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  • Ithaca Energy Increases Production and Cash Flow While Advancing West of Shetland Projects

    Ithaca Energy Increases Production and Cash Flow While Advancing West of Shetland Projects

    Ithaca Energy (LSE:ITH) reported strong operational and financial performance for 2025, increasing average production to 119,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) and exiting the year at approximately 148,000 boe/d. The company also reduced unit operating costs and delivered adjusted EBITDAX of $2.0 billion.

    Although Ithaca reported a statutory loss for the year due to a non-cash tax charge linked to the extended UK Energy Profits Levy, the business generated higher operating cash flow and expanded its available liquidity to $1.5 billion. The group also enhanced shareholder returns by updating its dividend policy and distributing $500 million to investors during the year.

    Operationally, the company made significant progress on its West of Shetland development portfolio. The Rosebank project has entered its final development phase, with first production expected in 2026 or 2027. Meanwhile, the Cambo and Tornado projects advanced through key regulatory and technical milestones and are targeting final investment decisions within the next year.

    Ithaca also strengthened its position on the UK Continental Shelf by increasing its interests in the Seagull field and the Cygnus gas field. Alongside this expansion, the company maintained high levels of activity across its core producing assets, supporting its target of sustaining production above 120,000 boe/d over the medium term and reinforcing its role as a significant operator and infrastructure partner in the North Sea.

    The company’s outlook reflects a combination of operational strength and financial challenges. While production growth and efficiency improvements support the business, profitability remains pressured due to tax impacts and earnings volatility. Technical indicators currently suggest bearish share price momentum, although the company’s relatively high dividend yield provides some valuation appeal despite ongoing concerns around negative earnings.

    More about Ithaca Energy

    Ithaca Energy PLC is a UK-based independent oil and gas company focused on the UK Continental Shelf. Its portfolio includes producing assets and development projects such as Captain, Cygnus, Seagull, Rosebank, Cambo and Tornado. The company’s strategy combines organic investment in existing fields with consolidation opportunities in the UKCS and selective international expansion, aiming to grow production, reserves and long-term shareholder returns.

  • Ramsdens Raises Profit Forecast as Gold Prices and Lending Activity Surge

    Ramsdens Raises Profit Forecast as Gold Prices and Lending Activity Surge

    Ramsdens Holdings (LSE:RFX), the UK-based financial services and retail group specialising in foreign currency exchange, pawnbroking, precious metals trading and jewellery sales, reported strong trading across its core divisions during the first five months of its 2026 financial year.

    The company is continuing to expand its store network, with new locations recently opened in Wakefield, Hull and Sheerness. Management said it remains on track to add between eight and twelve new stores during the current financial year as part of its ongoing growth strategy.

    Ramsdens has upgraded its full-year profit before tax forecast to at least £24 million, with the potential to reach as much as £28 million if current favourable trading conditions persist. The revised outlook is significantly higher than the previous market consensus estimate of £21.1 million.

    Performance has been supported by an average gold price roughly 50% higher than a year earlier, which has boosted both purchasing volumes and trading activity in precious metals. Jewellery retail revenue has also grown strongly, rising 25% year over year. In addition, the company reported record levels of pawnbroking lending, while its foreign currency division remained stable despite some margin pressure caused by customers shifting toward online and card-based payment products.

    Looking ahead, Ramsdens’ outlook is supported by strong revenue growth and improving profitability. However, the company continues to face some variability in cash conversion and volatility in free cash flow. Technical indicators remain supportive, with the share price trending upward, although elevated momentum readings suggest the stock could face a near-term pullback. Valuation appears relatively balanced, supported by a modest dividend yield, while recent management commentary reaffirmed confidence in FY2026 performance despite acknowledging potential risks related to gold price movements and operating costs.

    More about Ramsdens Holdings

    Ramsdens Holdings is a UK-based diversified financial services provider and retailer offering foreign currency exchange, pawnbroking loans, precious metals buying and selling, and both new and pre-owned jewellery. Headquartered in Teesside, the FCA-authorised company operates 172 stores across the United Kingdom alongside a growing online platform. Ramsdens focuses on secured lending and retail services and does not provide unsecured high-cost short-term credit.

