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Hunting PLC (LSE:HTG) has confirmed that its previously declared 2026 interim dividend of 7.0 US cents per ordinary share will be paid at a sterling equivalent of 5.2818 pence per share.

The London-listed precision engineering group calculated the sterling payment using an average exchange rate of US$1.3253 to £1, establishing the amount payable to shareholders receiving their dividends in pounds.

The interim dividend is scheduled for payment on 30 October 2026.

The announcement confirms the currency conversion of the previously declared distribution rather than introducing a new dividend or changing the amount originally announced in US dollars.

Sterling Dividend Calculated Using Average Exchange Rate

Hunting reports its financial results in US dollars, reflecting the international nature of its engineering and manufacturing operations.

For the 2026 interim dividend, the company has applied an average US dollar-to-sterling exchange rate of US$1.3253 per £1 to convert the declared distribution into pounds.

This produces a sterling dividend of 5.2818 pence for each ordinary share, equivalent to the previously announced 7.0 US cents per share.

The conversion establishes the cash amount payable in sterling on the scheduled distribution date.

The dividend payment of 30 October 2026 remains unchanged following the confirmation of the exchange rate.

Dividend Confirmation Forms Part of Shareholder Distributions

The announcement provides shareholders with the sterling value of Hunting’s interim dividend for 2026.

As the company declares its dividend in US dollars, the sterling equivalent depends on the exchange rate applied to the distribution.

The confirmed rate of US$1.3253 to £1 determines the amount received by shareholders whose payments are made in sterling.

The announcement does not include a revision to Hunting’s dividend policy or provide additional financial guidance.

The interim distribution forms part of the group’s arrangements for returning capital to shareholders alongside its international engineering activities.

Hunting Operates Across Energy and Industrial Markets

Hunting provides precision-manufactured equipment and engineering services to customers in the energy and industrial sectors.

The group operates internationally, with activities spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Its product portfolio includes oil country tubular goods (OCTG), perforating systems, subsea technologies and advanced manufacturing solutions.

These products and services are used in energy-related applications and other industrial operations requiring specialised engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

Hunting’s international customer base and operating structure are reflected in its use of US dollars as its financial reporting currency.

Five Operating Segments Support International Business

Hunting organises its financial reporting across five operating segments: North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific, Subsea Technologies and Hunting Titan.

The segments cover the group’s regional manufacturing activities and specialist engineering operations.

Its product-based reporting also includes revenue and EBITDA measures for categories such as OCTG, perforating systems, subsea equipment and advanced manufacturing.

The reporting structure provides information on the financial contribution of the group’s different operating activities and product categories.

Hunting continues to provide equipment and engineering services across these markets while maintaining its established shareholder distribution arrangements.

About Hunting PLC

Hunting PLC (LSE:HTG) is a London-listed precision engineering group founded in 1874, with its headquarters in London and a corporate office in Houston, Texas.

The company manufactures specialised equipment and provides engineering services to customers in energy-related and industrial markets worldwide.

Its operations cover North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific, Subsea Technologies and Hunting Titan, with principal product categories including OCTG, perforating systems, subsea technologies and advanced manufacturing.

Hunting reports its financial performance in US dollars and maintains an international manufacturing and service network.

African Pioneer Plc (LSE:AFP) has commenced a mine development drilling programme at its Ongombo copper project in Namibia, with plans to complete 119 drill holes covering approximately 7,000 metres.

The AIM-listed exploration and resource development company, which holds an 85% interest in Ongombo, is undertaking the programme with financial and technical support from Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services.

The drilling campaign will focus on extending existing open-pit mineral resources, investigating additional mineralisation at the neighbouring Ongeama project and collecting geological information to support mine planning.

African Pioneer expects drilling to continue for several months, with laboratory assay results to follow as the programme progresses.

Drilling Programme Covers 119 Holes Across Ongombo and Ongeama

The company has initially deployed one drilling rig at Ongombo as part of the mine development programme.

The planned 119 holes will cover approximately 7,000 metres, targeting areas where additional geological information is required to assess mineral resource continuity and support mine design.

At Ongombo, drilling will investigate potential extensions to the existing open-pit mineral resource.

