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Nichols plc (LSE:NICL) reported a modest increase in group revenue for 2025, rising 1.3% to £175.1m, while profitability improved more sharply. Adjusted operating profit climbed 9.9% during the year as operating margins strengthened, supported by disciplined cost management and strategic changes across several business units.

The group benefited from record retail sales of its flagship Vimto in the UK Packaged division. International Packaged operations also performed strongly, helped by a transition to a higher-margin concentrate sales model in West Africa. Meanwhile, the company simplified its Out of Home segment and exited the lower-margin Starslush business as part of its efforts to streamline operations.

Operational improvements were further supported by the introduction of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which has begun delivering efficiency gains across the organisation. Strong financial performance enabled Nichols to increase its ordinary dividend, reflecting management’s confidence in the strength of the balance sheet and the group’s medium-term growth prospects.

The company’s outlook remains shaped by a combination of positive and challenging factors. Solid profitability and the appointment of a new chief financial officer represent supportive developments, while technical indicators currently show bearish momentum in the share price. Although the company maintains a stable financial position, it still faces pressure to accelerate revenue growth and strengthen cash flow generation.

More about Nichols

Nichols plc is a UK-based soft drinks group that operates an asset-light business model across three main channels: UK Packaged, International Packaged and Out of Home. The company’s portfolio is centred on the Vimto brand and also includes licensed beverages such as Levi Roots, ICEE, SLUSH PUPPiE and Sunkist. Its product range spans squash, flavoured carbonated drinks, fruit beverages, energy drinks and flavoured water, with a strong presence in markets across the Middle East and Africa.

Ascent Resources plc (LSE:AST) said its legal standing in a series of long-running disputes in Slovenia has been strengthened after a Slovenian court rejected a jurisdictional challenge brought by Geoenergo against a domestic arbitration tribunal. The ruling supports a claim by its subsidiary, Ascent Slovenia Limited, seeking roughly €7.8m in unpaid proceeds from hydrocarbon production along with accrued interest.

The court decision reinforces the validity of the arbitration process and keeps the company’s claim moving forward. Additional rulings related to the recognition of the arbitration award, as well as a separate annulment case, are expected within the coming weeks or months.

Despite the positive development, any potential recovery remains uncertain as it depends on the outcome of Geoenergo’s insolvency administration. The company is also continuing to defend claims filed by Petrol Geo while working toward a potential negotiated resolution among the parties.

Separately, Ascent confirmed there have been no delays in its case under the Energy Charter Treaty being heard at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The company still expects a tribunal decision on the merits this month, a development that could have a significant impact on its legacy Slovenian assets and any potential financial recovery.

The company’s outlook remains constrained by financial pressures. It reported no revenue in 2024 and continues to face persistent losses, negative equity, rising debt and ongoing cash burn. Market indicators also show weak technical momentum, with the share price trading below key moving averages and a negative MACD signal. Valuation metrics remain neutral due to the absence of both price-to-earnings and dividend yield data.

More about Ascent Resources

Ascent Resources plc is a London-listed oil and gas company with a strategic focus on onshore U.S. energy assets while maintaining legacy interests in Slovenia. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Ascent Slovenia Limited, the company has previously participated in hydrocarbon production projects and joint ventures in the region. It is also pursuing legal claims linked to unpaid production proceeds and contractual disputes related to those operations.

Ariana Resources plc (LSE:AAU) has reported encouraging assay results from its 2025–2026 reverse circulation drilling programme at the 1.1-million-ounce Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe. New high-grade intercepts at Dokwe North confirm that gold mineralisation extends beyond the boundaries of the existing resource model.

The current drilling campaign has been expanded to 5,659 metres across 31 holes and suggests strong potential for additional near-surface oxide resources. Exploration results indicate that mineralisation continues up to 150 metres northeast of the present resource envelope, pointing to possible future resource growth.

Among the most notable results were intercepts of 4 metres grading 16.90 grams per tonne gold and 10 metres at 7.67 grams per tonne. These grades reinforce the strength of the shear-hosted gold system at Dokwe and support expectations that the project could ultimately deliver a larger and higher-quality resource base.