  • Supermarket Income REIT Expands JV Loan Facility to Refinance Debt

    Supermarket Income REIT Expands JV Loan Facility to Refinance Debt

    Supermarket Income REIT (LSE:SUPR) has increased the size of the secured term loan associated with its joint venture with funds managed by Blue Owl Capital. The facility has been expanded by £222 million to a total of £437 million and is provided by a syndicate of lenders including Barclays, HSBC, ING, Lloyds Banking Group and Crédit Agricole CIB.

    The interest-only loan matures in June 2028 and includes extension options. It carries a margin of 1.65% above SONIA and has been fixed at an all-in interest rate of 5.24%.

    Half of the additional proceeds from the expanded facility will be received by Supermarket Income REIT and used to refinance near-term debt maturities. Following the transaction, the company’s loan-to-value ratio will stand at approximately 43% when including debt held within the joint venture.

    Management said the refinancing demonstrates continued strong relationships with lenders and reliable access to capital. The deal also highlights the resilience and attractiveness of grocery-focused real estate assets, helping to reinforce the company’s balance sheet stability.

    The REIT’s outlook is supported by stable operating performance and active strategic management of its capital structure. Technical indicators currently suggest positive momentum in the share price, while valuation metrics remain attractive due to a relatively high dividend yield. Recent strategic initiatives and continued confidence from management further strengthen the investment case.

    More about Supermarket Income REIT

    Supermarket Income REIT plc is a FTSE 250-listed real estate investment trust specialising in grocery-anchored property assets that form part of essential national food infrastructure. The company invests primarily in omnichannel supermarket stores across the UK and Europe, typically leased to leading grocery operators under long-term agreements. Its strategy focuses on generating stable, inflation-linked rental income while delivering progressive dividends and long-term capital appreciation for investors.

  • Prudential Delivers Strong 2025 Growth and Expands Shareholder Returns

    Prudential Delivers Strong 2025 Growth and Expands Shareholder Returns

    Prudential (LSE:PRU) reported strong results for the 2025 financial year, delivering double-digit growth across key performance measures and maintaining momentum in its core markets across Asia and Africa.

    New business profit on a traditional embedded value basis increased 12% to $2.78 billion, with margins improving to 42%. Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management operations rose 15% to $3.06 billion, while adjusted operating earnings per share grew 12% to 101.4 cents.

    The insurer also increased capital returns to shareholders. Total dividends were raised by 15%, and the company outlined plans to return more than $7 billion between 2024 and 2027 through a combination of higher dividend payouts and share buybacks. This includes a completed $2 billion share repurchase and a further $1.2 billion buyback programme currently in progress.

    Strategically, Prudential strengthened its position in Southeast Asia by increasing its ownership stake in its Malaysian conventional insurance business to 70%. The group also received a credit rating upgrade to AA from S&P Global Ratings, highlighting its strong capital position and supporting management’s target of maintaining double-digit growth through to its 2027 financial objectives.

    Looking ahead, Prudential’s outlook is supported by strong earnings momentum and ongoing strategic initiatives, including share buybacks and executive share purchases. While the company continues to demonstrate solid profitability and cash flow generation, potential risks include revenue volatility and fluctuations in equity markets. Overall, technical indicators and valuation metrics suggest continued growth potential, supported by expansion initiatives and investment in key markets.

    More about Prudential

    Prudential plc is a London- and Hong Kong-listed insurance and asset management group focused on Asia and Africa. The company provides protection, retirement and wealth management solutions through a multi-channel distribution model that includes a professional agency network, bancassurance partnerships and expanding health and protection offerings. Its strategy is supported by continued investment in digital platforms and technology modernisation to enhance customer reach and operational efficiency.

