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  • IAG Operating Profit Rises in 2025, Beating Market Forecasts

    IAG Operating Profit Rises in 2025, Beating Market Forecasts

    International Airlines Group (LSE:IAG) reported annual results on Friday that exceeded analyst expectations, supported by lower fuel expenses and sustained demand across its core transatlantic network, particularly for premium cabin travel.

    The airline group, which owns British Airways, posted adjusted operating profit of €5.02 billion, up 3.5% year on year and above the €4.97 billion forecast compiled by LSEG analysts.

    Revenue increased 3.5% to €33.21 billion, compared with €32.10 billion recorded in 2024.

    Operating margin improved by 1.3 percentage points to 15.1%, while adjusted earnings per share rose 22.4% to 69.5 euro cents. Free cash flow totalled €3.1 billion, down from €3.6 billion a year earlier but still characterised by the company as a strong performance.

    Return on invested capital (ROIC) also strengthened, reaching 18.5% compared with 17.3% in 2024.

    Looking ahead, the group said it is “positively positioned for 2026.”

    “The outlook for travel trends continues to be supportive, particularly in our core markets. We will continue to execute on our strategy, supported by our transformation programme,” it said.

    IAG added that it intends to return €1.5 billion ($1.77 billion) of surplus cash to shareholders over the next 12 months, starting with a €500 million share buyback programme expected to be completed by the end of May 2026.

  • Just Group Profit Drops 39% as Margins and Sales Come Under Pressure

    Just Group Profit Drops 39% as Margins and Sales Come Under Pressure

    Just Group (LSE:JUST) reported a significant fall in annual earnings on Friday, with results impacted by weaker margins on new business and reduced sales in its retirement income segment.

    Underlying operating profit declined 39% to £305 million for the year ended 31 December, compared with £504 million in the previous year. Adjusted profit before tax also fell sharply, dropping to £120 million from £482 million, reflecting softer core operating performance.

    “During 2025, our proactive approach to managing our capital resources, pricing discipline and risk selection meant that we deliberately reduced volume in what was an increasingly competitive Defined Benefit de-risking (“DB”) market,” said David Richardson, CEO of Just Group.

    “Industry analysts expect a rebound in the DB market in 2026, driven by renewed demand from sponsors and trustees, and our own pipeline supports this outlook. In addition, the retail guaranteed income market offers significant long-term growth potential in the decades ahead,” he added.

    Sales within the Retirement Income division fell 18% year on year to £4.3 billion, down from £5.3 billion previously.

    Margins on new business narrowed to 5.7%, compared with 8.7% in 2024, as competition intensified — particularly in the Defined Benefit market during the second half of 2025 — alongside tighter pricing spreads, lower transaction volumes and a less favourable product mix.

    Despite the earnings decline, tangible net assets increased to £2.7 billion from £2.6 billion, representing growth of 37% over the past three years.

    The company also confirmed that it agreed in late July to a £2.4 billion ($3.23 billion) acquisition by Canada-based Brookfield Wealth Solutions, with completion expected during the first half of 2026.

  • Rightmove Reports Strong Profit Growth and Expands AI Strategy in 2025

    Rightmove Reports Strong Profit Growth and Expands AI Strategy in 2025

    Rightmove (LSE:RMV) delivered solid results for 2025, with revenue increasing 9% to £425.1 million, operating profit rising 12%, and basic earnings per share climbing 15%. Growth was supported by a modest increase in estate agency membership and higher adoption of premium, product-focused advertising packages. Average revenue per advertiser grew 6%, while strategic segments — including commercial property, mortgages, and rental services — recorded combined revenue growth of 25%. The company returned close to £220 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, alongside announcing an additional £90 million repurchase programme and an increased final dividend.

    Operationally, Rightmove strengthened its leading consumer position, achieving record levels of online property search engagement, increased app usage, and improved social media reach. Agency retention remained above 90%, while new estate agent formation reached record levels. The company also accelerated its technology development, rolling out 31 active AI initiatives, delivering thousands of product updates, and expanding a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud. New AI-powered tools for agents and consumers are designed to enhance platform value and support sustained double-digit growth over the medium term, supported by improving property market conditions.

    Rightmove’s outlook benefits from strong financial performance and positive sentiment following its earnings update, although technical indicators suggest some near-term market caution and valuation metrics remain moderate. Ongoing share buybacks continue to support shareholder returns, but market momentum remains an area to monitor.

