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  • Weir shares fall after weaker first-quarter order intake

    Weir shares fall after weaker first-quarter order intake

    Shares in The Weir Group PLC (LSE:WEIR) declined on Thursday after the mining equipment manufacturer reported a softer start to the year, with first-quarter orders falling short of expectations despite the company reaffirming its full-year outlook.

    Orders for the three months to March 31 dropped 3% on an organic constant currency basis. Original equipment orders slipped 2%, while aftermarket demand declined 3%.

    Minerals and ESCO divisions show mixed performance

    The The Weir Group said its Minerals division saw orders decrease 3%, reflecting a 6% fall in original equipment orders due to project timing, alongside a 3% decline in aftermarket demand linked to temporary mine disruptions in Asia-Pacific and Africa.

    In the ESCO division, total orders edged down 2%. However, original equipment orders surged 49% amid strong global demand for mining buckets, partially offset by a 5% decline in aftermarket orders.

    Investor concerns drive sharp share price reaction

    The stock dropped 7.4% following the update, as investors reacted to weaker order momentum relative to peers. The company reported a year-to-date book-to-bill ratio of 1.14.

    CEO Jon Stanton commented, “During the first quarter, the Group executed strongly against our strategic growth agenda, completing the acquisition of ESEL and integrating at pace those acquisitions completed last year.”

    Full-year guidance maintained despite slower start

    Weir reiterated its expectations for 2026, forecasting growth in constant currency revenue, operating profit, and operating margin. It also expects free operating cash conversion to range between 90% and 100%.

    Management indicated that both revenue and profit will be weighted toward the second half of the year, in line with seasonal patterns seen in 2025.

    Cost savings and leadership transition underway

    The company’s Performance Excellence programme has delivered cumulative savings of £66 million, keeping it on track to meet its upgraded £90 million target by 2026.

    Separately, Weir announced that Stanton will step down as CEO on August 1 after a decade in the role. He will be succeeded by Andrew Neilson, currently President of the Minerals division.

    More about The Weir Group

    The Weir Group PLC is a UK-based engineering company specialising in mining equipment and services. Its products support minerals processing and mining operations worldwide, with a focus on improving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability for its global customer base.

  • KEFI advances Saudi projects as Jibal Qutman nears decision and Hawiah expands

    KEFI advances Saudi projects as Jibal Qutman nears decision and Hawiah expands

    KEFI Gold and Copper (LSE:KEFI) reported strong progress across its Saudi Arabian assets, with the Definitive Feasibility Study for the Jibal Qutman gold project nearing completion and a mining licence application already submitted ahead of a potential development decision in 2026.

    At the Hawiah project, total resources have grown to 36.2 million tonnes across copper, gold, silver, and zinc. Expansion of the Umm Hijlan licence has doubled the project’s strike length, while a new joint venture with Hancock Prospecting covering the Al Hajar North belt highlights increasing industry interest in the region.

    Strategic restructuring supports Saudi growth platform

    The KEFI Gold and Copper has reorganised its structure by separating the financing and management of its Saudi operations and other growth initiatives from the recently completed Tulu Kapi funding.

    Its Saudi joint venture vehicle, GMCO, is now being positioned for standalone financing through a combination of project finance and partnerships, supported by a dedicated management team and an expanded board. The company has also reappointed Jeff Rayner as head of exploration.

    In addition, KEFI is seeking independent advice to assess the fair market value of its 13% stake in GMCO, which is currently carried at zero book value despite its increasing strategic importance within Saudi Arabia’s developing mining sector.

    Financial constraints remain despite operational progress

    While project developments continue to advance, KEFI’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial fundamentals, including the absence of revenue, ongoing losses, and continued cash burn.

    Technical indicators offer some support, with the stock trading above key moving averages and showing positive momentum. However, valuation remains challenging due to negative earnings and the lack of a dividend.

    More about KEFI Minerals

    KEFI Gold and Copper is an AIM-listed exploration and development company focused on gold and copper projects in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, particularly within the Arabian Nubian Shield. Through its 13% interest in the GMCO joint venture with ARTAR, the company holds multiple exploration licences and a JORC-compliant resource base of approximately 3.8 million ounces of gold equivalent. Additional partnerships with Hancock Prospecting and AJ Lan Bros further strengthen its presence in the region.

  • Persimmon reports strong start to 2026 with rising forward sales

    Persimmon reports strong start to 2026 with rising forward sales

    Persimmon (LSE:PSN) delivered a solid opening to 2026, with net private sales per outlet per week showing modest improvement and private forward sales increasing 7% to £1.80 billion. The growth was supported by a 5% rise in average selling prices and a disciplined approach to incentives.