  • Advanced Medical Solutions Delivers Record 2025 Results as Peters Surgical Integration Drives Growth

    Advanced Medical Solutions Delivers Record 2025 Results as Peters Surgical Integration Drives Growth

    Advanced Medical Solutions (LSE:AMS) reported record financial results for 2025, with group revenue rising 29% to £228.9 million and adjusted EBITDA increasing 24% to £49.9 million. The performance was supported by strong organic growth alongside the first full-year contribution from the Peters Surgical acquisition.

    The Surgical division delivered particularly strong momentum, with sales climbing 36% at constant currency to £183.5 million. Growth was driven by double-digit increases across key product categories including LiquiBand surgical adhesives, biosurgical devices and suture-related products. Meanwhile, the Advanced Woundcare segment recorded 9% growth as restructuring measures began to improve performance.

    Management highlighted the successful integration of both the Peters Surgical and Syntacoll acquisitions. Early commercial synergies have already contributed to increased sales, while additional operational synergies are expected to be realised from 2027. The company also pointed to a strong innovation pipeline covering surgical adhesives, sutures, collagen technologies and bone substitute products.

    Despite continued investment in manufacturing transformation initiatives, net debt declined to £50.5 million. Reflecting confidence in the group’s financial position, the board proposed a 10% increase in the dividend. Looking ahead, management expects both revenue and EBITDA in 2026 to meet current market forecasts, supported by sustained strength in the Surgical division and more modest growth in Advanced Woundcare.

    Advanced Medical Solutions’ outlook reflects a combination of strong revenue growth and a solid balance sheet, although some pressure on profitability margins remains a challenge. Technical indicators suggest a generally positive share price trend, but valuation metrics imply the stock may already reflect much of the growth potential. Recent corporate developments, including strategic acquisitions and continued engagement with investors, underline the company’s long-term expansion strategy.

    More about Advanced Medical Solutions

    Advanced Medical Solutions Group is a UK-based medical technology company specialising in tissue-healing solutions for surgical and advanced wound care applications. Its product portfolio includes skin adhesives and sealants, biosurgical devices, sutures, clips and collagen-based materials. The company serves healthcare markets worldwide through a combination of direct sales channels and strategic partnerships, with a growing global footprint in surgical and woundcare technologies.

  • Diploma Raises FY26 Outlook After Strong Trading and Margin Expansion

    Diploma Raises FY26 Outlook After Strong Trading and Margin Expansion

    Diploma (LSE:DPLM) has upgraded its guidance for the 2026 financial year following strong trading performance. The company now expects organic revenue growth of about 9%, up from its previous forecast of 6%, and has increased its operating margin target to roughly 25%.

    The revised outlook implies an estimated 13% increase in consensus operating profit forecasts and points to earnings growth of more than 20% for the year. Management cited continued momentum in the first half of the financial year and growing confidence in second-half performance as key drivers behind the improved expectations.

    Performance has been broad-based across Diploma’s portfolio. Aerospace-focused Peerless delivered particularly strong growth, while IS Group, Clarendon and Windy City Wire also reported solid progress. The life sciences segment remained resilient, helping to offset softer market conditions within the International Seals business.

    Margin expansion has been supported by the accretive contribution from Peerless and other operating units. The company has also continued to pursue its acquisition-led growth strategy, completing deals worth approximately £130 million and maintaining a strong pipeline of potential opportunities. This ongoing buy-and-build approach remains central to Diploma’s strategy as it aims to sustain high returns and long-term earnings growth.

    Diploma’s outlook is primarily supported by strong financial performance, including robust revenue growth and solid cash generation. However, technical indicators currently point to bearish momentum in the share price, and valuation metrics suggest the stock may be relatively expensive, potentially limiting near-term upside. In addition, the absence of recent earnings call commentary or major corporate developments leaves less visibility into additional catalysts.

    More about Diploma

    Diploma is a FTSE 100 value-added distribution and services group supplying specialised products across the controls, seals and life sciences sectors. The company operates mainly in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, employing around 3,400 people. Over the past seven years, Diploma has delivered average adjusted earnings-per-share growth of roughly 18% annually, driven by a combination of organic expansion and targeted acquisitions.