    More about Rightmove

    Rightmove plc operates the UK’s largest online property portal, connecting estate agents, new homes developers, and commercial property firms with buyers, sellers, renters, and investors. The platform generates revenue through advertising and premium product packages and is increasingly focused on data-driven and AI-enabled services across residential, commercial, mortgage, and rental property markets.

  • Tritax Big Box Reports Earnings Growth, Expands Into Data Centres and Enters FTSE 100

    Tritax Big Box Reports Earnings Growth, Expands Into Data Centres and Enters FTSE 100

    Tritax Big Box REIT (LSE:BBOX) delivered improved financial results for 2025, reporting increases in net rental income, adjusted earnings, and dividends. Performance was supported by the integration of logistics assets acquired from UK Commercial Property, a significant portfolio purchase from Blackstone, and ongoing active asset management initiatives, which together lifted the company’s portfolio value to £7.89 billion. The group continues to reposition its portfolio toward higher-return opportunities, recycling more than £400 million from non-core asset disposals into logistics development projects and a newly established power-first data centre platform.

    The company maintained leverage within its target loan-to-value ratio of below 35%, secured an A3 credit rating upgrade, and confirmed its inclusion in the FTSE 100 index effective from early March 2026. These developments reflect Tritax Big Box’s strategy to strengthen its position in logistics real estate while expanding into digital infrastructure aligned with growing data centre demand.

    Tritax Big Box REIT’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance, favourable valuation metrics, and positive corporate milestones. Earnings commentary points to continued growth potential, while technical indicators show a constructive trend. However, higher leverage levels and broader market vacancy risks remain factors to monitor.

    More about Tritax Big Box REIT

    Tritax Big Box REIT plc is a UK-focused real estate investment trust specialising in large-scale logistics properties and increasingly urban logistics assets that underpin national supply chains. The company is also expanding into power-led data centre development, positioning itself at the intersection of logistics infrastructure and digital connectivity for occupiers across the UK.

  • Blue Star Capital Cuts Losses and Expands Investment in SatoshiPay

    Blue Star Capital Cuts Losses and Expands Investment in SatoshiPay

    Blue Star Capital (LSE:BLU) reported a substantially reduced pre-tax loss of £665,606 for the year ended 30 September 2025, compared with £4.49 million in the previous year, as investment fair value declines moderated and net assets more than tripled to £2.87 million. The company strengthened its cash position to £313,236 following a share consolidation and £1.58 million raised through net equity financing, although administrative expenses increased due to higher professional advisory costs and share-based compensation.

    During the year, the group increased its exposure to its key portfolio company, SatoshiPay, raising its holding to approximately 58% on a diluted basis. Blue Star also provided a £1 million secured loan to support SatoshiPay’s treasury operations and digital asset strategy. Management highlighted confidence in SatoshiPay’s Vortex platform — a fiat-to-crypto infrastructure business gaining traction in Brazil — as a central driver of long-term value, while maintaining conservative valuations for smaller gaming-related investments amid uncertain exit markets.

    More about Blue Star Capital

    Blue Star Capital is a London-listed investment company focused on emerging technologies, particularly blockchain and digital payments. Its portfolio is anchored by SatoshiPay, a blockchain-based payments provider, alongside investments including Dynasty Media & Gaming’s B2B gaming platform, female-focused gaming venture Paidia, and identity and payments company Sthaler, which develops biometric finger-based transaction technology.

  • 80 Mile Highlights Nasdaq Listing for Greenland Energy and Advances Jameson Basin Development

    80 Mile Highlights Nasdaq Listing for Greenland Energy and Advances Jameson Basin Development

    80 Mile Plc (LSE:80M) has announced that Greenland Energy Company — created through the combination of Pelican Acquisition Corporation, Greenland Exploration Limited and March GL — is expected to begin trading on Nasdaq under the ticker GLND on or around 18 March 2026, subject to shareholder approval scheduled for 17 March. The planned listing is expected to increase visibility for 80 Mile’s Jameson hydrocarbon project in East Greenland, where Greenland Energy can earn up to a 70% working interest by funding two deep exploration wells, leaving 80 Mile with a retained 30% interest via its subsidiary White Flame Energy.