Work at the adjacent Ongeama project will focus on up-dip mineralisation, with the objective of improving geological understanding of the deposit and evaluating its relationship with the Ongombo mineralised system.

The programme is intended to provide additional data for both open-pit and underground mine planning.

African Pioneer has not provided a specific completion date for the drilling campaign, which is expected to run over several months.

Hong Kong Xinhai Provides Financial and Technical Support

Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services is supporting the drilling programme through an arrangement covering financing and technical assistance.

The collaboration forms part of African Pioneer’s approach to advancing Ongombo towards potential mine development.

The company is also planning to construct an on-site core processing facility to manage the drill core generated during the campaign.

The proposed facility will accommodate geological logging, core cutting and sampling activities, allowing material recovered from drilling to be prepared for laboratory analysis.

The infrastructure is intended to support the anticipated volume of drill core from the 119-hole programme.

Assay results will provide information on mineral grades and distribution within the areas being investigated.

African Pioneer Plans Combined Ongombo–Ongeama Mineral Resource

A principal objective of the drilling programme is to generate sufficient geological information to support the potential consolidation of the Ongombo and Ongeama deposits into a single mineral resource.

The two projects are located adjacent to one another, and African Pioneer intends to investigate the continuity and extent of mineralisation across the project areas.

The planned resource consolidation would provide a basis for evaluating the deposits together as part of a potential mining operation.

Drilling will also target areas where additional geological information could improve confidence in existing resource estimates.

The company aims to use the results to refine mine designs for both open-pit and underground extraction.

Any future combined mineral resource estimate will depend on the geological findings and subsequent technical evaluation.

Programme Supports Open-Pit and Underground Mine Planning

African Pioneer’s development plans include assessing the potential for initial open-pit mining at Ongombo and Ongeama.

The company believes the existing mineral resources and potential extensions could support several years of early-stage open-pit operations, subject to further drilling, resource evaluation and mine planning.

The current programme will provide information needed to assess the location, geometry and continuity of mineralised zones relevant to potential extraction.

The company is also examining underground mining opportunities as part of its broader development plans.

The proposed mining operation remains subject to further technical work, and the latest drilling programme is intended to support decisions concerning resource development and mine configuration.

No revised mineral resource estimate or updated production schedule has been provided in the announcement.

About African Pioneer Plc

African Pioneer Plc (LSE:AFP) is an Africa-focused mineral exploration and resource development company with interests in copper and gold projects.

The company holds an 85% interest in the Ongombo copper project in Namibia, where it is advancing exploration and mine development activities.

Its current work includes drilling at Ongombo and the neighbouring Ongeama project, with the objective of improving mineral resource information and evaluating the potential for combined open-pit and underground mining operations.

African Pioneer is working with Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services to support the technical and financial requirements of its mine development programme.

Ithaca Energy plc (LSE:ITH) has announced that Chief Executive Officer Luciano Vasques intends to retire by 31 March 2027, with the company’s board initiating a succession process to identify his replacement.

The FTSE 100-listed North Sea oil and gas producer said the planned retirement will allow time for an organised transition of executive responsibilities.

Vasques’ departure follows a period of corporate development that included the integration of Eni UK into Ithaca Energy’s operations and the company’s inclusion in the FTSE 100 index.

The board has begun the process of selecting a new chief executive, although no successor or appointment timetable beyond the planned retirement date has been announced.

Board Begins CEO Succession Process

Ithaca Energy confirmed that Vasques plans to step down from his position by the end of March 2027, providing a transition period for the company to identify and appoint a replacement.

The board is overseeing the succession process, with the intention of transferring executive responsibilities in an orderly manner.

The company has not disclosed the names of potential candidates or indicated whether the search will focus on internal executives, external applicants or both.

The planned leadership change comes as Ithaca continues integrating acquired assets and managing its expanded North Sea production portfolio.

The announcement does not identify any changes to the company’s existing operational or corporate strategy associated with Vasques’ retirement.

Vasques Oversaw Eni UK Integration and FTSE 100 Entry

During Vasques’ tenure as chief executive, Ithaca Energy completed a period of corporate expansion that included the combination of its business with Eni UK’s operations.

The transaction increased the scope of Ithaca’s North Sea activities and formed part of its strategy to expand its upstream oil and gas portfolio through acquisitions.