    Total forward sales reached £2.46 billion, while the number of active outlets, land holdings, and planning approvals all increased. These trends support Persimmon’s goal of expanding to at least 300 active outlets over time.

    Resilient trading despite macroeconomic pressures

    Management said trading conditions remain stable despite geopolitical tensions and broader economic uncertainty. The company noted only a slight softening in customer enquiries, alongside early indications of rising supply chain costs, which are expected to become more pronounced into 2027.

    In response, Persimmon is tightening its land acquisition strategy and maintaining strict cost controls. Its diversified three-brand model, combined with strong partnerships and a substantial forward order book, is expected to support consistent delivery volumes and reinforce its position in the UK housing market.

    Cash flow and technical weakness weigh on outlook

    While the company benefits from a strong balance sheet with low leverage, its outlook is constrained by weaker cash flow generation, including negative free cash flow in 2025, and reduced profitability compared with previous peak years.

    Technical indicators also point to a softer trend, with the stock trading below key moving averages and showing negative momentum. However, valuation provides some support, with a moderate price-to-earnings ratio and a dividend yield of around 4.7%.

    More about Persimmon

    Persimmon is a UK-based housebuilder operating through three brands and a vertically integrated business model. The company focuses on private housing, affordable homes, and build-to-rent developments, leveraging a large land bank and in-house capabilities to deliver residential projects at scale while targeting improved margins and long-term shareholder returns.

  • Unilever posts volume-driven Q1 growth as it sharpens focus on home and personal care

    Unilever posts volume-driven Q1 growth as it sharpens focus on home and personal care

    Unilever (LSE:ULVR) reported underlying sales growth of 3.8% for the first quarter of 2026, largely driven by a 2.9% increase in volumes. Growth was broad-based across all business segments, with strong contributions from its Power Brands portfolio.

    Emerging markets were the main engine of expansion, particularly India and a recovering Latin America. However, reported turnover declined 3.3% to €12.6 billion, reflecting a significant negative impact from currency movements.

    Outlook maintained as productivity gains support margins

    Unilever reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, expecting sales growth toward the lower end of its 4%–6% target range, alongside modest margin improvement.

    This outlook is supported by a cost-efficiency programme that has already delivered €750 million of its planned €800 million in savings, helping offset inflationary pressures and support profitability.

    Strategic shift toward core HPC business accelerates

    The company is advancing a major strategic repositioning to focus more heavily on home and personal care. This includes plans to combine its Foods division with McCormick, alongside a series of disposals and the acquisition of U.S. supplements brand Grüns.

    Unilever is also enhancing shareholder returns, with a higher dividend and the launch of a €1.5 billion share buyback programme.

    Balanced outlook with supportive fundamentals

    Unilever’s outlook is underpinned by stable profitability and consistent free cash flow generation, although leverage has increased somewhat.

    Technical indicators remain supportive, with the stock trading above key moving averages and showing positive momentum, though some measures suggest it may be overbought in the near term. Valuation appears relatively elevated at around 22.7 times earnings, but this is partly offset by a dividend yield of approximately 3.44% and ongoing capital return initiatives.

    More about Unilever

    Unilever is a global fast-moving consumer goods company with leading positions in home and personal care, beauty and wellbeing, and food products. Its portfolio includes major brands such as Dove, Vaseline, and Hellmann’s, alongside a wide range of home care products. The company has a strong presence in emerging markets, including India, Latin America, China, and Indonesia, which remain key drivers of its long-term growth.

  • Iofina posts record 2025 results and ramps up iodine expansion

    Iofina posts record 2025 results and ramps up iodine expansion

    Iofina plc (LSE:IOF) delivered its eighth consecutive year of growth in 2025, with revenue increasing 22% to $66.5 million. The performance was driven by a 17% rise in crystalline iodine production to 743 metric tonnes and a 42% surge in iodine sales volumes.

    Profitability improved significantly, with gross profit climbing 36% to $18 million and adjusted EBITDA advancing 56% to $11.8 million, supported by elevated iodine prices and strong underlying demand.

    Expansion strategy gathers pace with new plant development

    The Iofina ended the year with cash of $11.7 million and a net cash position of $5.2 million, while investing $8.4 million into new plants and chemical processing capabilities to drive future growth.

    Construction has begun on a larger IOsorb facility in the Permian Basin, marking a strategic move into a new core production region alongside its established operations in Oklahoma. The company is targeting annualised crystalline iodine output above 1,000 metric tonnes in the near term, with longer-term ambitions to exceed 2,000 metric tonnes.