    Covering approximately two million acres, the Jameson Basin is considered one of the largest undrilled hydrocarbon basins globally. An independent report by Sproule ERCE estimates gross unrisked recoverable prospective resources of 13.03 billion barrels of oil (P10), equivalent to around 3.9 billion barrels net to 80 Mile assuming the full earn-in is completed. Preparations for the first fully carried drilling campaign, targeted for the second half of 2026, are progressing, with key contractors including Halliburton engaged and logistics arrangements underway. Successful exploration results could represent significant value potential given the basin’s large-scale gas and liquids-rich targets.

    The company’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial fundamentals, including the absence of revenue, widening losses, and continued cash burn, which heighten funding and dilution risks despite relatively low debt levels. Technical indicators remain supportive, showing positive momentum and a strong trend, although overbought signals suggest caution. Valuation remains difficult to determine due to negative earnings and the lack of dividend yield data.

    More about Bluejay Mining

    80 Mile Plc is an exploration and development company focused on hydrocarbons, high-grade critical metals projects in Greenland, and an industrial gas and biofuels business in Italy. Listed on AIM, Frankfurt, and the U.S. OTC market, the company pursues diversification across commodities and geographies while expanding into sustainable fuels and clean energy opportunities in Tier 1 jurisdictions.

  • Melrose Industries Reports Profit and Cash Flow Growth as Aerospace Turnaround Gains Momentum

    Melrose Industries Reports Profit and Cash Flow Growth as Aerospace Turnaround Gains Momentum

    Melrose Industries (LSE:MRO) delivered a strong performance in 2025, with revenue increasing 8% to £3.59 billion and adjusted operating profit rising 23% to £647 million, lifting operating margins to 18%. Free cash flow improved significantly, reaching £125 million compared with a £74 million outflow in the prior year, while leverage remained within the company’s target range at 1.8x net debt to EBITDA.

    The Engines division was the primary growth driver, recording a 15% rise in revenue and a 27% increase in adjusted operating profit, supported by solid demand across both original equipment and aftermarket activity, as well as variable income from risk-and-revenue-sharing agreements. Within Airframes, like-for-like revenue grew 3%, while adjusted operating profit increased 10%, aided by strong defence programme activity despite weaker civil aerospace volumes and some operational productivity challenges.

    Melrose also completed its multi-year transformation programme, citing measurable gains in quality and efficiency. The group highlighted several defence and advanced air mobility contracts and partnerships that are strengthening its long-term commercial outlook. A £175 million share buyback programme has been launched, alongside a proposed 20% increase in the final dividend, signalling management confidence as the company targets further revenue, profit, and cash flow expansion in 2026 on its path toward 2029 strategic objectives.

    Despite improved operational delivery, the company’s broader outlook remains influenced by financial performance pressures, including periods of revenue volatility and historically negative cash flow trends. Technical indicators present mixed signals, with some bearish momentum balanced by neutral factors, while valuation metrics appear moderate and dividend yield remains relatively modest. Positive corporate actions such as buybacks and leadership initiatives provide support but do not fully offset these challenges.

    More about Melrose

    Melrose Industries is a UK-listed global aerospace technology group operating through its Engines and Airframes divisions across civil and defence aviation markets. The company serves as a “Super-Tier 1” supplier to major airframe and engine manufacturers, providing design-led, flight-critical components including full engine systems, large structural assemblies, and complete aircraft electrical wiring systems for high-volume aircraft programmes worldwide.

  • Sylvania Platinum Revises Interim Dividend Payment Date

    Sylvania Platinum Revises Interim Dividend Payment Date

    Sylvania Platinum (LSE:SLP) has brought forward the payment date for its previously announced interim dividend for the first half of FY2026 to accommodate a UK bank holiday. The dividend of 2.00 pence per ordinary share will now be distributed on 2 April 2026, while the record date of 6 March 2026 and the ex-dividend date of 5 March 2026 remain unchanged.

    The adjustment is purely administrative and does not affect the dividend amount or shareholder entitlement. The change ensures settlement timelines align with the holiday schedule and reflects the company’s continued focus on delivering consistent cash returns to investors while maintaining operational coordination with market infrastructure requirements.

    The company’s outlook is supported by strengthening underlying fundamentals and a robust, low-leverage balance sheet, although negative free cash flow remains a moderating factor. Technical indicators suggest mixed momentum, with some short-term weakness offset by longer-term trend stability. Valuation appears balanced, supported by a modest dividend yield.