The company also entered the FTSE 100 index, reflecting its position among the largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange by market capitalisation.

Board members acknowledged Vasques’ contribution to these developments, particularly his involvement in the integration of Eni UK and the expansion of the company’s operations.

Management has described the combined business as providing a platform for further development, with the integration of acquired operations remaining an element of Ithaca’s corporate strategy.

Leadership Transition Follows Expansion of North Sea Operations

Ithaca Energy’s activities are concentrated in the North Sea, where the company operates an upstream oil and gas production business.

Its growth strategy has included acquisitions and the integration of additional production assets into its existing portfolio.

The combination with Eni UK increased the scale of the company’s operations and required the integration of business processes, management structures and operational activities.

Ithaca has also identified the development of a unified corporate culture as part of its approach to managing the expanded organisation.

The forthcoming leadership transition will take place against this operational background, with the board responsible for overseeing the appointment of the next chief executive.

Company Maintains Existing Corporate Strategy

The announcement of Vasques’ planned retirement does not include any revisions to Ithaca Energy’s stated business priorities.

The company continues to focus on its North Sea production activities, the integration of acquired assets and the management of its upstream portfolio.

Its corporate development strategy has involved expanding through business combinations and acquisitions, alongside managing existing operations.

The board’s succession process is intended to provide continuity in executive oversight as the company progresses these activities.

Further information on the appointment of a successor is expected to be provided once the selection process advances.

About Ithaca Energy

Ithaca Energy plc (LSE:ITH) is a UK-based oil and gas exploration and production company with operations focused on the North Sea.

The company has expanded its upstream portfolio through acquisitions and business combinations, including the integration of Eni UK’s operations.

Ithaca Energy is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index and focuses on oil and gas production, asset integration and the development of its North Sea business.

Its corporate strategy includes managing existing production assets, integrating acquired operations and evaluating opportunities for further business development.

Supermarket Income REIT plc (LSE:SUPR) has granted long-term incentive awards to chief executive Rob Abraham and chief financial officer Mike Perkins as part of its executive remuneration arrangements.

The FTSE 250-listed real estate investment trust said the awards comprise performance share awards and deferred share bonus awards, both structured as nominal-cost options over ordinary shares.

The performance share awards are subject to financial and shareholder return targets covering the period to 2029, while the deferred share awards relate to a portion of the executives’ annual bonuses for the 2026 financial year.

The company has disclosed the arrangements in accordance with applicable requirements under the UK Market Abuse Regulation.

Performance Share Awards Linked to Three Financial Measures

The long-term incentive awards granted to Abraham and Perkins include performance share options that will vest according to three measures of the company’s financial and shareholder returns.

The first measure is relative total shareholder return (TSR), assessed against companies in the FTSE 350 Real Estate sector. This compares Supermarket Income REIT’s shareholder returns, including dividends and share price movements, with those of the relevant sector benchmark.

The second measure is based on EPRA earnings per share targets for the financial year ending in 2029. EPRA earnings provide a measure of underlying earnings used in the listed property sector.

The third measure is total accounting return over the 2027–2029 period, incorporating changes in net asset value and distributions to shareholders.

Vesting of the performance share awards will depend on the extent to which the relevant targets are achieved.

Shares acquired through vested performance awards will also be subject to an additional two-year holding period, extending the period during which the executives remain exposed to movements in the company’s share price.

Half of 2026 Annual Bonuses Deferred Into Shares

Alongside the performance share awards, Supermarket Income REIT has granted deferred share bonus awards to its chief executive and chief financial officer.

These awards represent the deferral of 50% of each executive’s annual cash bonus for the 2026 financial year into nominal-cost share options.

The arrangement converts part of the executives’ annual remuneration into equity-based awards rather than immediate cash payments.

The deferred bonus awards form a separate component of the remuneration structure from the performance share awards, which are linked to financial targets extending through 2029.

Both types of award provide for remuneration through ordinary shares, subject to their respective terms.

Remuneration Arrangements Include Shareholder Return Targets

The company’s incentive structure incorporates measures relating to shareholder returns, earnings and changes in accounting value.