    Strong start to 2026 supported by firm iodine prices

    Trading momentum has carried into 2026, with first-quarter crystalline iodine production reaching 178.9 metric tonnes. The company has raised its first-half 2026 production guidance to approximately 385 metric tonnes, as global spot iodine prices remain above $70 per kilogram.

    Management highlighted that its transition toward multiple, larger-scale plants — supported by strong demand and a healthy balance sheet — represents a step-change in production capacity and underpins a long-term, capital-efficient growth strategy.

    Outlook supported by fundamentals despite technical caution

    Iofina’s outlook is underpinned by solid financial stability and ongoing strategic expansion. While technical indicators suggest caution due to potentially overbought conditions, the company’s valuation and growth trajectory remain attractive.

    More about Iofina plc

    Iofina plc is a vertically integrated iodine producer and specialty chemicals manufacturer listed on AIM, with operations primarily in North America. Through its subsidiary Iofina Resources, the company operates multiple IOsorb iodine extraction plants in Oklahoma using its proprietary WET IOsorb technology. Its Iofina Chemical division produces halogen-based specialty chemicals for a range of industrial and niche markets.

  • Glencore maintains 2026 production outlook as stronger prices counter rising costs

    Glencore maintains 2026 production outlook as stronger prices counter rising costs

    Glencore (LSE:GLEN) reported first-quarter 2026 production broadly in line with expectations and left its full-year guidance unchanged, despite mine closures in Australia and a range of operational challenges.

    Copper production increased 19%, supported by improved grades in Africa and stronger output from Peru’s Antamina mine. In contrast, volumes for cobalt, zinc, nickel, lead, gold, and steelmaking coal declined, reflecting a mix of maturing assets, quota-driven cobalt prioritisation, and disruptions linked to weather and operational sequencing.

    Higher commodity prices expected to offset cost pressures

    Glencore said ongoing conflict in the Middle East has pushed up input costs, particularly for diesel and sulphuric acid. However, management expects higher prices for copper, zinc, and energy coal — along with solid performance from its marketing division — to more than offset these pressures and support margin expansion.

    Cobalt exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo are currently being managed under a new quota system. The company indicated that existing inventories and established export channels should help stabilise shipments throughout 2026, reinforcing its supply position despite short-term volatility in volumes.

    Mixed financial picture with supportive technical trends

    Glencore’s outlook reflects a mixed financial profile. While revenue and earnings have improved, margins remain thin, leverage is trending higher, and free cash flow conversion is relatively weak.

    On the technical side, the stock shows a positive trend, trading above key moving averages with continued upward momentum.

    Valuation and risks remain in focus

    Valuation remains a headwind, with a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio and only a modest dividend yield. However, recent guidance has been constructive, highlighting potential upside from copper growth opportunities.

    That said, investors continue to monitor operational challenges and cash flow risks, which could influence performance in the near term.

    More about Glencore

    Glencore is one of the world’s largest diversified natural resources companies, producing, processing, recycling, sourcing, and marketing more than 60 commodities. The group operates across more than 30 countries, supplying industries such as automotive, steel, energy, and battery production, while also providing logistics and financing services across global commodity markets.

  • Ceres Power highlights partner deal targeting data centres and heavy industry

    Ceres Power highlights partner deal targeting data centres and heavy industry

    Ceres Power Holdings plc (LSE:CWR), a UK-based clean energy technology company focused on solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysers, continues to advance its licensing-led strategy through partnerships with major industrial players. Its technologies are designed to support electrification and decarbonisation across sectors including data centres, commercial and industrial sites, and harder-to-abate industries such as steel, ammonia, and electrofuels.

    Partner collaboration signals growing commercial traction

    The company pointed to a new infrastructure partnership between its licensee Delta Electronics and Centrica, aimed at delivering off-grid solid oxide fuel cell power solutions for data centres and other energy-intensive applications across the UK and Europe.

    While Ceres Power is not directly involved in the agreement, the collaboration highlights increasing demand for its technology platform and reinforces the strength of its partner ecosystem. The deal is expected to support wider deployment of Ceres’ fuel cell systems through its licensees in high-growth markets.

    Financial challenges persist despite strategic progress

    The company’s outlook remains constrained by ongoing financial challenges, including continued losses and negative cash flow, despite maintaining relatively low leverage.

