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Diales Group (LSE:DIAL) reported a strong first-half performance for the six months ended 31 March 2026, with revenue from continuing operations increasing 10% to £23.7 million. The professional services group also improved its gross margin to 28.6%, despite absorbing higher payroll-related taxes and continuing to invest in staff, technology and operational infrastructure.

Underlying operating profit before tax rose 43% to £1.0 million during the period, while the company’s net cash position strengthened to £3.9 million. Utilisation remained broadly stable at 70.2%, supported by particularly strong trading across its UK and European businesses.

Although operations in the Middle East experienced some disruption from geopolitical uncertainty, Diales said its diversified geographic presence and broader service offering helped support overall resilience and margin growth. The group also continued to expand its capabilities through the introduction of a dedicated building safety and fire engineering service line, enhancing its multidisciplinary expertise.

Reflecting confidence in current trading, the board maintained its interim dividend at 0.75p per share. Management highlighted a strong pipeline of opportunities, healthy cash resources and positive business momentum, stating that it expects full-year results to be at least in line with market expectations. The company also intends to continue investing in talent acquisition, technology platforms, AI-enabled tools and selected growth initiatives.

Diales’ outlook is supported by a strong balance sheet, low leverage and improving operational efficiency. While free cash flow performance and relatively modest net margins remain areas for improvement, valuation metrics, including a moderate earnings multiple and attractive dividend yield, provide support. Technical indicators remain positive, although elevated share price momentum may increase the risk of short-term volatility.

More about Diales Group plc

Diales Group plc is a professional services business providing expert witness, advisory and project management services across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. The company specialises in complex construction, engineering and building safety disputes and has recently expanded into building safety and fire engineering services to strengthen its market position and broaden its range of client solutions.

H-Power (LSE:HPOW) reported interim results highlighting growing commercial progress across its ammonia-based hydrogen and fuel cell businesses, supported by a recent corporate rebrand designed to better reflect its technology-led focus. The company delivered a substantial increase in revenue compared with the prior year, reduced cash consumption and finished the period with £17.4 million in cash and short-term investments, providing funding for continued product development and market expansion.

During the period, the group achieved several operational milestones, including completing the UK’s first bulk sale of green hydrogen produced from cracked ammonia and commencing hydrogen supply from its Dunsfold facility. H-Power also continued development of its HY5 portable ammonia cracker, which is targeted to provide low-cost industrial hydrogen solutions by late 2026.

The company expanded the order book for its LC30 hydrogen fuel cell generator through agreements involving Speedy Hire and TAMGO, while also advancing certification processes and entering into a joint development partnership with Komatsu. Management believes these initiatives position the business to benefit from increasing demand for low-carbon hydrogen solutions, particularly as green ammonia pricing continues to diverge favourably from conventional grey ammonia markets.

H-Power said it remains focused on financial discipline, reporting lower operating cash absorption and a growing order pipeline that supports its transition from technology development to larger-scale commercial deployment. The company expects its Speedy Hydrogen Solutions joint venture to achieve or surpass targeted utilisation levels by October 2026 at pricing comparable with diesel-powered alternatives, strengthening its position within the construction and infrastructure power sectors.

While the outlook continues to be influenced by ongoing losses, cash burn and execution risks associated with converting opportunities into revenue, management believes recent commercial progress, a strengthened cash position and clear product commercialisation milestones provide a solid platform for future growth. Technical indicators remain supportive, with positive share price momentum and a low-debt balance sheet adding to investor confidence.

More about H-Power plc

H-Power plc, formerly AFC Energy, develops ammonia-based low-carbon hydrogen production systems and hydrogen-to-power technologies for industrial, transport and power generation applications. The company’s decentralised ammonia cracker solutions and fuel cell generators are designed to deliver scalable, reliable clean hydrogen and off-grid power at commercially competitive prices, helping customers reduce reliance on diesel without depending on government subsidies.

Its modular ammonia cracking systems are capable of producing up to four tonnes of hydrogen per day, enabling point-of-use hydrogen generation from a compact footprint. H-Power’s fuel cell generator range currently includes 30kW and 200kW systems, targeting infrastructure projects and other hard-to-abate sectors where demand for low-carbon off-grid power continues to grow.