The company plans to move into a second phase of drilling at Dokwe North later in March, focusing on diamond drilling to refine geological interpretations. The programme will test potential extensions along strike and at depth while improving structural understanding of the deposit. The results are expected to support a possible update to the project’s resource estimate under the JORC reporting standard.

While exploration progress remains encouraging, the company’s outlook is still influenced by underlying financial challenges, including ongoing operating losses and structurally negative operating and free cash flow. On the positive side, the balance sheet carries relatively low leverage. Technical indicators currently suggest supportive market momentum, with the share price trading above key moving averages and showing a positive MACD signal. Valuation appears moderate based on the available price-to-earnings metrics, although the absence of dividend yield limits income appeal.

More about Ariana Resources

Ariana Resources plc is a mineral exploration, development and production company focused primarily on gold projects across Africa and Europe. The business is listed on both AIM and the ASX and holds a 100% interest in the Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe. The company is working to expand the project’s 1.1-million-ounce gold resource through ongoing drilling programmes and further exploration aimed at unlocking additional resource potential.

Breedon Group plc (LSE:BREE) reported revenue of £1.71bn for 2025, a 9% increase year on year, supported by the acquisition of Lionmark and a full-year contribution from BMC. The group delivered modest growth in underlying EBITDA despite weaker like-for-like volumes in the UK and project delays in Ireland.

Profit before tax and earnings per share declined during the year, but the company generated record post-pandemic free cash flow of £133.2m. Improved free cash flow conversion and strong operating performance enabled Breedon to raise its dividend by 3%, highlighting the resilience of its cash generation and balance sheet flexibility.

Management pointed to several operational improvements aimed at strengthening efficiency and profitability. These included adopting a simplified country-based organisational structure, implementing cost-saving measures in Great Britain and expanding strategically in Ireland. The company also continued to build its presence in the United States, particularly in Missouri, where it is involved in major infrastructure projects.

Breedon is continuing to execute its EXPAND and IMPROVE strategy through targeted acquisitions, reserve extensions and operational efficiencies. At the same time, the group is advancing decarbonisation initiatives, including its participation in the Peak Cluster carbon capture project, while engaging with policymakers to encourage supportive regulatory frameworks for low-carbon cement production.

While demand conditions remain mixed, particularly in the UK construction market, management said it remains cautiously optimistic. The company is maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation while pursuing growth opportunities across its geographic markets.

Overall, Breedon’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance and strategic corporate actions. Although technical indicators suggest a degree of caution, the company’s valuation appears relatively attractive. Its proactive market strategy and continued stakeholder support provide additional confidence in its long-term prospects.

More about Breedon

Breedon Group is a vertically integrated construction materials company operating across Great Britain, Ireland and the United States. The group produces cement, aggregates, asphalt and ready-mixed concrete, supplying infrastructure, residential and commercial construction markets. Breedon is the largest cement producer in Great Britain and operates a network of quarries and downstream facilities, while also expanding its footprint in the United States.

NextEnergy Solar Fund Limited (LSE:NESF) has completed a strategic review and introduced a “strategic reset” designed to shift its focus from primarily delivering income to generating a balanced total-return profile. Under the revised approach, the fund is targeting long-term annual returns of 9%–11%.

A key change involves moving away from a progressive dividend policy. Instead, the fund will distribute 75% of operating free cash flow, a structure expected to release roughly £40m over the next five years. Management plans to use this capital to reduce debt, repower existing solar assets and invest in higher-return opportunities. The dividend for the 2026/27 financial year is projected at between 4.0p and 4.6p per share, representing an estimated yield of around 7%–8% at current share prices.

Alongside the revised payout model, the company intends to lower leverage to a target range of 40%–45% of gross asset value. It also plans to expand its asset recycling programme by selling up to 120MW of capacity and capturing additional realisations equivalent to 116MW starting from 2027. These measures are aimed at supporting renewed growth in net asset value.

Operational improvements will include upgrading existing solar facilities and integrating co-located battery storage. Management expects energy storage exposure to rise to as much as 30% of gross assets over time. The board believes the strategic reset will help narrow the persistent discount to net asset value seen across listed renewable energy funds, strengthen the balance sheet and position the portfolio to benefit from rising demand for clean power aligned with the UK’s long-term energy transition goals.

