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  • AO World Sees Full-Year Profit at Upper End of Guidance on Market Share Gains

    AO World Sees Full-Year Profit at Upper End of Guidance on Market Share Gains

    British electronics retailer AO World (LSE:AO.) said on Friday it anticipates full-year profit will reach the top of its previously guided range, supported by gains in market share across its key product segments.

    The online-focused group, which sells household appliances and consumer electronics such as washing machines and TVs, has continued to expand its product offering while benefiting from a value-driven membership model that has helped boost customer demand.

    AO now expects adjusted profit before tax for the financial year to come in at the higher end of its £45 million to £50 million guidance range. Revenue for the twelve months to March 31 is estimated to have increased by approximately 11%.

    “Demonstrating again that profits are growing quicker than sales, in the region of c15% year-on-year adjusted PBT growth, despite material cost headwinds,” AO World said in the update.

    The company also highlighted that it has secured hedging arrangements covering about 80% of its expected fuel consumption and the entirety of its electricity needs through the 2027 financial year, helping to shield it from recent geopolitical and energy market volatility.

    By the end of the year, AO expects liquidity to stand at around £200 million, while free cash flow is projected to rise significantly to roughly £65 million, up from £23 million in the previous year.

  • Getlink Reports Mixed March Traffic as Easter Timing Distorts Trends

    Getlink Reports Mixed March Traffic as Easter Timing Distorts Trends

    Getlink SE (EU:GET) posted varied traffic figures for March, with truck shuttle volumes edging down 0.9% compared with the same month last year, while passenger shuttle activity rose by 8.0%.

    Freight performance showed a modest improvement relative to February, when volumes had fallen 1.2%. Passenger traffic, meanwhile, recovered from a 6.1% drop recorded the previous month. The shifting timing of Easter continues to influence year-on-year comparisons, affecting traffic patterns across both March and April.

    Shares in Getlink were trading at €19.83, remaining below a €16.50 price target. Elevated fuel costs and ongoing volatility in energy markets are offering some short-term support to the group’s operations.

    In addition, increased stakes held by major shareholders have contributed to stabilising the share price in recent sessions.

  • Rockfire Reports High-Grade Molaoi Results and Invests in Own Drilling Rig

    Rockfire Reports High-Grade Molaoi Results and Invests in Own Drilling Rig

    Rockfire Resources (LSE:ROCK) has announced encouraging drilling results from its fully owned Molaoi zinc project in Greece, where ongoing diamond drilling is focused on upgrading resources from Inferred to Indicated status. Recent drilling in the southern and western extensions has identified narrow but high-grade mineralisation, including zinc, silver, germanium, and copper. The results support continuity of germanium mineralisation, while the presence of copper is seen as a potential indicator pointing toward a higher-grade central feeder zone.

    Drilling activity will pause temporarily over Orthodox Easter, with operations expected to restart later in April. In a strategic move, the company has also opted to acquire its own drilling rig, funded from existing cash reserves. Management believes this will lower long-term drilling costs and allow for increased drilling activity within current budgets, potentially accelerating progress at Molaoi.

    Despite these operational positives, Rockfire’s broader outlook remains constrained by its financial position. The company is still pre-revenue, with ongoing losses and negative free cash flow. However, it benefits from a debt-free balance sheet and some improvement in operating cash flow. Technical indicators provide a more supportive backdrop, although valuation remains limited due to the absence of earnings and dividend metrics.

    More about Rockfire Resources PLC

    Rockfire Resources PLC is a London-listed exploration company targeting gold, base metals, and critical minerals. Its flagship asset is the high-grade Molaoi deposit in Greece, which contains zinc, lead, silver, and germanium. The company also holds a portfolio of projects in Queensland, Australia, including gold, copper, and silver prospects, some of which are being advanced through farm-in agreements with ASX-listed partners.

  • Steppe Cement Reports Strong Q1 Growth as Capacity Expansion Moves Forward

    Steppe Cement Reports Strong Q1 Growth as Capacity Expansion Moves Forward

    Steppe Cement (LSE:STCM) delivered a solid performance in the first quarter, with sales volumes reaching 344,058 tonnes and revenue in tenge rising 50% year on year. The growth was driven by a 20% increase in average selling prices and a 27% rise in ex-factory prices. The company also expanded its market share in Kazakhstan to 16.0%, supported by a 2% increase in overall cement consumption and a decline in imports, which accounted for just 6.3% of the market.

    Production of clinker remained largely stable during the period, but the company is continuing to advance its expansion plans. The project aims to increase total cement capacity to 2.5 million tonnes by summer 2027, with an estimated investment of US$35 million. Work is already underway, with additional personnel and contractors engaged on-site. The upgrade is expected to improve operational efficiency by reducing energy consumption per tonne while also lowering emissions, strengthening both cost competitiveness and environmental performance.

    Looking ahead, Steppe Cement’s outlook is supported by strong cash flow generation, low leverage, and a favourable dividend profile, alongside ongoing strategic developments. However, valuation concerns remain due to a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio, and technical indicators suggest the shares may be in overbought territory, introducing potential near-term volatility.