Relative total shareholder return provides a comparison with other listed real estate companies, while EPRA earnings per share and total accounting return measure different aspects of the REIT’s financial performance.

The additional two-year holding period applicable to performance awards extends beyond the initial performance assessment period.

Supermarket Income REIT has not specified the number of options granted to each executive or their potential monetary value in the supplied announcement.

The awards have been disclosed as part of the company’s regulatory reporting obligations relating to transactions involving directors and executive management.

Supermarket Income REIT Portfolio Valued at £2 Billion

Supermarket Income REIT invests in grocery-anchored commercial properties across the United Kingdom and Europe.

The company’s portfolio was valued at approximately £2.0 billion as at 30 June 2026 and consists predominantly of supermarket properties leased to established grocery operators.

Its investment strategy focuses on stores supporting both physical retail operations and online grocery fulfilment, with rental income generated through leases to supermarket tenants.

The REIT targets long-term rental income, including inflation-linked contractual arrangements, alongside capital growth from its property investments.

Its financial performance and shareholder returns are among the measures incorporated into the newly granted executive incentive awards.

About Supermarket Income REIT

Supermarket Income REIT plc (LSE:SUPR) is a FTSE 250-listed real estate investment trust specialising in grocery-anchored properties in the UK and Europe.

The company owns supermarket assets used for in-store retail and online grocery operations, with a portfolio valued at approximately £2.0 billion as at 30 June 2026.

Its investment strategy focuses on long-term leases, rental income and capital appreciation.

Supermarket Income REIT’s ordinary shares are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and the Main Board of JSE Limited in South Africa.

Oxford BioMedica (LSE:OXB) has appointed Dr Joachim Kreuzburg, former chief executive of Sartorius, as an independent non-executive director, effective 23 November 2026.

The FTSE 250-listed cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) said the appointment will add experience in life sciences technologies, international operations and mergers and acquisitions to its board.

Kreuzburg previously led Sartorius, a supplier of equipment and technologies to the biopharmaceutical industry, and brings experience in managing businesses operating within the life sciences sector.

The appointment comes as Oxford BioMedica continues developing its international manufacturing network and providing viral vector development and production services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers.

Board Appointment Adds Life Sciences and M&A Experience

Oxford BioMedica said Kreuzburg’s background includes executive leadership in life sciences technologies and experience in corporate acquisitions and business development.

His appointment as an independent non-executive director will take effect on 23 November 2026.

The company’s chair identified Kreuzburg’s industry experience as relevant to Oxford BioMedica’s plans for developing its international CDMO operations.

Kreuzburg also commented on opportunities within the cell and gene therapy sector and indicated that he intends to contribute to the company’s plans for expanding its manufacturing and development activities.

The appointment adds a director with experience in the broader biopharmaceutical technology and manufacturing industry as Oxford BioMedica continues operating across multiple international markets.

Oxford BioMedica Operates Manufacturing Facilities Across Three Countries

Oxford BioMedica provides contract development and manufacturing services for companies developing cell and gene therapies.

The Oxford-headquartered group operates facilities in the United Kingdom, France and the United States, supporting customers at different stages of therapy development and manufacturing.

Its services cover activities ranging from early-stage development to manufacturing associated with commercialisation.

The company’s international operations provide access to manufacturing infrastructure and technical capabilities for pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses requiring viral vectors for advanced therapies.

Oxford BioMedica has developed its manufacturing network to support multiple viral vector technologies, including lentiviral, adeno-associated viral (AAV) and adenoviral systems.

Viral Vector Technologies Support CDMO Services

Oxford BioMedica has more than three decades of experience in viral vector development and manufacturing.

Its technology portfolio includes the fourth-generation TetraVecta lentiviral system and AAV production technologies used in the development and manufacture of cell and gene therapies.

The company works with pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers requiring specialist manufacturing processes, analytical services and regulatory support.

These capabilities are used across different stages of product development, from initial research and process development through to manufacturing for clinical and commercial applications.

Oxford BioMedica’s activities also include quality control and analytical processes associated with the production of viral vectors.

The group continues to develop its manufacturing platforms and international operations as part of its strategy to provide CDMO services across different viral vector technologies.

Appointment Supports International Business Development Plans

The addition of Kreuzburg to the board comes as Oxford BioMedica maintains operations across Europe and North America.

