possible U.K. packaging levy. Despite these pressures, management reiterated confidence in the company’s ability to generate cash and confirmed that its ongoing share buyback program remains in place. The company also maintained that its 2026 outlook aligns with current market expectations.

    Fevertree Drinks’ near-term outlook continues to be supported by solid financial performance and favourable corporate developments, particularly the ongoing share repurchase program. However, the company’s relatively high valuation and mixed technical signals temper the overall outlook. In addition, the lack of recent earnings call commentary makes it harder to fully assess management’s forward guidance and investor sentiment.

    More about Fevertree Drinks

    Fevertree Drinks plc is a premium mixer and soft drinks company best known for its Fever-Tree brand. Its portfolio includes tonic waters, ginger beers and a range of mixers designed to complement premium spirits. The group is increasingly expanding beyond tonic into a broader line-up of premium soft drinks aimed at adult social occasions, and has established strong market positions in the U.K., U.S., Europe and selected international markets.

  • European stocks recover after Trump eases stance on Iran power plant threats: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stocks recover after Trump eases stance on Iran power plant threats: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equity markets staged a strong recovery on Monday after opening the session with steep losses.

    The U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index edged up 0.1%, while France’s CAC 40 climbed 1.3% and Germany’s DAX advanced 1.7%.

    The rebound followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stepped back from earlier threats to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the country failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

    In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States and Iran had engaged in “very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”

    He added that he had instructed the War Department to delay any planned military strikes against Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure for five days.

    Earlier, the president had warned that the U.S. would “obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, and he had also suggested he was not interested in negotiating with Iran.

    Iran responded by warning it would target energy and water infrastructure across the Gulf if Washington carried out the threatened strikes.

    Oil prices fell sharply following Trump’s latest comments. However, Iran’s official Fars news agency later reported that Tehran was not involved in any direct talks with the United States, either directly or through intermediaries.

    Among individual companies, shares of Metall Zug Group (LSE:0QLX) dropped sharply after the Swiss medical device manufacturer suspended its dividend following a loss in fiscal 2025 caused by one-off charges and weaker net sales.

    Steelmaker Salzgitter (TG:SZG) also moved significantly lower after reporting a pre-tax loss of €28 million for 2025.

    French food company Danone (EU:BN) declined after announcing an agreement to acquire U.K.-based fortified drinks producer Huel.

    Meanwhile, Delivery Hero (TG:DHER) surged after the German online food delivery group agreed to sell its Taiwan delivery business to Grab Holdings for $600 million, with the proceeds earmarked for debt reduction.

  • European stocks fall at the open as Iran conflict enters fourth week: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stocks fall at the open as Iran conflict enters fourth week: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities started Monday on a weaker footing as investors assessed an ultimatum from U.S. President Donald Trump urging Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

    By 08:00 GMT, the pan-European Stoxx 600 had declined 1.3%, while Germany’s DAX dropped 2.0%, France’s CAC 40 lost 1.6%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 slipped 1.3%.

    Markets in Europe followed a negative lead from Asia, where shares also moved lower. Many Asian economies depend heavily on energy imports from the Gulf region, leaving them particularly exposed to potential supply disruptions.

    “Escalation in the war remains bad news for asset markets,” said Thomas Mathews, Head of Markets, Asia Pacific, at Capital Economics.

    As the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran enters its fourth week, a new wave of strikes on Tehran has reportedly caused widespread power outages across the capital.

    Attention remains focused on the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic shipping route south of Iran through which roughly 20% of global oil supply passes. Ship traffic through the strait has been largely halted due to fears of Iranian attacks, while container shipping operators have struggled to secure insurance coverage for voyages through the area.

    Trump has warned that the United States could strike key Iranian power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the strait by Monday night. Iran rejected the demand, stating the passage would remain “completely closed” if its energy facilities come under attack.

    Oil markets have reacted sharply to the risk of prolonged disruption. Brent crude, the global benchmark, has surged as traders price in the possibility of reduced supplies from the Persian Gulf, one of the world’s most important energy-producing regions.

    Brent futures for May were last up 1.7% at $114.10 per barrel, after settling at $112.19 on Friday. Prior to the outbreak of the conflict in Iran, Brent had been trading at around $70 per barrel.

    Europe could also face significant energy pressures, as the region imports substantial volumes of natural gas from the Gulf, particularly Qatar. A major gas production facility in the country was recently struck during Iranian attacks on regional targets, pushing European natural gas prices sharply higher.