Pennon Group (LSE:PNN) returned to profitability in the 2025/26 financial year, reporting statutory pre-tax profit of £114.4 million compared with a loss in the previous year. Revenue increased to £1.29 billion, while underlying EBITDA rose 55%, supported by higher regulated water revenues and continued focus on cost efficiency.

The company continued to invest heavily across its network and infrastructure, with capital expenditure reaching £643.6 million as it advanced preparations for its record AMP8 investment programme. Pennon also maintained its commitment to shareholder returns, increasing the total dividend payout to £138.2 million despite a modest reduction in the dividend per share.

Operational performance improved during the year, with pollution incidents reduced by around 34% and storm overflow usage declining 17%, despite exceptionally wet weather conditions. However, more demanding regulatory requirements and the impact of severe storms contributed to approximately £42 million of net Outcome Delivery Incentive (ODI) penalties.

With a new chief executive and an enhanced leadership team now in place, the group is navigating a period of significant regulatory change across the UK water sector. Management believes the business is well positioned to benefit from an expected 34% increase in Regulatory Capital Value (RCV) during AMP8, alongside additional Ofwat-supported investment aimed at improving asset health and network resilience.

Pennon’s outlook reflects both opportunities and challenges. Revenue growth, operational improvements and strategic investment initiatives provide a positive backdrop, while leverage levels and profitability metrics remain areas of investor focus. The company also points to ongoing efficiency measures, innovation programmes and customer service enhancements as key drivers of future performance.

More about Pennon Group plc

Pennon Group plc is a UK water and wastewater utility company operating regulated water businesses across South West England and other regions through South West Water, Bristol Water and SES Water. The group provides drinking water, wastewater treatment and related infrastructure services, while also expanding its renewable energy activities through its Pennon Power division.

Dekel Agri-Vision (LSE:DKL) delivered a strong performance from its Ayenouan palm oil project in Côte d’Ivoire during May, with crude palm oil production increasing 31.9% year on year. The operation also achieved an improved extraction rate of 22.3%, reflecting enhanced processing efficiency during the month.

The company said local crude palm oil selling prices remained robust, although they continued to trade at a discount to elevated international market levels. Palm kernel oil prices also remained steady, supporting expectations for a solid first-half performance from the palm oil division despite the beginning of the sector’s seasonally weaker production period.

At the Tiebissou cashew processing facility, approximately 650 tonnes of raw cashew nuts were processed during May. Management reported stable sales volumes and pricing, supported by continued demand across its target markets. The steady performance of the cashew business complemented the strong results from the palm oil segment and contributed to the group’s diversified revenue base.

Dekel said the combination of improving palm oil production and consistent cashew operations provides a solid foundation for future growth as it continues to expand its agricultural footprint across West Africa. The company remains focused on developing multiple agribusiness activities to reduce reliance on a single commodity and strengthen long-term earnings potential.

While the group’s outlook continues to be influenced by profitability challenges and weaker technical indicators, management believes recent operational progress and positive corporate developments offer encouragement for future improvement. Valuation metrics remain under pressure due to negative profitability measures, but the company continues to pursue initiatives aimed at enhancing performance across its core businesses.

More about Dekel Agri-Vision

Dekel Agri-Vision Plc is an AIM-listed agricultural company focused on developing sustainable and diversified agribusiness operations in Côte d’Ivoire. Its portfolio includes the Ayenouan crude palm oil mill, which processes fruit supplied by local smallholder farmers, and the Tiebissou cashew processing plant, where production capacity continues to be expanded as the business scales operations.

Motorpoint Group (LSE:MOTR) reported record vehicle sales volumes for the year ended 31 March 2026, with revenue increasing 8.1% to £1.27 billion and profit before tax rising 82.9% to £7.5 million. The performance reflects continued market share gains in the UK used car sector, supported by the company’s data-driven operating model and disciplined cost management.

The retailer said EBITDA increased 15.1% to £27.5 million, while return on capital employed improved to 67.2%. Strong cash generation enabled the company to more than double its full-year dividend and return £11.7 million to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share buybacks.

