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The Property Franchise Group PLC (LSE:TPFG) reported a strong performance in the first half of 2025, achieving a 50% year-on-year increase in group revenue, which rose to £40.3 million. This growth was driven by solid results across its franchising, financial services, and licensing divisions. Particularly strong gains were seen in franchising and financial services revenues, underscoring the effectiveness of TPFG’s diversified business model.

The Group continues to benefit from strategic initiatives, including the ongoing rollout of its Privilege programme and the integration of AI-driven technologies, both of which are expected to contribute to sustained momentum in the second half of the year. Its well-balanced revenue streams and resilient franchise structure provide a buffer against market fluctuations, supporting expectations for continued performance.

While financial indicators point to strong fundamentals and supportive corporate developments, technical signals are mixed, and the company’s high valuation may temper near-term investor sentiment.

About The Property Franchise Group PLC

TPFG is the UK’s largest multi-brand property franchisor, managing a network of more than 1,946 outlets that serve residential clients across the country. Established in 1986, the Group operates 18 brands, encompassing both traditional high-street and hybrid agency models. In addition to its core franchising operations, TPFG runs a well-established Financial Services arm and holds memberships in two major UK mortgage networks. The company is headquartered in Bournemouth and has been listed on AIM since 2013.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Technology Minerals Plc (LSE:TM1) has announced that its battery recycling subsidiary, Recyclus Group Ltd, has obtained a £1.1 million loan from Close Brothers Group plc. The funding will be directed toward further development of Recyclus’ Wolverhampton facility, with the aim of improving operational efficiency and profitability. This financial support marks a strategic step in strengthening the company’s position within the battery recycling sector and enhancing long-term revenue potential.

While the company’s overall outlook remains weak due to ongoing financial losses and limited revenue generation, recent developments in its battery recycling business represent positive momentum. If successfully implemented, these initiatives could lay the groundwork for improved performance and future growth.

About Technology Minerals Plc

Technology Minerals is a UK-based company focused on establishing a circular economy for battery materials. It is engaged in both the exploration of raw materials for lithium-ion batteries and the recycling of end-of-life batteries. Through its innovative approach to recovery and reuse, the company aims to support the global transition to renewable energy while mitigating environmental impact.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Cobra Resources PLC (LSE:COBR) has reported encouraging early findings from a re-evaluation of historic drilling data at its newly acquired tenement within the Yaninee Palaeochannel system. The results point to a substantial extension of the company’s ionic rare earth element (REE) system, including the identification of two large zones with higher-grade mineralization—potentially boosting the project’s overall scale and commercial appeal.

These developments suggest strong potential for cost-effective extraction through In Situ Recovery (ISR), a method known for its minimal environmental impact and efficiency. Cobra intends to focus upcoming drilling campaigns on the most promising areas identified so far, as it seeks to further enhance the scale and significance of the project.

About Cobra Resources PLC

Cobra Resources is a UK-listed mineral exploration and development company with a focus on rare earth elements, particularly dysprosium and terbium. Its flagship project, the Boland Project in South Australia, leverages ISR technology to extract REEs from the Pidinga Formation—a geologic setting well-suited for this sustainable and low-cost mining technique. The company is committed to advancing its position in the growing global rare earth supply chain.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Kosmos Energy (LSE:KOS) reported a net loss of $88 million for the second quarter of 2025, with an adjusted net loss of $93 million. While the quarter marked a financial setback, the company achieved key operational progress, notably the start of commercial operations for the Gimi floating LNG vessel at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project.

The company remains focused on ramping up production, cutting costs, and strengthening its financial foundation. Output is expected to grow as additional wells come online, supporting its strategic objectives. Reflecting its commitment to cost discipline, Kosmos has reduced its full-year capital expenditure forecast to $350 million. In parallel, it is actively managing its financial health through hedging measures and a new term loan facility, designed to support ongoing operations and debt servicing.

About Kosmos Energy

Kosmos Energy is an independent oil and gas company specializing in offshore exploration and production. Its portfolio includes significant projects such as the GTA LNG development off the coasts of Mauritania and Senegal, and the Jubilee oil field in Ghana. The company continues to play a key role in energy development across West Africa and other offshore regions.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Tasty plc (LSE:TAST) has successfully raised £9.25 million through a combination of share placements and subscriptions for new ordinary shares. The company is also expecting additional proceeds from a forthcoming retail offer. This capital raise is a key component of Tasty’s broader acquisition and growth plan, with notable backing from company directors and major shareholders—a signal of strong internal confidence. The transaction remains subject to shareholder approval at an upcoming general meeting. Upon approval, the newly issued shares will begin trading on AIM, potentially strengthening Tasty’s market position and enhancing its operational capabilities.