  • Goldplat Doubles Earnings and Introduces Regular Dividends After Strong First Half

    Goldplat Doubles Earnings and Introduces Regular Dividends After Strong First Half

    Goldplat (LSE:GDP) delivered a strong performance for the six months to 31 December 2025, with revenue increasing 53% to £45.2 million and operating profit reaching £4.8 million. The results were driven largely by higher gold production from the company’s South African operations and a stronger average gold price during the period.

    Net profit attributable to shareholders rose 133% to £3.3 million, while fully diluted earnings per share more than doubled to 1.91 pence. Although cash balances declined following the settlement of significant payables and continued investment in capital expenditure and dividends, the group maintained a solid net cash position.

    During the period, Goldplat also initiated a regular dividend programme. The company paid £350,000 in dividends during the half-year and £600,000 over the past eight months, reflecting management’s confidence in ongoing cash generation. At the same time, the group continued investing in operational improvements at its Ghanaian operations and in the development of a new processing facility in Brazil.

    Looking ahead, management aims to maintain and expand its market share in South Africa while improving recovery rates and profitability in Ghana, where beneficiation requirements influence operations. The company is also working to grow sourcing and service capabilities in South America. In addition, Goldplat is advancing plans to collaborate with DRDGOLD on the reprocessing of a tailings storage facility, which could further strengthen its position in the niche precious metals recovery market.

    Goldplat’s outlook is supported by its strong balance sheet and solid cash flow generation. However, these positives are partly offset by signs of declining revenue momentum and some pressure on profit margins. From a technical perspective, the share price trend remains positive but appears somewhat stretched, with elevated RSI and stochastic indicators. Valuation metrics currently suggest a fair rather than deeply discounted level following the recent operational developments.

    More about Goldplat

    Goldplat plc is an AIM-listed mining services company specialising in precious metals recovery. The group operates primary gold recovery facilities in South Africa and Ghana and is expanding sourcing activities in South America, including Brazil. Goldplat focuses on processing mining by-products and low-grade materials, providing specialised recovery solutions for gold and other precious metals across the African and South American mining sectors.

  • Genel Energy Maintains Positive Cash Flow Despite Kurdistan Disruptions

    Genel Energy Maintains Positive Cash Flow Despite Kurdistan Disruptions

    Genel Energy (LSE:GENL) reported average working interest production of 17,520 barrels of oil per day from the Tawke field in 2025. All output was sold within the domestic Kurdistan market at an average realised price of $32 per barrel, generating $68.7 million in revenue and delivering EBITDAX of $43.3 million despite weaker Brent crude prices.

    The company finished the year with $224 million in cash and $133.7 million in net cash. During the period, Genel refinanced its outstanding bond to extend its maturity to 2030, improved operating netback to $10 million, and exited five underperforming licences in Kurdistan and Africa without leaving residual liabilities.

    Management highlighted the development of a more resilient and cash-generative operating platform. Free cash flow remained positive at $4.1 million, while overdue receivables from the Kurdistan Regional Government were reduced to approximately $48 million after accounting for offsets and credits. A $26 million charge related to an arbitration case remains under appeal.

    Operationally, the company faced disruption during the year, including temporary production halts at Tawke following regional hostilities and drone attacks. In addition, exports through the Iraq–Türkiye pipeline have yet to resume for the company. Despite these challenges, Genel expects domestic sales from Tawke and additional drilling activity to cover group operating costs in 2026.

    Looking ahead, the company plans to invest up to $20 million in exploration projects in Oman and Somaliland while continuing to pursue potential asset acquisitions. Management also highlighted the potential for improved shareholder returns if export routes reopen and operating conditions stabilise.

    Genel Energy’s outlook reflects a mixed financial profile. While revenue pressures persist, the company continues to generate operating cash flow and has improved its free cash flow position alongside manageable debt levels. Technical indicators appear largely neutral, with a slightly negative MACD trend. Valuation metrics remain constrained by a negative price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of a dividend yield.