Operational performance remained ahead of the wider market, with retail vehicle volumes rising 7.8% compared with overall market growth of 1.4%. Demand for older and more affordable vehicles contributed to the increase, while vehicles sourced through the company’s Sell Your Car platform jumped 85%. The group also benefited from improving availability of nearly new vehicles, supporting inventory levels and sales growth.

Motorpoint continued to invest in technology and operational capacity during the year. The company expanded its use of agentic AI tools, which management said contributed additional sales, while also increasing in-house vehicle preparation and servicing capabilities. Further progress was made in securing additional stock and property financing, alongside the continued rollout of new retail locations.

Looking ahead, the company believes it is well placed to continue growing market share despite ongoing economic uncertainty. While investors may weigh factors such as leverage levels and valuation considerations, Motorpoint’s strong trading performance, technology-led initiatives and continued outperformance of the broader market provide support for its growth ambitions.

More about Motorpoint

Motorpoint Group is one of the UK’s leading independent omnichannel vehicle retailers, specialising in nearly new and used cars up to 10 years old. The company operates 21 retail sites alongside a nationwide online platform and aims to achieve more than 10% market share in each of its local markets. Its capital-light business model is supported by data-led vehicle sourcing and sales strategies, with a focus on affordable vehicles, direct consumer purchasing and fleet channels to drive long-term growth.

Power Probe PLC (LSE:PWR), a provider of automotive electrical diagnostic tools for professional technicians, said trading during 2026 has remained positive and in line with management expectations as the company continues to strengthen its international presence through a product portfolio of more than 120 solutions. The group said its growth strategy remains centred on product quality, innovation and customer support.

The company highlighted a strong recovery in gross margins, driven by its focus on branded products and higher-margin private label offerings. Management also confirmed that planned product launches remain on schedule for the second half of the year, resulting in revenue expectations being weighted towards that period. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and shipping concerns linked to the Middle East, the business reported no significant operational disruption to date.

Chief executive Chema Garcia said the company has delivered meaningful strategic progress ahead of its first annual general meeting as a publicly listed business, despite a backdrop of wider economic uncertainty. Power Probe expects to issue a further trading update covering the first six months of 2026 before releasing its interim results, providing investors with additional visibility on performance and business momentum.

More about Power Probe Plc

Power Probe PLC is a California-founded manufacturer of automotive electrical diagnostic tools designed for professional service technicians. Established in 1992, the company has developed a globally recognised brand with a portfolio of more than 120 products, built around a commitment to quality, innovation and customer support. Its mission is focused on making automotive diagnostics simpler and more efficient for technicians worldwide.

MedPal AI (LSE:MPAL) has begun a paid digital advertising campaign for its private weight management brand, New Health, through new.co.uk, as it seeks to expand patient acquisition and increase brand visibility within the UK’s growing private weight-loss sector. The campaign centres on GLP-1-based treatment services and comes amid rising interest in obesity therapies, highlighted by strong adoption of oral semaglutide in the United States. The company aims to establish New Health as a leading platform ahead of any potential approval of oral GLP-1 weight-loss treatments in the UK.

The group said its operational footprint, which includes NHS Distance Selling Pharmacy hubs in Runcorn and Swaffham alongside automated dispensing capabilities, positions it well to support demand for both injectable GLP-1 medications and future oral alternatives once they receive UK authorisation. MedPal believes the combination of its pharmacy infrastructure and clinical platform provides a significant advantage in a rapidly expanding market.

Management considers demand for GLP-1 therapies to be one of the most important trends in healthcare and is making early investments in marketing, brand development and operational preparedness. The company believes these efforts could strengthen its position within the private obesity and weight management market while increasing engagement with both patients and commercial partners.

More about MedPal AI Plc

MedPal AI plc is a UK-based AI-native digital health and pharmacy group developing the MedPal Health OS, a vertically integrated platform that combines AI wellness coaching, clinical services, and automated pharmacy fulfilment. Through MedPal Limited, it operates a 24/7 AI-powered pharmacy distribution centre using robotic dispensing technology to provide nationwide NHS and private prescription services with rapid delivery. The company also benefits from a partnership with Epassi UK, giving app access across a large employee network.

