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  • EnSilica joins UK CHERI Adoption Collective to strengthen cyber resilience

    EnSilica joins UK CHERI Adoption Collective to strengthen cyber resilience

    EnSilica (LSE:ENSI) has been selected as one of three semiconductor supply chain partners in the newly established CHERI Adoption Collective, an initiative launched by PA Consulting in collaboration with the UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology. The programme brings together major infrastructure operators—including BT, National Grid and SSE—alongside defence and industrial partners to address the UK’s estimated £27bn cyber resilience challenge.

    The Collective is designed to accelerate the deployment of CHERI technology, a microchip architecture that enhances cybersecurity at the hardware level. By improving memory safety, CHERI aims to mitigate vulnerabilities that are responsible for the majority of software security flaws.

    As part of the initiative, EnSilica will contribute its EnSura secure microcontroller platform, which incorporates CHERI-enabled RISC-V architecture along with support for post-quantum cryptography. Participation in the programme positions the company to capitalise on emerging opportunities in secure computing systems and critical infrastructure markets where advanced cybersecurity capabilities are increasingly required.

    Despite this strategic progress, EnSilica’s financial outlook remains constrained by underlying performance challenges. The company continues to face declining revenue, ongoing operating losses and sharply deteriorating free cash flow, although its balance sheet remains relatively manageable in terms of leverage. Technical indicators provide some counterbalance, with the share price trading well above major moving averages and showing strong upward momentum, though signals suggest conditions may be approaching overextended levels. Valuation also remains pressured as the company is currently loss-making and does not offer a dividend yield.

    More about EnSilica plc

    EnSilica plc is a fabless semiconductor company specialising in the design of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), including RF, mmWave, mixed-signal and complex digital chips. The business serves sectors such as space and communications, industrial technology, automotive and healthcare, with a focus on safety, security and reliability. Its reusable intellectual property and silicon platforms enable scalable product development and long-term supply revenues. EnSilica operates design centres in the UK, India, Brazil and Hungary.

  • Pets at Home maintains FY26 profit outlook and shifts capital returns toward buybacks

    Pets at Home maintains FY26 profit outlook and shifts capital returns toward buybacks

    Pets at Home (LSE:PETS) expects underlying profit before tax for the 2026 financial year to come in at around £92m, in line with previous guidance. The performance reflects improving trading momentum in the second half, as the company’s retail turnaround strategy begins to deliver stronger volumes and like-for-like sales growth.

    The group’s Vet Group division also continued to perform well, generating strong profit growth supported by rising transaction values and expanding revenues from its Care Plan subscription services. This performance has helped underpin overall earnings stability across the business.

    Pets at Home expects to finish the year with net debt of roughly £20m after returning about £85m to shareholders. As part of a shift in its capital allocation strategy, the company plans to reduce its dividend payout ratio to 50% while increasing the scale of share buybacks, signalling a greater emphasis on repurchasing shares as a method of returning capital.

    The company also welcomed the competition watchdog’s final report on the veterinary services market and said it remains comfortable with current market expectations for profit in 2027. Management added that significant hedging of energy and foreign exchange costs should help protect margins in the near term.

    Overall, Pets at Home’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance, an attractive valuation and a relatively high dividend yield. The expanded share buyback programme represents a positive corporate development, although recent challenges in the retail segment and a prior profit warning highlight potential risks.

    More about Pets at Home

    Pets at Home Group Plc is the UK’s largest integrated pet care provider, combining retail, veterinary and grooming services. The company sells pet food, accessories and other products online and through a network of more than 450 pet care centres across the UK. Many of these locations host veterinary practices and grooming salons, while the group also operates more than 450 small-animal veterinary practices in both in-store and standalone sites.

  • BRCK rejects 65p takeover approach from Atlas but signals openness to improved offer

    BRCK rejects 65p takeover approach from Atlas but signals openness to improved offer

    BRCK Group PLC (LSE:BRCK) has revealed it received an unsolicited, indicative and non-binding takeover proposal from Atlas Holdings LLC, which later submitted a potential all-cash offer of 65 pence per share for the company. After reviewing the proposal alongside its financial advisers, the board unanimously rejected the approach, stating that the offer significantly undervalued the business. However, the company has agreed to share limited additional information to allow Atlas the opportunity to consider submitting a higher bid.