Despite these initiatives, the company’s outlook remains affected by recent financial pressures. Revenue has declined sharply and the business has recorded net losses in each of the past two years, while technical indicators suggest weak share price momentum. These challenges are partly balanced by strong operating cash flow, a debt-free position reported in 2025 and a relatively high dividend yield.

More about NextEnergy Solar Fund

NextEnergy Solar Fund Limited is a specialist infrastructure investor focused on utility-scale solar power generation and energy storage. Its portfolio includes 99 operational solar sites, primarily located in the UK, as well as a $50m commitment to private solar infrastructure. The fund seeks to deliver stable, inflation-linked cash flows through a mix of subsidised and merchant electricity sales while expanding into co-located and standalone battery storage as part of the UK’s accelerating transition to clean energy.

Light Science Technologies Holdings plc (LSE:LST) has agreed conditional transactions to acquire RLUK Injection, the owner of passive fire protection specialist Injectaclad, as well as the remaining 10% minority stake in its UK Circuits electronics subsidiary and an associated property. The deals are valued at up to £5.37m in cash and form part of a broader strategy to strengthen the group’s operational base and accelerate growth.

To finance the acquisitions, the company intends to raise £6.6m through an equity fundraising consisting of a placing and a separate retail offer priced at 1p per share. The proceeds will support the purchases while also helping secure supply chains, consolidate full control over the UK Circuits contract electronics manufacturing division and remove ongoing rental expenses. The property acquisition will also provide a northern operational base designed to support higher-margin activity and larger project opportunities, particularly within the passive fire protection market.

The purchase of RLUK Injection is expected to deepen the company’s role across the fire safety value chain. By bringing Injectaclad’s intellectual property and materials supply capabilities in-house, the group aims to strengthen its position in cavity fire remediation projects while adding an additional revenue stream from materials supply.

Securing full ownership of UK Circuits, alongside the associated facility, supports the group’s strategic shift toward higher-value sectors such as defence and medical electronics manufacturing. Management believes the strengthened balance sheet and expanded capabilities will enable the business to scale more rapidly and pursue mid-term revenue targets of around £50m, potentially improving profitability and shareholder returns.

Overall, the company’s outlook remains mixed. Financial performance reflects solid cash flow but slower revenue growth, while technical indicators point to bearish share price momentum. Nevertheless, the acquisitions and fundraising represent positive corporate developments that could support future expansion, particularly within the group’s AgTech and fire safety activities.

More about Light Science Technologies

Light Science Technologies Holdings plc is an AIM-listed technology and manufacturing group focused on delivering practical solutions in areas including global food security and fire safety. Its operations include a Contract Electronics Manufacturing division, which supplies high-value electronics to sectors such as defence and medical technology, and a Passive Fire Protection division that installs cavity fire barrier remediation systems across the UK, with potential for future international expansion.

SRT Marine Systems PLC (LSE:SRT) said courts in the Philippines have dismissed all allegations of conspiracy, graft and bidding irregularities linked to the BFAR fisheries IMEMS project. The rulings fully clear the company, its chief executive Simon Tucker and other parties, concluding a long-running legal matter that had raised scrutiny around the contract.

The company stated that the courts found the accusations to be false and without merit. The decision removes a legal overhang that had created uncertainty around SRT’s involvement in the project and its operations in the Philippines, a market considered strategically important for its maritime surveillance technology.

With the case resolved, SRT believes its standing with government customers in the region could strengthen, particularly among agencies assessing maritime intelligence and monitoring systems. The company can now focus on delivering existing programmes and pursuing further opportunities in maritime surveillance, fisheries monitoring and navigation safety without the distraction of ongoing litigation or negative publicity.

Despite the legal clarity, the company’s outlook remains influenced by financial considerations. While revenue growth and operational efficiency have improved, cash flow remains relatively weak. Market indicators also suggest negative technical momentum, although the shares may be approaching oversold territory. In addition, valuation metrics remain stretched due to a high price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of dividend support.

More about SRT Marine Systems

SRT Marine Systems PLC develops and supplies advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance and navigation technologies. Its systems are used by coast guards, fisheries authorities, ports and other sovereign organisations to enhance maritime domain awareness, improve security and support sustainable management of marine resources. The company also provides solutions that help commercial and recreational vessel operators navigate more safely and efficiently.