Central Asia Metals (LSE:CAML) has taken a significant step toward accelerating its long-term growth strategy with the proposed acquisition of Cygnus Metals Limited, a move that could enhance the company’s portfolio and create substantial value for shareholders.

Speaking on The Watch List, Central Asia Metals CEO Gavin Ferrar outlined why the acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for the company and why management believes it is well-positioned to drive future growth.

A Strategic Addition to the Portfolio

CAML currently operates two producing assets and maintains an active exploration portfolio, primarily in Kazakhstan, as well as a 32.6% stake in Aberdeen Minerals to progress the Arthrath nickel-copper-cobalt project in northeast Scotland. According to Ferrar, expanding the company’s asset base has been a key strategic objective for the board for several years.

The proposed acquisition of Cygnus Metals Limited would introduce a high-grade copper-gold development asset located in Quebec, Canada, one of the world’s most attractive mining jurisdictions. The addition would provide valuable geographic diversification while complementing CAML’s existing portfolio.

Importantly, the asset sits at an ideal stage of development, bridging the gap between the company’s producing operations and exploration projects. Ferrar highlighted that this is precisely the point where CAML can apply its extensive engineering, operational and development expertise to unlock further value.

Positioned to Benefit from Copper Demand

The transaction comes at a time when global demand for copper and other critical minerals continues to strengthen. Electrification, renewable energy infrastructure and broader economic development are driving increasing competition for high-quality copper assets worldwide.

Ferrar believes the Cygnus asset stands out because of its significant growth potential. In addition to the existing resource, the project offers substantial exploration upside through an extensive land package and mineralisation that remains open both along strike and at depth.

This creates opportunities to grow the resource base while advancing the project through further drilling and development studies.

“We can really drive it up the value curve as we develop it and do study work and more drilling,” Ferrar explained.

Delivering Growth Alongside Strong Cash Generation

One of the most compelling aspects of the proposed acquisition is its ability to add a dedicated growth asset to CAML’s portfolio while leveraging the strength of its existing operations.

The company’s producing assets continue to generate strong cash flow, supported by favourable commodity prices. Ferrar noted that CAML’s copper operation is positioned in the first quartile of the industry cost curve, allowing it to benefit significantly from higher copper prices.

The combination of robust operating cash flow, a strong  balance sheet with minimal debt and exposure to both copper and zinc provides the financial flexibility needed to advance the Cygnus project with limited shareholder dilution.

For investors, this is a key advantage. Rather than relying heavily on equity raises to fund development, CAML expects to utilise cash generated by its operating assets, preserving value for existing shareholders.

A Compelling Copper and Gold Opportunity

Copper remains central to the investment case. As governments and industries continue to pursue electrification and energy transition initiatives, many analysts expect supply shortages to emerge in the coming years.

Ferrar believes the market is increasingly recognising the structural deficit developing within the copper sector, helping to support stronger prices.

The gold component of the Cygnus asset adds an additional layer of appeal. Beyond enhancing project economics, gold provides a degree of risk diversification and valuable by-product credits that could help lower net operating costs once the project enters production.

This combination of copper-driven growth and gold exposure creates a balanced opportunity that aligns with long-term market trends.

A Win-Win Transaction

For both CAML and Cygnus Metals shareholders, Ferrar described the proposed transaction as a “win-win.”

The combined group would benefit from established cash-generating operations, a strong balance sheet and a high-quality growth project capable of delivering future value. At the same time, shareholders would gain exposure to a larger, more diversified company with enhanced development potential.

As CAML continues to execute its growth strategy, the proposed acquisition of Cygnus Metals Limited has the potential to mark an important new chapter in the company’s evolution. By combining operational strength with a high-potential development asset in a premier mining jurisdiction, CAML is positioning itself for the next phase of sustainable growth and value creation.

With copper demand expected to remain a major theme for years to come, the transaction could provide the foundation for a stronger, more diversified and growth-focused future.

For more information visit – https://www.centralasiametals.com/