    More about Steppe Cement

    Steppe Cement Ltd is a Kazakhstan-focused cement producer serving the domestic construction sector. The company manufactures cement and clinker, with demand influenced by infrastructure activity and seasonal trends, while also competing with imported products within the regional market.

  • Mkango Resources Raises £12.5m to Expand European Rare Earth Operations

    Mkango Resources Raises £12.5m to Expand European Rare Earth Operations

    Mkango Resources (LSE:MKA) has completed a £12.5 million equity raise, issuing 37,878,788 new shares at £0.33 each through a placing, LIFE offering, retail offer, and subscription. The shares have now been admitted to trading on AIM, while conditional approval has also been obtained for listing on the TSX Venture Exchange.

    The proceeds will be directed toward advancing the company’s European strategy, including a potential acquisition in Germany, funding capital expenditure and feasibility work across its UK and German recycling operations, and supporting general working capital needs. The move reinforces Mkango’s ambition to scale its rare earth recycling and processing capabilities in key European markets, while also managing regulatory considerations such as a related-party transaction involving its interim CFO.

    The fundraising attracted participation from a range of financial intermediaries, including Peel Hunt, H&P Advisory, Alternative Resource Capital, Red Cloud Securities, JUB Capital, and SP Angel, reflecting strong engagement from capital markets participants. Certain resale restrictions will apply to most of the newly issued shares in Canada, except those placed under the LIFE exemption, highlighting a structured approach to accessing both UK and Canadian investor bases.

    More about Mkango Resources

    Mkango Resources is a dual-listed company on AIM and the TSX Venture Exchange focused on the rare earths sector, particularly the recycling and production of rare earth magnets, alloys, and oxides. Through its majority stake in Maginito, the company holds interests in HyProMag operations in the UK and Germany, as well as Mkango Rare Earths UK. It is also expanding recycling technology in the United States and advancing development projects including Songwe Hill in Malawi and the Pulawy separation project in Poland, both recognised as EU Strategic Projects.

  • Metals Exploration Expands La India Footprint with New Nicaragua Concessions

    Metals Exploration Expands La India Footprint with New Nicaragua Concessions

    Metals Exploration (LSE:MTL) has strengthened its position around the La India Gold Project in Nicaragua after securing four additional exploration concessions covering approximately 64,400 hectares. The licences, granted for 25 years, carry a 3% gross royalty alongside increasing surface fees and include areas with historic mining activity, some of which were previously explored by Newcrest Mining.

    The enlarged land package provides several high-priority exploration targets, including La Grecia, San Cristobal, Dos Hermanos, and Las Cruces. These क्षेत्रों show encouraging signs of epithermal and porphyry-style mineralisation, supported by historical high-grade sampling. The company plans to carry out initial work such as rehabilitating legacy workings, trenching, geological mapping, and soil sampling before prioritising areas for drilling.

    While expanding its exploration footprint, Metals Exploration remains focused on advancing La India toward production, with initial gold output targeted by the end of 2026. The additional concessions are expected to enhance the long-term potential of the broader district.

    The company’s outlook is supported by improving financial performance, including revenue growth, stronger margins, and solid cash flow generation. Technical indicators also point to a sustained upward trend in the share price, although overbought conditions may present short-term risks. Valuation remains less favourable due to a negative price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of a dividend yield.

    More about Metals Exploration

    Metals Exploration plc is a gold-focused mining, development, and exploration company with key operations in the Philippines and Nicaragua. Its strategy centres on advancing the La India Gold Project while expanding its exploration presence across highly prospective neighbouring concessions.

  • Atome Advances Toward Funding Agreement for US$650m Paraguay Fertiliser Project

    Atome Advances Toward Funding Agreement for US$650m Paraguay Fertiliser Project

    Atome PLC (LSE:ATOM) has moved closer to securing financing for its US$650 million Villeta green fertiliser project in Paraguay, with negotiations involving its equity consortium now in the final stages. The company confirmed that the longstop date for the agreement has been extended to 17 April 2026, allowing additional time to finalise discussions.

    The group aims to conclude funding arrangements alongside the upcoming Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington, where key equity and debt stakeholders are expected to convene. This coordination signals that a final agreement may be imminent, paving the way for construction to begin later in 2026.

    Atome’s Villeta project is underpinned by a 145MW renewable power purchase agreement, a long-term supply contract with Yara International, and a fixed-price engineering, procurement, and construction deal with Casale S.A.. The development is designed to produce low-carbon fertiliser, reducing reliance on imports derived from fossil fuels and supporting more sustainable agricultural supply chains in the region.

    Despite this progress, the company’s outlook remains constrained by its pre-revenue status, ongoing losses, and negative free cash flow, leaving it dependent on securing external funding. Technical indicators offer some support, with the share price trending above key moving averages and momentum signals positive. However, valuation remains limited by the absence of earnings and dividend visibility.

    More about Atome Energy PLC

    Atome PLC is an AIM-listed developer focused on green fertiliser and low-carbon infrastructure projects across the Mercosur region. Its portfolio includes 445 megawatts of capacity in Paraguay, alongside a broader development pipeline in Central America. The company is also building out renewable power generation capabilities to support fertiliser production and energy supply in key agricultural export markets.