    The board reaffirmed its confidence in BRCK’s prospects as an independent listed company and advised shareholders not to take any action while discussions remain at an early stage. Under the rules of the UK Takeover Code, Atlas must by 28 April 2026 either confirm a firm intention to make an offer or announce that it does not intend to proceed. This requirement formally places the company in an offer period, increasing scrutiny from investors and industry observers regarding the group’s potential ownership and valuation.

    BRCK’s broader outlook combines steady financial performance with ongoing strategic developments. The company benefits from stable revenue growth and an attractive dividend yield, which remain key strengths. Nevertheless, pressure on profitability and cash flow management continues to pose challenges, while technical indicators currently point to a weaker market trend. Recent corporate developments and strategic initiatives may provide momentum for future growth if operational improvements continue.

    More about BRCK Group PLC

    BRCK Group PLC is a UK-based distributor and supplier of specialist products and services to the construction sector. The company operates across bricks and building materials distribution, importing, and contracting services. Established in 1985, the group has expanded through a mix of organic growth and acquisitions and now employs more than 800 people while managing a portfolio of brands serving construction and development projects across the UK.

  • Shield Therapeutics secures EMA support to expand FeRACCRU use to adolescents

    Shield Therapeutics secures EMA support to expand FeRACCRU use to adolescents

    Shield Therapeutics (LSE:STX) has received a regulatory boost after a European Medicines Agency committee recommended extending the approved use of FeRACCRU to include adolescent patients. The positive opinion allows the iron deficiency treatment to be prescribed for individuals aged 12 and above, expanding its existing patient base.

    The recommendation follows completion of the company’s agreed pediatric investigation plan and is supported by encouraging Phase 3 trial results demonstrating the efficacy and safety of ferric maltol in children. The development strengthens the drug’s pediatric profile in Europe, complementing earlier regulatory approval for similar use in the United States.

    Under Shield’s European licensing agreement, Norgine holds the marketing authorisation for FeRACCRU and will be responsible for commercialising the expanded indication across the region. The regulatory milestone will trigger a €500,000 payment to Shield under the terms of the partnership.

    The approval is expected to support broader adoption of ferric maltol and enhance its position in the global iron deficiency treatment market as a differentiated oral therapy. It also aligns with Shield’s strategy of leveraging regional commercial partners to expand revenues outside the United States.

    From an investment perspective, the company’s outlook reflects a mix of encouraging corporate developments and financial headwinds. Recent regulatory progress and strong technical momentum in the share price offer positive signals. However, ongoing financial challenges and valuation concerns remain key risks for investors.

    More about Shield Therapeutics

    Shield Therapeutics is a commercial-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Its ferric maltol product is marketed as ACCRUFeR in the United States and FeRACCRU in Europe and other international markets. The company operates through licensing partnerships with regional pharmaceutical firms, including Viatris in the U.S. and Norgine in Europe, alongside additional partners across Canada, Asia-Pacific and China. Patent protection for ferric maltol is expected to extend into the mid-2030s.

  • Kazera Global moves toward early production as mineral sands and diamond projects advance

    Kazera Global moves toward early production as mineral sands and diamond projects advance

    Kazera Global (LSE:KZG) reported meaningful operational progress for the six months to 31 December 2025, with its mineral sands and diamond operations in South Africa transitioning from development toward early production while the group continued strengthening its financial position.

    At Whale Head Minerals, newly installed processing infrastructure has begun producing consistent heavy mineral concentrates grading around 32% TiO₂. The company is currently implementing plant upgrades and introducing additional operating shifts in an effort to increase production capacity. Management said this progress could support negotiations for higher-value offtake agreements once the long-delayed 2A Mining Right clears the existing regulatory backlog.

    Within the group’s diamond operations, Deep Blue Minerals achieved its first diamond recoveries and initial sales following the commissioning of a new jig and FlowSort recovery system. Early results have been encouraging, with both grades and recovery rates exceeding expectations. In addition, a revised agreement with Alexkor has improved Kazera’s share of revenue as the project scales up production.