Management has identified international business development and the expansion of its CDMO activities as areas of focus.

Kreuzburg’s experience in life sciences equipment, technologies and acquisitions is expected to contribute to board discussions covering the company’s operational development and corporate strategy.

Oxford BioMedica continues to work with biopharmaceutical customers developing viral vector-based treatments, with its manufacturing and technology platforms forming the basis of its service offering.

About Oxford BioMedica

Oxford BioMedica (LSE:OXB) is a FTSE 250-listed contract development and manufacturing organisation headquartered in Oxford, United Kingdom.

The company specialises in viral vector development and manufacturing for cell and gene therapies, providing services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers.

Its operations span the United Kingdom, France and the United States, with manufacturing capabilities covering lentiviral, AAV, adenoviral and other viral vector technologies.

Oxford BioMedica’s services include process development, analytical testing, quality management and manufacturing support for therapies progressing through clinical development and commercialisation.

Shuka Minerals Plc (LSE:SKA) has reported assay results showing zinc grades of up to 49.7% from drilling at the newly identified Sperm Whale zone within its Kabwe Zinc Mine project in Zambia.

The AIM-listed mining company received results from ALS Laboratories covering the remaining drill holes KBDD06 to KBDD11 in the Speaks and Mine Club areas, alongside findings from drilling at the previously untested Sperm Whale zone.

The results identified multiple substantial intersections of high-grade zinc mineralisation in the Swimming Pool zone, while drilling at Sperm Whale encountered zinc mineralisation from surface, with grades increasing at depth.

According to Shuka, the findings support its exploration programme aimed at expanding the historical remaining mineral resource at Kabwe and improving geological understanding of the project’s mineralised zones.

ALS Assays Confirm Zinc Mineralisation at Speaks and Mine Club

The latest laboratory results cover drill holes KBDD06 through KBDD11, completing the reported assay results for the relevant drilling programme in the Speaks and Mine Club areas.

Shuka said the assays confirmed multiple thick intersections of zinc mineralisation within the Swimming Pool zone.

The laboratory findings were consistent with earlier readings obtained using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) equipment, which had provided preliminary indications of mineral content during exploration.

The company also reported that the results were consistent with existing NI 43-101 resource estimates for the Speaks and Mine Club ore bodies, where previously identified mineral resources contain double-digit zinc grades.

These areas form part of the broader Kabwe mineral system, which contains zinc, lead and associated metals.

Sperm Whale Zone Returns Zinc Grades of Up to 49.7%

Drilling at the newly discovered Sperm Whale zone identified zinc mineralisation in an area that had not previously been tested through the company’s drilling programme.

Assay results returned grades reaching 49.7% zinc, with mineralisation encountered at surface and higher grades reported at greater depths.

The findings provide additional exploration information for an area outside the previously established drilling targets at Kabwe.

Shuka intends to conduct further drilling to establish the geometry and extent of the Sperm Whale mineralisation.

Although the reported grades indicate the presence of high-grade zinc, additional geological work will be required to determine the size, continuity and resource potential of the newly identified zone.

The company has not provided a separate mineral resource estimate for Sperm Whale in the supplied announcement.

Shuka Targets 50% Increase in Historical Remaining Resource

Shuka said the latest drilling results support its objective of increasing Kabwe’s historical remaining mineral resource by at least 50%.

This remains an exploration target rather than an established resource increase, with further drilling and geological evaluation required to determine whether the objective can be achieved.

The company plans to intensify drilling across selected areas of the Kabwe project, including work at the No 2 orebody to improve confidence in existing mineral resource estimates.

Additional drilling at Sperm Whale will focus on defining the shape and distribution of the newly identified mineralisation.

Shuka is also applying quality assurance and quality control procedures to its exploration activities as it seeks to improve the geological information supporting future resource assessments.

Kabwe Exploration Focuses on Multiple Mineralised Zones

The Kabwe Zinc Mine contains several historically productive ore bodies, including Speaks, Mine Club and No 2.

Existing indicated and inferred mineral resources at the project include zinc and lead mineralisation, alongside associated silver, vanadium oxide and copper.