Despite this strategic move, Tasty plc continues to face challenges tied to underwhelming financial performance and inconsistent technical indicators. While recent corporate developments suggest a forward-looking approach, ongoing financial volatility and indications of an overbought market status raise concerns. The company’s low price-to-earnings ratio may appear attractive but could also reflect deeper financial pressures rather than genuine undervaluation.

About Tasty plc

Tasty plc operates within the UK’s casual dining industry, managing a portfolio of restaurant brands aimed at delivering relaxed, quality dining experiences. The company remains focused on revitalizing its presence in a competitive market as it pursues long-term growth opportunities.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc (LSE:ORIT) has declared an interim dividend of 1.54 pence per Ordinary Share for the quarter ending 30 June 2025, covering the period from 1 April to 30 June. This payout is in line with the company’s annual dividend target of 6.17 pence per share, highlighting its ongoing commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable income for shareholders. The announcement further strengthens ORIT’s role in the renewable energy space and its alignment with long-term energy transition efforts.

The trust maintains a robust financial outlook, supported by strong balance sheet fundamentals and encouraging technical indicators. Recent corporate strategies, such as increased dividends and share repurchase initiatives, reflect a clear prioritization of shareholder returns. While its valuation remains elevated, the company’s dividend yield remains appealing to income-focused investors. However, a downward trend in revenues continues to pose a potential risk to future growth prospects.

About Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc

ORIT is a closed-ended investment company listed in London, with a focus on generating sustainable income and capital appreciation through investments in a diverse mix of renewable energy projects across Europe and Australia. As an impact-focused fund, ORIT plays a part in advancing the global transition to net zero and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Its investment manager, Octopus Energy Generation, oversees approximately £6.8 billion in renewable energy assets across 21 countries—producing clean power for about 2.6 million homes each year.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Here’s what investors should keep an eye on from the FTSE 100, FTSE 250, and a few standout global names reporting their results during the week starting 4 August 2025.

Scheduled Earnings Releases

4 August

• Clarkson – Half-year results
• Palantir Technologies – Q2 results
• Senior – Half-year results

5 August

• Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) – Q2 results
• BP – Q2 results
• Diageo – Full-year results
• Domino’s Pizza – Half-year results
• Fresnillo – Half-year results
• International Workplace Group – Half-year results
• Keller Group – Half-year results
• Rotork – Half-year results
• Smith & Nephew – Half-year results
• Spirent – Half-year results
• Travis Perkins – Half-year results

6 August

• 4imprint – Half-year results
• Coca-Cola HBC – Half-year results
• Coca-Cola Europacific Partners – Half-year results
• Glencore – Half-year results
• Hiscox – Half-year results
• Ibstock – Half-year results
• Lancashire Holdings – Half-year results
• Legal & General – Half-year results
• Novo Nordisk – Q2 results
• Quilter – Half-year results
• Shopify – Q2 results
• TP ICAP Group – Half-year results
• Tritax Big Box – Half-year results
• Vesuvius – Half-year results
• Walt Disney Co – Q3 results

7 August

• Deliveroo – Half-year results
• Dowlais Group – Half-year results
• Eli Lilly – Q2 results
• Harbour Energy – Half-year results
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals – Half-year results
• InterContinental Hotels Group – Half-year results
• Just Group – Half-year results
• Morgan Advanced Materials – Half-year results
• Serco Group – Half-year results
• Spectris – Half-year results
• WPP – Half-year results

8 August

• Renewables Infrastructure Group – Half-year results
• TBC Bank Group – Q2 results
• TSMC – Corporate sales release

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BP: Eyes on Production and Share Buybacks

BP will report its second-quarter results amid weaker oil and gas prices, but higher production volumes should help offset some of the revenue pressure. Refining margins are also expected to climb by $300–500 million, while oil trading performance looks robust, giving analysts confidence that net income may have risen from $1.5 billion in Q1 to roughly $1.8 billion.

The company is guiding for net debt to tick down from the $27 billion reported last quarter, supported by the sale of its U.S. onshore wind business. Investors will be eager for updates on potential share buyback increases after BP slashed its buybacks to $0.75 billion last quarter.

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Palantir: High Expectations, Can the Company Keep Up?

Palantir heads into its Q2 earnings with strong share price momentum, but equally strong pressure to deliver. Markets are expecting earnings per share to surge by 53%, but anything less could spark a pullback. Sustained growth in government contracts, particularly outside the U.S., will be closely watched to see if Palantir can turn its international ambitions into reality.