    Elsewhere, the Aftan tantalum and lithium project remains a strategic focus. Kazera is pursuing enforcement of a multi-million-dollar arbitration award against former buyer Hebei while also engaging with potential development partners. However, discussions with counterparties have been cautious pending a decision from the Namibian Supreme Court related to the dispute. To support future development, the company has raised new equity, extended loan facilities and added technical personnel, providing additional funding and operational capacity as it prepares for its next growth stage.

    Despite these operational advances, Kazera’s financial outlook remains constrained. The company reported no revenue for 2025 and continues to post significant losses alongside ongoing cash burn. Technical indicators also point to a weak share price trend, with the stock trading below key moving averages and showing a negative MACD signal. Valuation support remains limited as the negative P/E ratio reflects continued losses, and there is no dividend yield available.

    More about Kazera Global plc

    Kazera Global is an AIM-listed investment company focused on developing natural resource projects across southern Africa. Its portfolio includes interests in heavy mineral sands, diamonds and tantalum-lithium assets. Through subsidiaries such as Whale Head Minerals, Deep Blue Minerals and African Tantalum, the company is working to advance projects toward early-stage production and unlock value from titanium-rich mineral sands, alluvial and inland diamond deposits, and hard-rock tantalum and lithium resources.

  • Raspberry Pi posts strong 2025 results as semiconductor growth and new products drive expansion

    Raspberry Pi posts strong 2025 results as semiconductor growth and new products drive expansion

    Raspberry Pi (LSE:RPI) reported robust financial results for 2025, with revenue increasing 25% year on year to $323.2 million and adjusted EBITDA also rising 25% to $46.4 million. The performance was supported by higher unit shipments and strong demand from both OEM partners and reseller channels, particularly in the United States and China.

    Profit before tax climbed 63% during the year, while earnings per share rose significantly. The company closed the year with $28.1 million in net cash after repaying $52.2 million of extended supplier payables, highlighting strong underlying cash generation even though the overall cash balance declined following the repayment.

    Operationally, Raspberry Pi shipped 7.6 million units in 2025. The company also continued expanding its semiconductor business, with chip volumes surpassing those of boards and modules for the first time. At the same time, the product portfolio broadened with 13 launches during the year. These included updates to the Raspberry Pi Connect IoT platform and, after the reporting period, the release of the AI HAT+2 designed to support more advanced artificial intelligence workloads.

    Management noted that the business remained resilient despite rising DRAM costs, supported by a strategy that includes diversifying suppliers, maintaining inventory buffers and applying flexible pricing. The company believes the current supply environment could allow it to increase market share, strengthen customer relationships and maintain strong momentum heading into 2026.

    Looking ahead, Raspberry Pi’s outlook is supported by strong revenue growth and a healthy balance sheet. However, the company faces pressure from narrowing margins and negative free cash flow. Technical indicators remain mixed to weak, with the share price trading below key longer-term moving averages and a negative MACD signal. Additionally, a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of dividend income may weigh on investor sentiment.

    More about Raspberry Pi Holdings plc

    Raspberry Pi Holdings plc, headquartered in Cambridge, UK, is a full-stack engineering company specialising in high-performance, low-cost general-purpose computing platforms. Its product ecosystem includes semiconductor intellectual property, single-board computers, compute modules, microcontrollers, accessories and software. The company serves a diverse global customer base ranging from industrial and embedded system developers to educators, hobbyists and semiconductor partners, with more than 75 million units sold worldwide.

  • Empire Metals extends Eclipse licence sale to sharpen focus on Pitfield titanium project

    Empire Metals extends Eclipse licence sale to sharpen focus on Pitfield titanium project

    Empire Metals (LSE:EEE) has agreed to extend the deadline for completing the sale of its 75% stake in the Eclipse Mining Licence by one month, moving the target completion date to 30 April 2026. The extension was requested by the buyer to allow additional time to finalise due diligence work.

    As part of its evaluation, the purchaser has drilled 10 reverse-circulation holes covering a total of 514 metres. However, progress has been slowed by delays in receiving assay results, with laboratory turnaround times taking longer than expected.