Forterra plc (LSE:FORT) delivered a solid set of results for 2025 despite ongoing challenges in the UK construction sector. Revenue increased by 12.1% during the year, while adjusted EBITDA rose 18.5% and adjusted earnings per share surged 65.8%. The performance was supported by stable pricing across its product range and a recovery in the company’s share of the UK brick market.

Strong cash generation also strengthened the balance sheet, with net debt reduced to £55.7m. This financial improvement enabled the company to significantly increase shareholder returns, with the total dividend rising 106.7% to 6.2p per share.

Operationally, Forterra continued to advance several key capacity expansion projects. The new brick factory at Wilnecote is approaching completion, while both kilns at the Desford facility operated simultaneously for the first time during the year. The company also introduced its Omnia extruded brick slip range, expanding its product offering in the construction materials market.

With leverage returning to more typical levels and capital expenditure expected to ease, the board has revised its capital allocation priorities. As part of this approach, the company plans to return surplus cash to shareholders through a £20m share buyback programme scheduled to begin in 2026. Management expects demand conditions in 2026 to remain broadly similar to those seen in 2025, with EBITDA forecast to increase slightly. The group believes it is well positioned to benefit from any structural recovery in UK housing activity and brick demand.

Overall, the company’s outlook is supported by positive corporate developments and a relatively stable technical backdrop. However, ongoing pressure on profitability and a comparatively high valuation may temper investor expectations. Continued focus on margin management and balance sheet discipline will remain important as the business pursues further growth.

More about Forterra

Forterra plc is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of essential building materials, with strong positions in clay bricks, concrete blocks and precast concrete flooring. Its product portfolio includes extruded and soft-mud bricks used in residential construction, the well-known London Brick widely found across England’s housing stock, Thermalite aircrete blocks and Bison precast flooring systems. The company serves both the new-build housing market and the repair, maintenance and improvement sector.

Mindflair plc (LSE:MFAI) has highlighted progress within its investment portfolio after Captur, an artificial intelligence infrastructure company backed through Sure Valley Ventures’ second fund, secured $6m in seed funding. The round was led by Rally Ventures and reflects Mindflair’s strategy of supporting enterprise AI technologies capable of scaling across sectors such as logistics, mobility and retail.

Captur specialises in on-device computer vision software designed for enterprise mobile applications. Its technology verifies user-submitted photos in roughly 30 milliseconds without relying on cloud connectivity and is already processing tens of millions of images each month. The newly raised capital will be used to expand the company’s team, accelerate product development and extend deployment of its edge AI platform into additional industry verticals. According to Mindflair’s directors, the company’s capabilities create a strong technical moat and underline the long-term growth potential within its AI investment portfolio.

The platform addresses the “last-mile” challenge in image capture by ensuring high-quality photographic verification for tasks such as deliveries, inspections and parking validation. By operating directly on mobile devices across more than 6,000 device types, Captur can achieve human-level or higher accuracy while keeping processing local to the device. This approach reduces latency and scaling costs, enabling businesses to verify real-world activity in real time and improve operational workflows.

The funding round will also bring additional industry expertise to the company’s leadership. Ben Fried is set to join Captur’s board, adding senior technology experience. For Mindflair, both the calibre of the lead investor and the board appointment point to increasing institutional confidence in the portfolio company, potentially creating longer-term value if Captur’s technology gains wider adoption in data-intensive mobile sectors.

More about Mindflair

Mindflair plc is an AIM-listed investment company focused on building a portfolio of next-generation technology businesses centred on artificial intelligence. Its strategy targets high-growth segments including the Internet of Things, cyber security, machine learning, immersive technologies and big data, where demand for advanced digital infrastructure continues to expand.

The company invests in early and growth-stage technology firms that have already demonstrated commercial traction and significant scaling potential. By concentrating on AI-driven innovation and supporting infrastructure, Mindflair offers investors diversified exposure to emerging enterprise technologies rather than direct investment in individual start-ups.

Through its portfolio strategy, Mindflair aims to capture the upside from accelerating adoption of automation, advanced analytics and intelligent software across industries, while spreading risk across multiple AI subsectors and business models.