Investors are also looking for updates on corporate adoption rates, especially from its AI-focused bootcamps. Palantir is well-placed in the booming AI data analytics space, but it must keep growth at a high level to justify its lofty valuation.

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Diageo: Navigating Tariffs and Leadership Changes

Diageo’s full-year results follow a strong third quarter, with sales up nearly 6% to $4.4 billion, thanks in part to pre-tariff stockpiling by customers. But attention now turns to how well Diageo is handling the roughly $150 million in expected annual costs from new tariffs. Half of these costs should be absorbed by efficiency gains, but price increases may be needed to cover the rest.

Investors will also seek clarity on leadership plans after former CEO Debra Crew’s abrupt departure in July, capping a period of muted performance. For now, underlying operating profits for the year are forecast to dip slightly to around £5.7 billion, before expected growth resumes in the new financial year.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

The U.S. stock market stumbled into August, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 recording their sharpest weekly declines since May, and the Dow seeing its worst weekly drop since early April. For both the Nasdaq and S&P 500, it was their first dip below the 21-day exponential moving average since spring—a potential signal of weakening momentum. As the summer trading lull begins, this week’s earnings and events could help determine whether the broader rally can regain steam.

A wide range of companies will report this week, including Caterpillar (CAT), Palantir Technologies (PLTR), Axon Enterprise (AXON), and Eli Lilly (LLY). On the event side, all eyes in cybersecurity will turn to Las Vegas, where the annual Black Hat conference runs through August 7.

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Resilient Stocks: Mild Pullbacks, Key Support Holds

While major indexes took a hit last week—particularly on Friday—several individual names held up relatively well and remain close to potential breakout levels. These include Elbit Systems (ESLT), a defense company based in Israel; Rollins (ROL), a pest control firm; tech giant Alphabet (GOOGL); gold producer Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM); and asset management firm Blackstone (BX).

Elbit ended the week on a strong note, just under a buy point, while the others saw modest dips. Encouragingly, all of them maintained levels above their 21-day exponential moving averages, a sign that institutional support may still be intact.

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Economic Outlook: Jobs, Trade, and Productivity in Focus

The upcoming week features key economic data that may clarify the labor market outlook. The ISM services index, due Tuesday, is projected to climb to 52.2 from June’s 50.8—an indication of slightly faster growth. Also on Tuesday, the Bureau of Economic Analysis will update the June trade balance, adding service-sector data to the preliminary $86 billion goods deficit.

Sluggish hiring in Q2 could translate into a sharp increase in worker productivity, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics will report Thursday. Analysts are also watching for how recent tariff shifts might have artificially boosted GDP via trade and inventory distortions.

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Semiconductors: All Eyes on AMD’s 27% Revenue Growth

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) will report its fiscal Q2 results after Tuesday’s close. Analysts expect sales to jump 27% year over year to $7.42 billion, even as earnings per share are projected to decline 30% to $0.48.

Wall Street will be focused on AMD’s data center division, which includes Epyc server processors and Instinct AI chips. Meanwhile, PC chip demand could get a lift from accelerated orders tied to tariffs, as well as market share gains at Intel’s expense. Other chipmakers reporting include Astera Labs (ALAB), Macom Technology Solutions (MTSI), and SiTime (SITM).

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Blue Chip Earnings: Caterpillar Heads Key Dow Reports

Only a handful of Dow stocks have yet to report, and this week features four more: Caterpillar, Amgen (AMGN), Disney (DIS), and McDonald’s (MCD). Caterpillar is trading close to all-time highs, while Disney saw technical damage last week, falling below its 10-week support line. Among the group, only McDonald’s is forecast to post growth in both revenue and profits. Nvidia (NVDA) won’t report until later this month on August 27.

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AI Standout: Palantir Eyes New Growth Channels

Palantir Technologies is set to report Monday after the close, and expectations are sky-high. With the stock up around 110% this year, it’s 2025’s top performer on the S&P 500—continuing its leadership streak from 2024. Analysts are looking for 54% earnings growth and a 38% increase in revenue.

Investors will also be listening for updates on U.S. government spending, including the “Golden Dome” space defense initiative. Palantir is positioning itself to expand into new industries—especially health care and financial services—through its use of generative AI.

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Pharma Earnings: All Eyes on Eli Lilly

Several major pharmaceutical companies and biotechs are scheduled to release earnings this week. Tuesday features Pfizer (PFE), Amgen, and Bayer (BAYRY), while Thursday brings reports from Eli Lilly, Gilead Sciences (GILD), and Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND).

Of the group, the biotechs are showing stronger technical setups. Ligand recently broke out, and Gilead is hovering near a key buy point. But Eli Lilly remains the standout: analysts expect the company to post a 43% rise in earnings and a 30% boost in revenue—some of the strongest growth among large-cap pharma names.