    Last week, the European Central Bank warned that a prolonged conflict could revive inflationary pressures that had largely subsided before fighting began in late February. The ECB said policymakers are prepared to adjust interest rates if necessary, prompting speculation that borrowing costs could rise again in the coming months.

  • FTSE 100 today: Stocks open lower, pound slips as Middle East tensions intensify

    FTSE 100 today: Stocks open lower, pound slips as Middle East tensions intensify

    UK equities began the week under pressure as geopolitical concerns weighed on markets, after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour deadline regarding Hormuz while Iran responded with only a limited reopening to neutral vessels.

    By 08:10 GMT, the benchmark FTSE 100 had declined 1.5%, while the GBP/USD exchange rate weakened 0.3% to $1.3306. Across Europe, Germany’s DAX dropped 1.9%, and France’s CAC 40 slipped 1.5%.

    UK round up

    Shares in Applied Nutrition PLC (LSE:APN) fell more than 16% in early Monday trading after the UK supplements maker cautioned that sales volumes in the Middle East could soften due to the conflict involving Iran, although it kept its full-year revenue outlook unchanged.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday denounced the overnight burning of ambulances serving London’s Jewish community as a disturbing antisemitic incident, stressing that such hatred has no place in society.

    “This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack,” Starmer said in a post on X. “My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society.”

    Starmer is expected to meet with senior ministers, including Rachel Reeves, Yvette Cooper and Ed Miliband, as well as Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, to discuss the economic impact of the unfolding crisis, according to the Treasury.

  • ME Group Posts Record Profit as Laundry Expansion Drives Growth and £18m Buyback

    ME Group Posts Record Profit as Laundry Expansion Drives Growth and £18m Buyback

    ME Group International (LSE:MEGP) reported record profitability for the year ended 31 October 2025, with profit before tax rising 6.5% to £78.2 million on revenue of £315.4 million, up 2.4% year-on-year. EBITDA increased 5.4%, with margins improving to 38.2%, reflecting continued operational strength across the group.

    The company’s laundry division was the main growth driver, with revenue increasing 17.3% as 1,326 new machines were installed during the year. The expansion helped offset a 4% decline in photobooth revenue, which was affected by regulatory changes in Germany and supplier-related issues.

    Strong cash generation enabled ME Group to increase capital expenditure, raise its dividend by 9.5%, and launch a new £18 million share buyback programme. The buyback reflects management’s confidence in the company’s outlook and reinforces its position in the automated self-service market.

    While the group’s financial performance remains robust, its outlook is tempered by weaker technical indicators. The share price has been trending lower and current oversold conditions suggest potential volatility in the near term. Nevertheless, the company’s low P/E ratio and relatively high dividend yield contribute positively to its valuation profile, supported by stable balance sheet fundamentals and consistent profit growth.

    More about ME Group International

    ME Group International is a London-listed operator and supplier of automated self-service vending equipment with more than 49,000 units across 16 countries in Europe, the UK and Ireland, and the Asia-Pacific region. Its core operations include photobooths and biometric ID solutions under the Photo.ME brand and unattended laundry services through Wash.ME, alongside printing kiosks and other vending solutions installed in high-footfall locations through long-term site partnerships.

  • Empire Metals Reports Breakthrough Year Following Giant Pitfield Titanium Resource

    Empire Metals Reports Breakthrough Year Following Giant Pitfield Titanium Resource

    Empire Metals (LSE:EEE) reported a landmark year for the period ending 31 December 2025, driven by the announcement of a maiden JORC mineral resource at its Pitfield titanium project in Western Australia. The estimate outlines a resource of 2.2 billion tonnes grading 5.1% TiO₂, containing around 113 million tonnes of titanium dioxide.

    Metallurgical testing has also delivered promising results, producing a titanium dioxide product with 99.25% purity using conventional processing methods. These outcomes highlight Pitfield’s potential to become a significant Western source of titanium feedstock at a time when global supply chains are increasingly seeking diversified and secure sources of critical minerals.

    During the year, the company strengthened its financial position through two fundraisings that generated £11.5 million. As of 20 March 2026, Empire reported cash holdings of £8.4 million, providing funding to accelerate development at Pitfield despite recording an annual loss of £3.54 million.