    The buyer has already paid a non-refundable deposit of A$50,000. A further A$700,000 payment will be made upon completion of the transaction, subject to the outcome of the due diligence process. Empire said the proposed sale aligns with its strategy of divesting non-core assets in order to concentrate both financial and management resources on advancing its flagship Pitfield Titanium Project in Western Australia.

    The company believes sharpening its focus on Pitfield will strengthen its role within the global titanium supply chain. The project hosts a large, high-grade titanium resource and has produced encouraging processing results so far. If the Eclipse disposal is finalised, the proceeds and reduced operational distraction could help accelerate development at Pitfield while improving strategic focus and potential long-term returns for shareholders.

    Despite these strategic efforts, Empire’s outlook remains constrained by its early-stage financial profile. The company currently generates no revenue and continues to report operating losses alongside ongoing cash burn, increasing its reliance on external funding. Technical indicators also suggest weak momentum, with the share price trading below major moving averages. However, a relatively low-debt balance sheet provides some financial stability even though profitability has yet to be achieved.

    More about Empire Metals

    Empire Metals is an exploration and resource development company focused on advancing the Pitfield Titanium Project in Western Australia. The project hosts one of the world’s largest and highest-grade titanium resources, with a mineral resource estimate of 2.2 billion tonnes grading 5.1% TiO₂. Pitfield benefits from surface mineralisation, strong grade continuity and established infrastructure in the region.

    Processing trials at Pitfield have already produced a 99.25% TiO₂ high-purity product suitable for titanium sponge metal or pigment feedstock. Currently, only around 20% of the known mineralised footprint is included in the resource estimate, leaving significant potential for future expansion as global demand for titanium and other critical minerals continues to rise.

  • Peel Hunt upgrades FY26 outlook after strong deal flow and trading performance

    Peel Hunt upgrades FY26 outlook after strong deal flow and trading performance

    Peel Hunt (LSE:PEEL) has raised its financial outlook for the year ending 31 March 2026, stating that it now expects to generate more than £140m in full-year revenue and profits significantly above current market forecasts. The improved guidance follows the completion of several recent investment banking transactions and continued robust performance within the firm’s Execution Services division, highlighting the bank’s resilience within UK capital markets despite an uncertain economic backdrop.

    The company noted that geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have heightened uncertainty and pushed energy prices higher. These developments may influence central bank policy as authorities reassess inflation risks, potentially affecting both the volume and timing of capital markets transactions. In response to the volatile environment, Peel Hunt said it will maintain a focus on supporting clients, controlling costs and managing capital allocation carefully. The firm also confirmed that it intends to release its preliminary FY26 results on 15 June 2026.

    Peel Hunt’s outlook reflects a balance between financial pressures and strategic momentum. While profitability constraints and leverage continue to weigh on financial performance, recent corporate activity signals progress in strengthening the business. Technical indicators suggest a relatively stable share price outlook, and valuation metrics appear moderate at present.

    More about Peel Hunt Limited

    Peel Hunt Limited is an international investment bank focused on advising and supporting UK mid-cap and growth companies. The firm provides a broad range of services including equity and private capital markets advisory, mergers and acquisitions, debt advisory, investor relations and corporate broking. Its platform is supported by research, institutional distribution and an execution services hub that delivers liquidity to UK capital markets from offices in London, New York, Copenhagen and Abu Dhabi.

  • Duke Capital forecasts record Q4 recurring revenue and strong exit performance

    Duke Capital forecasts record Q4 recurring revenue and strong exit performance

    Duke Capital (LSE:DUKE) has guided for record recurring cash revenue of £7.0 million in the fourth quarter of its 2026 financial year, representing an 8% increase compared with the same period last year and an improvement on the £6.8 million reported in the previous quarter. When including proceeds from the final tranche of deferred consideration linked to the exit of Fabrikat, total cash revenue for the quarter is expected to reach £8.5 million, highlighting the resilience of Duke’s investment model despite challenging macroeconomic conditions.

    The Fabrikat investment illustrates the firm’s ability to generate value through exits. Duke initially invested £6.2 million in the business in 2021 and received £3.2 million in distributions before the company was sold in March 2024. The full investment ultimately produced £11.4 million in total proceeds and delivered a five-year internal rate of return of 35%. Management pointed to the transaction as a demonstration of Duke’s capacity to deliver attractive returns from portfolio exits while continuing to expand its base of recurring revenue.