  • Sunda Energy Raises £404,780 via Retail Offer Ahead of AIM Share Admission

    Sunda Energy Raises £404,780 via Retail Offer Ahead of AIM Share Admission

    Sunda Energy (LSE:SNDA) has secured approximately £404,780 in gross proceeds through a WRAP Retail Offer, issuing 13,606,029 new shares along with 6,802,977 warrants to participating investors. The fundraising remains subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting scheduled for 29 April 2026, as well as the admission of the new shares to trading on AIM, expected on 30 April 2026. Once admitted, the shares will rank equally with other new ordinary shares issued as part of the wider capital raise.

    The transaction forms part of Sunda Energy’s broader funding efforts as it advances its exploration and appraisal activities. However, the company’s overall outlook remains under pressure due to ongoing financial challenges, including a lack of revenue, widening losses, and continued cash burn, despite relatively low leverage. While recent share price strength offers some technical support, overbought conditions suggest potential volatility. Valuation also remains constrained given the absence of profitability and dividend backing.

    More about Sunda Energy plc

    Sunda Energy plc is an AIM-listed oil and gas exploration and appraisal company focused on the Asia-Pacific region. The business is engaged in identifying, developing, and monetising upstream hydrocarbon opportunities across its portfolio of regional assets.

  • Unite Group Advances Portfolio Reshaping as Bookings and Disposals Progress

    Unite Group Advances Portfolio Reshaping as Bookings and Disposals Progress

    Unite Group (LSE:UTG) reported that 74% of its beds are already reserved for the 2026/27 academic year, slightly behind last year’s pace. The company reiterated expectations for occupancy and rental growth at the lower end of its guidance ranges, with bookings in its Hello Student portfolio running slower due to a delayed sales cycle. Despite this, demand from leading universities remains strong, and the group continues to benefit from hedging measures that limit the impact of higher energy costs and interest rates. Integration of Empiric is also progressing, with anticipated cost synergies on track.

    The company is actively reshaping its portfolio, targeting £300–400 million in disposals during 2026. So far, £130 million of sales have been completed or agreed, with an additional £500 million of assets currently being marketed. This strategy is aimed at concentrating the portfolio around higher-quality properties linked to top-tier universities. Unite has nearly completed a £100 million share buyback programme and expects to fund further repurchases through disposal proceeds. Development activity also continues, with the Hawthorne House scheme in London nearing completion.

    In its investment vehicles, Unite reported valuation declines in both the Unite UK Student Accommodation Fund and the London Student Accommodation Joint Venture during the first quarter, largely due to yield expansion rather than underlying rental weakness. The group also noted that upcoming rental regulations are likely to favour purpose-built student accommodation over houses in multiple occupation, potentially strengthening its competitive position.

    The outlook remains mixed. Weak technical trends and concerns around cash flow and earnings quality, including recent negative free cash flow and fluctuating net income, weigh on sentiment. However, these are partly offset by a solid balance sheet, ongoing operating profitability, a relatively high dividend yield, and proactive management actions. Near-term guidance points to softer occupancy and sales momentum, alongside lower expected earnings per share.

    More about Unite Group plc

    Unite Group plc is the UK’s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation, owning, managing, and developing properties across major university cities. The company focuses on partnerships with leading institutions and also manages investment vehicles such as the Unite UK Student Accommodation Fund and the London Student Accommodation Joint Venture, supporting the growth and optimisation of its portfolio.

  • Dekel Agri-Vision Reports Strong Cashew Momentum and Palm Oil Recovery in Q1 2026

    Dekel Agri-Vision Reports Strong Cashew Momentum and Palm Oil Recovery in Q1 2026

    Dekel Agri-Vision (LSE:DKL) delivered a mixed operational update for the first quarter of 2026, with its palm oil segment showing early signs of recovery while its cashew division recorded significant growth. Crude palm oil production declined 4.9% year on year, although output improved sharply in March as the seasonal high period began. Lower sales volumes reflected the timing of production, but elevated selling prices for both crude palm oil and palm kernel oil position the business for stronger revenue conversion in the second quarter.

    The group’s cashew operations stood out, with raw nut processing rising 38.5%, production increasing 73.5%, and sales volumes surging 144.8%. This performance was supported by improved efficiency and the inclusion of third-party raw cashew inputs. While average prices per tonne declined due to a higher proportion of lower-grade products, management expects continued expansion in both processing volumes and financial contribution from the cashew segment.

    Overall, Dekel’s outlook remains mixed. Ongoing financial challenges and weak technical indicators continue to weigh on sentiment, reflecting broader operational and market pressures. However, recent progress in scaling the cashew business and improving production trends provides some encouragement for future performance. Valuation remains a concern given the company’s lack of profitability.

    More about Dekel Agri-Vision

    Dekel Agri-Vision is an agriculture-focused company operating in Côte d’Ivoire, developing sustainable, multi-commodity projects. Its assets include a crude palm oil mill at Ayenouan, which processes fruit sourced from local smallholders, and a cashew processing facility at Tiebissou that has recently reached full commercial production.