The company’s exploration strategy involves evaluating remaining mineralisation within established ore bodies while investigating additional zones identified through drilling.

The latest results from Swimming Pool and Sperm Whale provide further geological information for these activities.

Future drilling will be directed towards improving resource confidence and assessing whether newly identified mineralisation can contribute to the project’s overall mineral inventory.

About Shuka Minerals Plc

Shuka Minerals Plc (LSE:SKA) is an African-focused mining and mineral development company listed on AIM in London and AltX in Johannesburg.

Its principal activities centre on the Kabwe Zinc Mine in Zambia, where the company is exploring zinc, lead and associated base metal mineralisation.

Shuka’s current work includes drilling at the Speaks, Mine Club and No 2 ore bodies, alongside investigation of newly identified mineralised zones. The company aims to expand its remaining mineral resource base and improve resource classifications through further exploration and geological assessment.

Panther Metals Plc (LSE:PALM) has completed a Canadian flow-through share financing, raising gross proceeds of £2.22 million to fund further exploration at its Obonga Project in north-western Ontario, Canada.

The mineral exploration company issued 980,398 flow-through units at CAD$4.24 per unit. Each unit comprises one ordinary share and half a warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable at £2.67 for a period of 36 months.

Following the Canadian financing, the units were placed with selected institutional investors through a UK block trade.

The proceeds are designated for qualifying Canadian exploration expenditures, primarily to support an extension of the company’s Phase 1 diamond drilling programme at the Wishbone volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) prospect into 2027.

Financing Structure Includes Shares and Warrants

The £2.22 million fundraising was conducted using a Canadian flow-through financing structure, which provides tax-related benefits to eligible Canadian investors in connection with qualifying exploration expenditure.

Panther Metals issued 980,398 units at CAD$4.24 each, with the financing incorporating both ordinary shares and warrants.

Each unit includes one share and one-half of a warrant, meaning two half-warrants are required to constitute one whole warrant.

The warrants carry an exercise price of £2.67 and remain exercisable for 36 months.

The issue of new shares increases the company’s issued equity, while any subsequent exercise of warrants would result in additional shares being issued and further capital being received.

The subsequent UK block trade provided a mechanism for placing the securities with selected institutional investors.

Proceeds Allocated to Obonga Exploration Programme

Panther Metals intends to allocate the financing proceeds exclusively to qualifying exploration expenditure at its Canadian projects, with the principal focus on the Wishbone prospect within the Obonga Project.

The funding will support the continuation of Phase 1 diamond drilling into 2027, extending the exploration activities being undertaken at the site.

Wishbone is a volcanogenic massive sulphide prospect, a type of mineral deposit associated with geological processes involving volcanic activity and mineral-bearing fluids.

The planned drilling is intended to advance the company’s exploration work at the prospect, although the source material does not specify the additional number of drill holes, total metres to be drilled or an updated programme budget.

The financing provides funding for eligible exploration activities rather than general corporate expenditure.

Canadian Funding Structure Broadens Financing Options

Panther Metals management described the transaction as a development in the company’s approach to funding Canadian mineral exploration through access to Canadian and UK capital markets.

The flow-through structure allows qualifying exploration expenditure to be associated with tax benefits available to eligible Canadian investors, subject to applicable requirements.

According to management, the transaction demonstrates a potential financing route for other UK-listed exploration companies with Canadian mineral assets.

The company has not provided details of any further flow-through transactions or additional financing arrangements.

The completion of the offering provides Panther Metals with capital designated for its ongoing exploration programme as it continues work at the Obonga Project.

About Panther Metals Plc

Panther Metals Plc (LSE:PALM) is a UK-listed mineral exploration company focused on projects in Canada, particularly in north-western Ontario.

Its exploration activities include the Obonga Project, where the company is investigating volcanogenic massive sulphide mineralisation and other prospective mineral targets.

Panther Metals seeks to advance its Canadian exploration assets through drilling and geological evaluation, using financing arrangements available through UK and Canadian capital markets.

Fiske plc (LSE:FKE) reported a 9% increase in total revenue to £8.6 million for the financial year ended 30 June 2026, while client assets under management and administration reached £1.01 billion.

The UK wealth management and stockbroking group remained profitable during the period, although higher operating expenses associated with compliance remediation and a reduced contribution from its Euroclear investment affected earnings.