    More about Genel Energy

    Genel Energy is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company focused primarily on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, alongside exploration interests in frontier basins including Oman and Somaliland. Its core operations centre on crude production from the Tawke field, while the company continues to pursue exploration opportunities aimed at expanding reserves, resources and future cash flow potential.

  • EnSilica Raises £10m in Oversubscribed Fundraising to Support Expansion

    EnSilica Raises £10m in Oversubscribed Fundraising to Support Expansion

    EnSilica (LSE:ENSI) has conditionally raised approximately £10 million through a combination of a placing, subscription and an oversubscribed retail offer priced at 47 pence per share. The fundraising attracted strong interest from institutional investors as well as existing retail shareholders.

    Demand for the retail portion alone exceeded £0.9 million, although allocations were limited to around £0.3 million. The company applied a soft pre-emption approach to prioritise participation by existing shareholders.

    The first tranche of the fundraising, amounting to about £4.54 million, has already been completed. The remaining proceeds—including the retail offer and a second tranche placing—are subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting scheduled for 7 April 2026. If approved, 11,616,531 new shares are expected to be admitted to trading on AIM on 8 April 2026, providing the company with additional capital to advance its growth plans and strengthen its position in specialist semiconductor markets.

    Despite the successful fundraising, EnSilica’s outlook remains affected by financial challenges. The company has reported declining revenue, continued losses and a significant deterioration in free cash flow, although its balance sheet leverage remains relatively manageable. Market technical indicators provide some support, with the share price trading well above major moving averages and showing strong upward momentum, though these indicators suggest the stock may be approaching stretched levels. Valuation is also constrained by the company’s negative price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of a dividend yield.

    More about EnSilica plc

    EnSilica is a UK-based fabless semiconductor company focused on the design and development of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The company specialises in RF, millimetre-wave, mixed-signal and complex digital chip design for industries including space and communications, industrial systems, automotive and healthcare. By leveraging reusable intellectual property and silicon platforms, EnSilica aims to deliver scalable and production-ready semiconductor solutions with an emphasis on safety, security and reliability.

  • FDM Group Reports Profit Decline but Maintains Strong Cash Position as AI Demand Emerges

    FDM Group Reports Profit Decline but Maintains Strong Cash Position as AI Demand Emerges

    FDM Group (LSE:FDM) reported significantly lower financial results for 2025 as challenging market conditions and extended client decision timelines reduced demand for its consulting services. Revenue fell 31% to £177.7 million, while profit before tax dropped 73% to £7.6 million.

    The number of consultants deployed to clients declined 22% to 2,003 during the year, though utilisation rates remained broadly stable. In response to the slowdown, the company reduced recruitment activity and implemented cost measures, including £2.6 million in exceptional restructuring charges and a £3.3 million impairment related to its EMEA operations.

    Despite the weaker earnings performance, FDM maintained a robust financial position with a debt-free balance sheet and £35.3 million in cash at year-end. The company also reported strong cash conversion and proposed a reduced total dividend of 10 pence per share.

    Management noted increasing interest from clients in consultants with artificial intelligence capabilities. To capture this opportunity, the company has introduced a sales transformation programme and is adjusting internal staffing and resource allocation across regions to better align with evolving client demand. These initiatives are intended to position the business for a return to sustainable growth once macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions stabilise.

    FDM’s outlook is supported by its solid financial fundamentals and relatively attractive valuation metrics. Healthy margins, low leverage, a strong dividend yield and a low price-to-earnings ratio contribute positively to the investment case. However, technical indicators suggest caution due to overbought trading conditions, while the absence of recent earnings call commentary limits visibility on near-term guidance.

    More about FDM Group (Holdings) plc

    FDM Group (Holdings) plc is a global professional services firm specialising in information technology and tech-enabled business talent solutions. The company provides AI-enabled and early-career technology consultants to organisations across multiple industries and regions. Its services focus on supporting digital transformation initiatives, including data management, automation, governance and advanced technology capabilities.