    The company also achieved several strategic milestones in 2025, including inclusion in the FTSE AIM 100 index and an upgrade to the OTCQX market in the United States. Additional board and technical appointments were made, and the Pitfield project received an exploration award, further raising the company’s industry profile. Empire also completed the divestment of its Eclipse Gold Project as part of a strategy to concentrate resources on the Pitfield titanium opportunity.

    Despite these developments, the company’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial fundamentals typical of early-stage resource developers, including its pre-revenue status, widening losses and rising cash burn. However, technical indicators remain supportive, with the share price trading above key moving averages and a positive MACD signal, while the balance sheet remains conservatively structured with very low leverage. Valuation metrics remain limited by negative earnings and the absence of dividend yield data.

    More about Empire Metals

    Empire Metals Limited is a natural resources exploration and development company listed on AIM and traded on the OTCQX market. Its primary focus is the Pitfield titanium project in Western Australia, which the company is developing as a potential large-scale supplier of high-quality titanium feedstock. The project targets premium pigment and titanium metal markets, positioning Empire to benefit from growing global demand for critical minerals and supply-chain diversification.

  • Jubilee Metals Seeks Share Premium Reduction to Increase Capital Flexibility

    Jubilee Metals Seeks Share Premium Reduction to Increase Capital Flexibility

    Jubilee Metals Group (LSE:JLP) has proposed reducing its share premium account in order to create distributable reserves, a step that would allow the company greater flexibility in returning capital to shareholders. The move could enable future dividend payments, share buybacks or other corporate uses without altering the number of ordinary shares in issue or the rights attached to them.

    The proposal forms part of a broader balance sheet restructuring aimed at improving financial flexibility. Implementation will require approval from both shareholders and the court. The company also noted that an update on Phase 1 drilling results at its Molefe Mine in Zambia is expected in the near term.

    To progress the plan, Jubilee has scheduled a general meeting in London on 8 April 2026, where shareholders will vote on the proposed capital reduction. The meeting will also consider resolutions to renew the board’s authority to issue shares and to disapply pre-emption rights on up to 10% of the company’s share capital. These powers would allow Jubilee to raise capital more efficiently and to issue equity-based incentives, potentially supporting future growth initiatives and strengthening alignment between employees, stakeholders and shareholders.

    The company’s outlook remains pressured by a significant deterioration in recent financial performance, including a sharp decline in revenue, negative profitability and ongoing negative free cash flow. Technical indicators also appear weak, with the share price trading below key moving averages and a negative MACD signal, although oversold readings suggest some potential for short-term stabilisation. Valuation metrics offer limited support given the company’s negative earnings and the absence of dividend yield.

    More about Jubilee Metals Group

    Jubilee Metals Group is a metals processing and recovery company listed on AIM and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The group focuses on copper and other metals projects in southern Africa, particularly in Zambia, where it aims to expand its copper production footprint through processing operations and development projects serving both regional and global metals markets.

  • European Stocks Slide as Oil Prices Jump: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Stocks Slide as Oil Prices Jump: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equity markets declined sharply on Thursday after Brent crude climbed above $115 per barrel following Iranian strikes on energy infrastructure in the Middle East.

    Key energy sites across the region have increasingly become targets as the conflict between Iran and the U.S.-Israeli alliance moves into its 19th day.

    On the economic front, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted “unanimously” to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.75 percent.

    Data from the Office for National Statistics showed that the U.K. unemployment rate held steady while wage growth slowed in the three months ending in January.

    The unemployment rate remained at 5.2 percent during the November-to-January period. Job vacancies fell by 6,000 to 721,000 compared with the previous three-month period ending in November.

    Across the region’s major markets, Germany’s DAX Index dropped 2.9 percent, Britain’s FTSE 100 Index fell 2.7 percent and France’s CAC 40 Index declined 2.2 percent.

    Banking shares were among the biggest losers, with Commerzbank (TG:CBK), Deutsche Bank (TG:DBK), BNP Paribas (EU:BNP) and Barclays (LSE:BARC) all registering notable declines.

    German kitchen equipment maker Rational AG (TG:RAA) also slid after reporting lower fourth-quarter profit due to currency-related pressures.

    Real estate company Vonovia (TG:VNA) moved lower as well after announcing a decline in full-year revenue.

    Meanwhile, specialty chemicals producer Lanxess (TG:LXS) dropped sharply after reporting a wider net loss for the fourth quarter and unveiling additional cost-cutting measures planned for 2026.