Profit after tax was £0.82 million, while earnings per share declined to 6.9 pence from 11.4 pence in the previous financial year.

The company reported net assets of £12.3 million, with net asset value per share increasing to 104 pence.

Revenue Growth Supported by Management Fees and Commissions

Fiske’s revenue increase was supported by management fee and commission income generated through its private client wealth management and stockbroking activities.

Total client assets under management and administration reached £1.01 billion at the financial year-end, exceeding the £1 billion threshold.

The company also reported that fee-paying mandates represented 72% of total client assets, reflecting the proportion of its business generating recurring management fees.

Fiske provides discretionary and advisory investment management services, alongside stockbroking activities, to private clients.

The growth in client assets and revenue occurred alongside an increase in operating expenditure, with regulatory compliance and technology investment contributing to the group’s cost base.

Compliance Remediation and Euroclear Contribution Affect Earnings

Fiske reported additional operating costs associated with remediation work covering its compliance systems and internal controls.

The programme involved changes to the group’s regulatory processes and operational arrangements, with management identifying compliance expenditure as a factor affecting profitability during the financial year.

The company also recorded a lower contribution from its holding in Euroclear, which further affected its financial performance.

These factors contributed to the decline in earnings per share to 6.9 pence, compared with 11.4 pence a year earlier, despite the increase in total revenue.

Management also identified regulatory requirements associated with the Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty as an ongoing consideration for operating costs and business processes.

Board Proposes 10% Increase in Total Dividend

Fiske’s board has recommended a total dividend of 1.21 pence per share for the financial year, representing a 10% increase from the previous year.

The proposed distribution follows the group’s reported post-tax profit of £0.82 million and year-end net assets of £12.3 million.

The dividend recommendation comes despite the reduction in earnings per share, with the board taking account of the company’s financial position and available cash resources.

The proposed dividend remains subject to the applicable approval arrangements.

Technology Investment and Industry Developments

Fiske continued investing in its customer relationship management systems and artificial intelligence-related data tools during the financial year.

The technology initiatives form part of the company’s efforts to develop its operational processes while maintaining its existing approach to private client investment management.

Management also highlighted consolidation within the wealth management industry and the costs associated with regulatory compliance as developments affecting the sector.

The company continues to operate a relationship-based service model, providing investment management and stockbroking services to clients with requirements involving pensions, inheritance planning and intergenerational wealth management.

With fee-paying mandates accounting for 72% of total client assets, recurring management fees remain an important component of Fiske’s revenue structure.

About Fiske plc

Fiske plc (LSE:FKE) is a UK-based wealth management and stockbroking company providing discretionary and advisory investment management services to private clients.

The group manages investment portfolios and provides services relating to pensions, family wealth and investment planning.

Fiske combines traditional client relationship management with investment in technology, data systems and regulatory infrastructure to support its wealth management operations.

VietNam Holding Limited (LSE:VNH) reported a 2.6% decline in net asset value (NAV) during September 2026, compared with a 3.9% fall in the Vietnam All Share Index, as the country’s equity market recorded losses despite continued economic expansion.

Vietnam’s gross domestic product increased 9.95% year-on-year in the third quarter, supported by growth in exports, imports, retail sales and public investment. Infrastructure spending remained an important component of economic activity during the period.

The economic expansion coincided with Vietnam’s upgrade to FTSE Russell Secondary Emerging Market status, although equity market performance during September reflected investor attention to liquidity conditions, higher funding costs and uncertainty in international markets.

Market Liquidity and Funding Costs Influence Investment Conditions

Vietnamese equities declined during September as investors assessed changes in domestic financing conditions and developments in global financial markets.

Foreign investors were net sellers of Vietnamese equities during the month, while domestic deposit rates provided an alternative to equity investment for local savers.

The report identified the availability and cost of capital as factors affecting investment decisions, particularly as Vietnam continues seeking broader access to investment funding.

The country’s transition to FTSE Russell Secondary Emerging Market status represents a development in its capital market classification, although the September performance of the Vietnam All Share Index showed that the upgrade coincided with a period of declining equity prices.