    That said, recent technical momentum in the stock has been strong, offering some support. Guidance from recent communications points to a cautiously positive outlook, supported by a solid cash position, cost reduction initiatives, and contracted revenue expected in 2026. However, execution risks around manufacturing license agreements and the pace of royalty growth continue to limit near-term upside, while valuation remains under pressure due to negative earnings.

    More about Ceres Power Holdings

    Ceres Power Holdings plc is a UK-listed developer of clean energy technologies, specialising in solid oxide fuel cells for power generation and electrolysers for green hydrogen production. The company operates an asset-light licensing model, partnering with global industrial groups such as Doosan, Delta Electronics, Denso, Shell, Weichai, and Thermax. Its solutions target applications ranging from AI-powered data centres to heavy industry decarbonisation, and the company is recognised under the London Stock Exchange’s Green Economy Mark.

  • Space Technology’s Defining Moment: Inside the Opportunity with Seraphim Space Investment Trust

    Space Technology’s Defining Moment: Inside the Opportunity with Seraphim Space Investment Trust

    The global space industry is no longer a distant dream; it is rapidly becoming one of the most transformative forces shaping the modern economy. At the forefront of this evolution is the Seraphim Space Investment Trust (LSE:SSIT), led by Chief Executive Mark Boggett, providing exposure to the rapidly evolving space technology sector.

    SSIT’s objective seeks to generate capital growth over the long term through investment in a diversified, international portfolio of predominantly unquoted spacetech businesses with the potential to scale globally.

    As the world’s first publicly listed fund dedicated entirely to space tech, SSIT provides diversified access to a carefully curated portfolio of around 25 of the most innovative space companies globally. Backed by over a decade of specialist experience, Seraphim has built a reputation as a pioneer in the sector, launching the first space-tech venture fund, operating the world’s largest space accelerator, and supporting approximately 150 companies across more than 30 countries.

    Through its accelerator and venture platform, Seraphim maintains access to early-stage category leaders in spacetech, creating a multi-stage pipeline from incubation through venture funding to listed exposure via SSIT. This singular focus has positioned Seraphim as a leader in identifying and nurturing high-potential space ventures. The timing is particularly compelling. According to a report by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey, the space economy is expected to grow from approximately $630bn in 2023 to $1.8trn by 2035.

    Over the past decade, the economics of space have fundamentally shifted. Launch costs have fallen dramatically, by nearly 100-fold, thanks to innovations such as reusable rockets. Satellites, once the size of buses, are now compact, cost-efficient systems no larger than a shoebox. By 2025, rocket launches are expected to occur roughly every 27 hours worldwide.

    These advancements have given rise to a powerful new “digital infrastructure in the sky.”

    Satellite constellations are delivering real-time data, global broadband connectivity, and high-resolution imaging that is revolutionising industries ranging from agriculture and insurance to defence and energy.

    Public market investors are increasingly recognising that space infrastructure is no longer speculative, but foundational to modern economies. From defence and sovereign Earth observation to navigation, logistics, financial systems, autonomous technologies, and climate monitoring, space-enabled technologies are becoming embedded in critical infrastructure.

    Looking ahead, the next wave of innovation promises even greater disruption. Breakthroughs such as ultra-low-cost launch systems could enable orbital data centres and space-based solar power, while space infrastructure itself is becoming a critical backbone for the artificial intelligence revolution.

    SSIT’s recent performance reflects the strength of this opportunity. Over the past 12 months, the trust has delivered share price performance, with its share price rising more than 150%. Its portfolio of private holdings has also doubled in value, underscoring the accelerating momentum within the sector.

    The SSIT portfolio spans satellite constellation operators, data-driven software businesses, connectivity providers, in-orbit services (including orbital logistics and satellite servicing), and space situational awareness and debris tracking technologies.

    Several portfolio companies have already emerged as global leaders. For instance, AST SpaceMobile, an early investment for SSIT, has grown from a $300 million valuation to a $35 billion NASDAQ-listed company, pioneering space-based cellular connectivity directly to standard smartphones. Meanwhile, ICEYE, which began without a single satellite, now operates the world’s largest radar satellite constellation and has secured major international contracts, including a landmark agreement with the German government.

    Investment into next-generation spacetech companies increased by 48% year-on-year to approximately $12.4bn in 2025, according to the Seraphim Space Index report, highlighting sustained investor appetite for the sector.

    The trust’s investment focus aligns with some of the most significant global trends: rising defence and security spending, the urgent need for climate and sustainability solutions, and the convergence of artificial intelligence with next-generation infrastructure. Within this, SSIT is particularly focused on areas where space technology is becoming critical to secure and reliable infrastructure, including next-generation positioning systems, resilient navigation, sovereign Earth observation capabilities, and dual-use technologies supported by long-term government demand and increasing commercial adoption.