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Cybersecurity Watch: Black Hat Conference Kicks Off

Cybersecurity will take center stage this week thanks to the Black Hat conference in Las Vegas. Fresh off Palo Alto Networks’ (PANW) $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk (CYBR), investors are watching to see whether industry consolidation continues—and how it affects smaller players.

Earnings are also on tap for key names in the sector. Qualys (QLYS) is expected to post a slight earnings dip of 2% to $1.48 per share, with an 8% gain in revenue to $161.3 million. Fortinet (FTNT) reports Wednesday, with analysts projecting 4% earnings growth to $0.59 per share and a 13% revenue increase to $1.625 billion.

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More Key Earnings to Watch

• Axon Enterprise (AXON): The law enforcement tech company will report Monday evening. Analysts anticipate slower growth, though interest is rising in the firm’s drone and surveillance offerings. Shares are currently building a bullish base-on-base pattern.
• MercadoLibre (MELI): Also reporting Monday, the Latin American e-commerce powerhouse is expected to post a 14% earnings increase to $11.93 per share, with revenue up 32% to $6.68 billion. Shares are up 40% year to date.
• Wayfair (W): Despite a 50% stock gain this year, the online furniture retailer is expected to report a 30% decline in Q2 earnings. Revenue is projected to be flat year over year.
• Arista Networks (ANET): The networking company, a beneficiary of cloud and AI infrastructure spending, reports Tuesday. Analysts expect Q2 EPS to rise 24%, with sales increasing 25%. The stock has rebounded over the past six weeks.
• Shopify (SHOP): The e-commerce software firm reports Wednesday. Analysts forecast EPS of $0.29, up 11% from a year ago, on revenue of $2.546 billion (up 25%). Gross merchandise volume is expected to climb 21% to $81.4 billion.
• Occidental Petroleum (OXY): Also due Wednesday, Occidental is expected to post a 72% decline in profit and a 9.4% drop in revenue. Analysts will pay close attention to production guidance in the Permian Basin after CEO Vicki Hollub warned of a possible plateau in output earlier this year.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

U.S. stock futures dropped Friday night as investors weighed newly announced tariffs from former President Donald Trump and underwhelming earnings from Amazon, all ahead of July’s crucial jobs report.

As of 05:55 ET, Dow Jones futures were down 375 points (0.9%), S&P 500 futures slipped 55 points (0.9%), and Nasdaq 100 futures declined 218 points (0.9%).

The previous session saw Wall Street’s major indexes retreat from earlier gains, with escalating trade tensions overshadowing strong results from tech leaders Meta Platforms and Microsoft.

Trump Unleashes New Round of Tariffs

Trump signed an executive order Thursday raising tariffs—up to 50% in some cases—on dozens of countries. The move comes as a “reciprocal tariff” deadline passed after weeks of negotiations.

Key U.S. trade partners such as the EU, Japan, and South Korea will face new duties of 15%, while countries running a trade surplus with the U.S. will see 10% tariffs. Brazil will be hit with 50% levies, and Canada’s tariffs rise to 35% for non-compliant goods under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The new tariffs are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on August 7. Meanwhile, Mexico was granted a 90-day extension to reach a trade deal.

Amazon Falls on Cloud Concerns

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) shares declined in premarket trading after issuing weaker-than-expected operating income guidance for the current quarter. While Amazon Web Services posted $30.9 billion in sales—up 17.5% year-over-year and slightly above expectations—investors were disappointed amid fears AWS is losing market share.

In contrast, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) rallied after beating Q3 expectations, helped by strong iPhone sales in China and record-high services revenue.

More corporate earnings are on deck Friday from Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Colgate-Palmolive, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Kimberly-Clark.

All Eyes on July Payrolls

Investors are now awaiting the U.S. Labor Department’s July jobs report, due Friday morning. Economists expect 106,000 new jobs, down from 147,000 in June, with unemployment ticking up to 4.2% from 4.1%.

Earlier this week, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady for the fifth consecutive meeting, resisting political pressure from Trump to cut rates. While the labor market has held firm, inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target, and early signs suggest new tariffs may already be pushing up prices on certain trade-exposed goods.

Oil Slips as Tariffs Cloud Outlook

Crude prices edged lower Friday as traders assessed the potential economic drag from the new tariffs.

At 05:55 ET, Brent crude dipped 0.3% to $71.47 per barrel, while U.S. WTI fell 0.4% to $69.01. Both benchmarks are still set to close the week up roughly 5%, supported by Trump’s earlier threat to impose sanctions on

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.