    The company believes its steadily growing recurring income stream reinforces its role as a reliable provider of alternative financing to small and medium-sized businesses across economic cycles. At the same time, Duke continues to pursue strategic acquisitions designed to expand its portfolio and support future income generation.

    From an outlook perspective, Duke Capital benefits from a relatively stable financial base and supportive technical indicators. Its acquisition strategy and strong dividend yield remain positive factors for investors. However, risks remain, including pressures on revenue growth and profitability, along with a relatively elevated price-to-earnings ratio that may limit valuation upside.

    More about Duke Capital

    Duke Capital Limited, listed on AIM under the ticker DUKE and headquartered in Guernsey, provides hybrid capital solutions to small and medium-sized business owners in Europe and North America. Its long-term “corporate mortgage” approach combines elements of both equity and debt, with the aim of preserving capital while generating consistent dividend income and capturing additional value from investment exits without relying on refinancing or short-term exit timelines.

  • Ariana Resources strengthens finances and advances Dokwe as Tavşan begins production

    Ariana Resources strengthens finances and advances Dokwe as Tavşan begins production

    Ariana Resources (LSE:AAU) has released its audited final results for 2025, marking a year of strategic development against a backdrop of volatile global markets and historically strong gold prices. During the year, the company completed its inaugural listing on the Australian Securities Exchange, achieving its largest capital raise to date. The new funding significantly strengthened its financial position and supported accelerated investment into the Dokwe Gold Project and other growth initiatives.

    Operational milestones included the successful commissioning of the Tavşan Gold Mine in Türkiye, which has now moved into commercial production. The mine is expected to deliver output broadly comparable to historical production levels from the Kiziltepe Mine while maintaining all-in sustaining costs around the industry average. Continued drilling at Tavşan is generating promising results, suggesting the potential to extend the site’s current eight-year mine life and support consistent production and cash flow from the Zenit operations.

    Exploration work at the Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe intensified throughout 2025, with drilling campaigns, soil sampling and technical studies improving the company’s understanding of the mineralised system. These efforts strengthened the view that Dokwe could form part of a larger regional gold district. Ariana also introduced DetectORE technology at the site, enabling near real-time gold assay results. This innovation has improved drilling decision-making, boosted operational efficiency and helped lower exploration costs, highlighting the company’s increasingly data-driven development approach.

    The company also reinforced its strategic partnerships and governance framework. China’s Xinhai Group joined Ariana as both a shareholder and technical partner, supporting metallurgical test work and the definitive feasibility study at Dokwe. At board level, Michael Atkins joined as a director and Xinhai representative John Zhang is expected to follow, bringing additional financial, mining and processing expertise. Meanwhile, Erhan Şener retired after more than two decades overseeing the company’s Turkish operations.

    From a financial standpoint, Ariana finished 2025 with cash and cash equivalents of £5.4m, up sharply from £0.9m a year earlier. The increase was driven largely by proceeds from the ASX listing and investment from Xinhai. The company also reduced its RiverFort loan facility, which was later converted into equity after the year ended. The valuation of Ariana’s investment in Zenit rose to £17.5m, while capitalised exploration and evaluation assets climbed to £19.3m, mainly reflecting progress at Dokwe. These developments support the company’s long-term ambition to evolve into a diversified, multi-asset gold producer.

    Despite these advances, the company’s outlook remains constrained by weak underlying financial performance, including ongoing operating losses and structurally negative operating and free cash flow. However, Ariana maintains a relatively low-leverage balance sheet. Technical indicators appear supportive, with the share price trading above key moving averages and a positive MACD signal. Valuation remains moderate based on the available P/E ratio, though the absence of dividend yield data limits income-focused appeal.

    More about Ariana Resources

    Ariana Resources is a mineral exploration and development company focused on gold projects across Africa and Europe. Listed on AIM and the Australian Securities Exchange, the group holds producing assets in Türkiye through the Zenit Mining Operations and is advancing its flagship Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe, alongside exploration interests in south-eastern Europe.