    More about Sylvania Platinum

    Sylvania Platinum Limited is a low-cost producer of platinum group metals (PGMs) and chrome operating in South Africa. Its Sylvania Dump Operations consist of six chrome beneficiation and PGM processing facilities, making it the industry’s largest producer of PGMs derived from chrome tailings retreatment.

    The company also participates in the Thaba Joint Venture, which processes both run-of-mine material and historical chrome tailings to generate additional chromite concentrate revenue. Beyond current operations, Sylvania holds mining rights to PGM projects on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, supporting future growth and resource development.

  • Flutter Entertainment Delivers Strong 2025 Growth Despite India-Related Impairment Loss

    Flutter Entertainment Delivers Strong 2025 Growth Despite India-Related Impairment Loss

    Flutter Entertainment (LSE:FLTR) reported solid operational growth in 2025, with revenue rising 17% to $16.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA increasing 21% to $2.85 billion, supported by a 14% expansion in average monthly players and contributions from recent acquisitions. However, the group recorded a net loss of $407 million, primarily reflecting a $556 million non-cash impairment charge tied to regulatory developments in India, alongside higher financing and tax expenses.

    In the United States, Flutter strengthened its leadership position, achieving a 41% share of sportsbook gross gaming revenue (GGR) and a 28% share in iGaming during the fourth quarter. Performance was supported by favourable sportsbook margins, the launch of operations in Missouri, and the introduction of FanDuel Predicts within prediction markets. Internationally, revenue increased 19%, driven by acquisitions and growth across South-East Europe and Central and Eastern Europe, although the withdrawal from India and volatile sporting outcomes affected organic sportsbook performance.

    The company returned $1 billion to shareholders during the year, while free cash flow declined due to increased capital expenditure and acquisition activity. Flutter ended 2025 with leverage of 3.7x following deals in the U.S., Italy, and Brazil. For 2026, management guided toward approximately 12% revenue growth and modest adjusted EBITDA expansion, supported by continued investment in U.S. prediction markets and Brazil, while UK tax increases and the exit from India are expected to present near-term headwinds.

    More about Flutter Entertainment PLC

    Flutter Entertainment is a global online sports betting and iGaming operator listed in both New York and London, with major brands including FanDuel. The company focuses on regulated markets worldwide, holding a leading position in the U.S. alongside strong operations across international regions such as South-East Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, Italy, and Brazil.

  • Pearson Increases Profit, Cash Flow and Dividend as AI Strategy Supports 2026 Outlook

    Pearson Increases Profit, Cash Flow and Dividend as AI Strategy Supports 2026 Outlook

    Pearson (LSE:PSON) reported 4% underlying sales growth in 2025, with revenue reaching £3.58 billion, while adjusted operating profit rose 6% to £614 million. The improvement lifted the company’s operating margin to 17.2% and supported an 8% increase in free cash flow, alongside a 5% rise in the annual dividend. Strong contributions from virtual learning, assessment services, and enterprise skills helped drive performance, even as the group recognised a one-off impairment linked to platform consolidation that management expects will enhance Higher Education profitability over the longer term.

    The company highlighted continued progress in expanding AI-enabled products and enterprise-focused solutions, securing eight major partnerships during the year, including a new collaboration with Salesforce. Pearson also completed a £350 million share buyback programme and launched a further £350 million repurchase plan in early 2026. Supported by a solid balance sheet and a newly arranged $800 million credit facility, the group guided toward mid-single-digit revenue growth, higher adjusted operating profit, and strong cash conversion for 2026, reinforcing its positioning at the convergence of education, workforce skills, and AI-driven learning.

    Pearson’s outlook reflects stable financial fundamentals, supported by strong profitability and cash generation. Strategic initiatives and shareholder returns, including buybacks and governance developments, contribute positively to investor sentiment. However, technical indicators point to a cautious near-term trend, and moderating revenue growth remains an area to monitor.

    More about Pearson

    Pearson is a global education and learning company specialising in assessments, qualifications, virtual and higher education, English language learning, and enterprise skills development. The company delivers large-scale testing services, digital and AI-enabled learning platforms, and courseware to schools, universities, and businesses worldwide, with an increasing focus on enterprise partnerships and workforce development solutions.