VietNam Holding Portfolio Focuses on Retail, Banking and Energy Infrastructure

VietNam Holding’s investment manager, Dynam Capital Limited, highlighted several portfolio companies operating across consumer retail, financial services and energy infrastructure.

Mobile World Group, a consumer electronics retailer, was identified as a business benefiting from operating leverage, with changes in sales volumes affecting profitability through its existing operating cost structure.

In the banking sector, the manager pointed to MB Bank’s access to lower-cost deposits and its digital banking capabilities as relevant characteristics of the company’s business model.

PetroVietnam Technical Services was also highlighted because of its order backlog associated with energy infrastructure projects.

According to the investment manager, VietNam Holding’s overall portfolio was trading at approximately 10 times forecast earnings for 2026.

The valuation measure reflects projected earnings rather than reported full-year results and remains subject to changes in company performance and market prices.

Investment Manager Adopts More Selective Approach

Dynam Capital indicated that it is becoming more selective in its investment approach as Vietnamese companies operate within an environment of higher funding costs and changing liquidity conditions.

The manager is placing greater emphasis on businesses capable of financing expansion through internally generated cash flow or obtaining capital at comparatively lower costs.

This approach reflects the manager’s assessment of the importance of financing structures and capital availability when evaluating companies in the Vietnamese equity market.

Although Dynam Capital continues to identify potential long-term investment value in Vietnamese equities, its September report also acknowledged the effects of market volatility, foreign investor selling and competition from domestic deposit products.

The combination of economic growth and declining equity valuations during the month illustrates the different trends affecting Vietnam’s economy and its listed securities.

About VietNam Holding

VietNam Holding Limited (LSE:VNH) is an investment company focused on Vietnamese equities and managed by Dynam Capital Limited.

The company invests in businesses across sectors including consumer electronics retail, banking and energy infrastructure, with an investment strategy centred on long-term opportunities in Vietnam’s developing capital markets.

Its portfolio is managed with reference to company fundamentals, valuations and broader economic and financial market conditions.

Richmond Hill Resources PLC (LSE:RHR) has raised £285,010 through a share placing to support working capital requirements and planned exploration drilling at its Martello Gold Project in north-western Ontario, Canada.

The AIM-listed gold exploration company issued 25,910,000 new shares at a price of 1.1 pence per share. Admission of the new shares to trading on AIM is expected on or around 23 October 2026.

Net proceeds from the placing will be used to fund the company’s ongoing activities, including preparations for diamond drilling at the historic Sakoose gold mine, one of the principal exploration targets within the Martello project.

Martello Gold Project Expanded Through Additional Claims

Alongside the financing, Richmond Hill has increased its landholding at Martello by staking 41 additional mining claims at nominal cost.

The additions bring the project’s total to 202 claims covering approximately 6,750 hectares in the Western Wabigoon Subprovince, near Dryden in north-western Ontario.

The expanded claim package includes historic gold workings, with current exploration activities focused on the Sakoose mine, where previous mining and drilling have identified gold mineralisation.

Richmond Hill expects to begin drilling at Sakoose by 30 November 2026, although the timetable remains dependent on drilling rig availability and ground conditions.

The planned programme will investigate the continuity of previously identified mineralisation and examine the geological structures associated with gold occurrences at the site.

Exploration Programme Targets Historic Sakoose Gold Mine

The Sakoose mine is a central component of Richmond Hill’s exploration plans at Martello. Historical production records and drilling information indicate the presence of gold mineralisation, providing a basis for further geological investigation.

However, the project remains at an early exploration stage. Existing historical information has not established a compliant mineral resource, and the economic viability of potential future mining operations has not been demonstrated.

The forthcoming diamond drilling programme is intended to provide additional geological information about the mineralisation identified through previous work.

Richmond Hill’s immediate operational priorities include securing drilling equipment, preparing for the exploration programme and progressing activities across its expanded Martello landholding.

About Richmond Hill Resources

Richmond Hill Resources PLC is a gold exploration company listed on AIM and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Its principal asset is the Martello Gold Project in north-western Ontario, Canada.

The project encompasses approximately 6,750 hectares across 202 mining claims and includes the historic Sakoose gold mine. The company’s current exploration programme is focused on evaluating previously identified gold mineralisation through planned diamond drilling.