    Space technology sits uniquely at the intersection of these forces, making it one of the most significant themes of the coming decade.

    After ten years of building expertise, networks, and a proven track record, Seraphim believes the industry is approaching a critical inflection point. The opportunity ahead is vast, with the potential for multiple companies to grow into multi-billion-dollar leaders.

    For investors, SSIT represents exposure to an early-stage transformative global shift. The journey into the space economy has only just begun, and the future is closer than ever.

    For more information visit: https://investors.seraphim.vc

  • Brave Bison delivers fifth straight year of growth and raises 2026 guidance

    Brave Bison delivers fifth straight year of growth and raises 2026 guidance

    Brave Bison (LSE:BBSN) reported its fifth consecutive year of earnings growth, with 2025 net revenue increasing 60% to £34.1 million and adjusted EBITDA rising 51% to £6.8 million, both exceeding market expectations. Statutory profit, however, declined due to costs associated with acquisitions.

    During the year, the group completed five acquisitions, including MiniMBA and MTM, while continuing to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities and client base. Brave Bison also raised £15.5 million in equity, increased its dividend by 10%, and upgraded its outlook for 2026, supported by strong organic growth from MiniMBA and improving performance in its Sport & Entertainment division.

    Strategic investments strengthen platform and growth ambitions

    The company is enhancing its position in marketing effectiveness and skills development through the integration of MiniMBA, alongside acquiring a 28% strategic stake in System1 Group.

    Despite significant investment activity, Brave Bison maintained a net cash position. Management expects both net revenue and adjusted EBITDA in 2026 to exceed current market forecasts, reflecting continued scaling of its diversified digital media and education platform.

    Solid fundamentals balanced by valuation concerns

    Brave Bison’s outlook is supported by improving profitability, low leverage, and positive free cash flow generation. Technical indicators also appear constructive, with the stock trading above key moving averages.

    However, valuation remains a potential concern due to a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio. Additionally, some caution remains around business momentum, given the most recent year’s revenue decline and softer free cash flow.

    More about Brave Bison

    Brave Bison Group is a UK-based marketing and technology partner serving global brands across digital media, sport and entertainment, and eLearning. Its offering includes marketing strategy, AI-powered advertising tools, content creation and livestreaming, search engine optimisation, influencer and sports marketing, and professional training solutions for marketers worldwide.

  • Ariana Resources progresses Dokwe and Tavşan projects with strong drilling and record revenue

    Ariana Resources progresses Dokwe and Tavşan projects with strong drilling and record revenue

    Ariana Resources (LSE:AAU) reported a quarter marked by intensive drilling activity and continued project development, highlighted by a 31-hole reverse circulation programme at the Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe. The campaign delivered multiple high-grade gold intercepts and confirmed the potential to expand near-surface oxide resources beyond the current resource boundaries.

    A follow-up diamond drilling programme is now underway to refine geological models, test extensions at depth and along strike, and support an updated mineral resource estimate expected in the second half of 2026. At the same time, the company is advancing an updated Pre-Feasibility Study, incorporating technical input from Xinhai to help de-risk and accelerate the development timeline for Dokwe.

    Türkiye operations deliver record revenue and production growth

    In Türkiye, Ariana’s associate Zenit Mining Operations produced 4,533 ounces of gold and 10,305 ounces of silver during the first quarter, generating record quarterly revenue supported by strong gold prices and continued ramp-up at the Tavşan heap-leach operation.

    Expanded drilling at Tavşan exceeded initial targets, confirming continuity of mineralisation and extensions across both the Main and South zones. These results are expected to underpin a future resource update and support the mine’s planned eight-year lifespan, reinforcing Ariana’s broader strategy of combining production with growth.

    Financial constraints and valuation remain challenges

    Despite operational progress, the company’s outlook remains constrained by weak operating fundamentals, including limited revenue, recurring losses, and ongoing negative operating and free cash flow, which raise concerns about long-term sustainability.

    However, Ariana maintains a relatively low-leverage balance sheet, providing some financial stability. Technical indicators suggest neutral momentum, while valuation appears stretched due to a high price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of a dividend.

    More about Ariana Resources

    Ariana Resources is a mineral exploration and development company focused on gold assets across Africa and Europe. Its flagship Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe is complemented by a portfolio of interests in Türkiye. Through its stake in Zenit Mining Operations, the company has exposure to producing assets at the Tavşan and Kiziltepe gold-silver mines, positioning it across both development and cash-generating segments of the precious metals sector.