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  • Everplay Schedules March Release for 2025 Results and Expands Investor Engagement

    Everplay Schedules March Release for 2025 Results and Expands Investor Engagement

    Everplay Group plc (LSE:EVPL), formerly known as Team17 Group plc, operates as a global independent games label built around three core divisions covering premium video games, advanced working simulation titles and educational entertainment applications for children. Its portfolio features established intellectual property including Hell Let Loose and Worms, astragon’s Construction Simulator franchise, and StoryToys’ Disney- and LEGO®-themed learning apps designed for children under the age of eight.

    The company confirmed it will publish its unaudited full-year 2025 results on 24 March 2026 and is increasing investor outreach activities ahead of the announcement. Management plans to host dedicated webcasts for both analysts and retail investors during the same week, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen communication with shareholders and provide greater visibility into the group’s evolving games and edtech strategy as it approaches the earnings release.

    Everplay’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance and a constructive second-half outlook. However, bearish technical indicators and moderate valuation considerations temper the overall assessment, while the recent appointment of a new CEO introduces a positive strategic catalyst for the business.

    More about Everplay Group

    Everplay Group plc, previously Team17 Group plc, is a global independent video games developer and publisher focused on premium titles, simulation games and children’s educational apps. Through its Team17, astragon and StoryToys divisions, the company serves indie gaming audiences, simulation players and families with young children, supported by well-known franchises such as Hell Let Loose, Worms, Overcooked!, Construction Simulator and Disney-branded learning applications.

  • Hammerson Returns to Profit as Prime Retail Assets Drive 2025 Performance

    Hammerson Returns to Profit as Prime Retail Assets Drive 2025 Performance

    Hammerson (LSE:HMSO) delivered a strong recovery in 2025, reporting total net rental income of £180 million, up 23% year on year, while the value of its property portfolio increased 33% to £3.5 billion following targeted investment in major UK retail destinations and joint venture acquisitions. EPRA earnings rose 5% to £104 million and EPRA net tangible assets per share increased 6%. The group also returned to profitability under IFRS reporting, posting a £232 million profit supported by a £120 million property revaluation gain and improved operational efficiency.

    Leasing activity reached a record £51 million at positive rental spreads, with occupancy levels rising to 96%. Visitor numbers exceeded broader national retail trends, highlighting continued demand for high-quality retail destinations and reinforcing Hammerson’s competitive positioning within prime assets. The company maintained a solid financial profile, with a loan-to-value ratio of 39%, refinancing debt on favourable terms while advancing strategic asset repositioning initiatives and residential developments. A modest dividend increase reflected growing management confidence and improved income visibility for investors.

    Hammerson’s outlook benefits from favourable technical indicators and supportive corporate developments that strengthen confidence in future performance. However, pressures related to profitability and cash flow remain considerations for investors. Valuation metrics present a mixed picture, combining a relatively high P/E ratio with an attractive dividend yield.

    More about Hammerson plc R.E.I.T.

    Hammerson plc is a UK-listed real estate investment trust focused on owning and managing prime retail-led destinations across the UK, France and Ireland. Its portfolio includes flagship shopping and mixed-use locations such as Westquay, Brent Cross, Bullring and Grand Central, where the company aims to create value through active asset management, redevelopment projects and data-driven leasing strategies designed to attract leading brands and maintain strong visitor traffic.

  • Phoenix Group Completes Rebrand to Standard Life and Adopts New SDLF Ticker

    Phoenix Group Completes Rebrand to Standard Life and Adopts New SDLF Ticker

    Standard Life plc, formerly Phoenix Group Holdings plc (LSE:PHNX), has officially registered its new corporate name with Companies House, completing a rebranding designed to unify the business under the established Standard Life name within the UK financial services sector. The company’s shares are scheduled to begin trading on the London Stock Exchange under the new ticker SDLF from 2 March 2026, alongside the launch of an updated corporate website reflecting the refreshed brand identity.

    The rebrand does not affect the company’s underlying securities or investor holdings. Key identifiers including SEDOL codes, ISINs and the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) remain unchanged, helping ensure continuity for shareholders and market participants. Existing share certificates will continue to be valid, and investors are not required to take any administrative action, with the new company name appearing only on future-issued documentation.

    The company’s investment outlook is supported by positive corporate developments and constructive earnings updates that highlight ongoing strategic progress and operational resilience. However, mixed financial performance and valuation concerns linked to profitability pressures continue to moderate the overall assessment. Technical indicators currently suggest a bullish share price trend, providing additional support to sentiment.

    More about Phoenix Group Holdings

    Standard Life plc, formerly Phoenix Group Holdings plc, is a financial services company focused on long-term savings and retirement solutions. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, the group provides investment, pension and retirement products while issuing both equity and debt securities to investors across UK and international capital markets.

  • Oxford Metrics Reports Steady Trading as Smart Manufacturing Restructure Prepares for FY26 Strategy Update

    Oxford Metrics Reports Steady Trading as Smart Manufacturing Restructure Prepares for FY26 Strategy Update

    Oxford Metrics (LSE:OMG) reported continued trading momentum across its Motion Capture and Smart Manufacturing businesses since 1 October 2025, as the company transitions to a new 31 December financial year-end ahead of a 15-month FY26 reporting period. Management highlighted solid demand across key markets and reiterated its focus on improving profitability while growing revenues, supported by an expanding sales pipeline and upcoming product launches.

    Within Motion Capture, the Vicon division secured two significant entertainment contracts valued at £2.7 million across Eastern Europe and Japan, alongside additional stage expansion projects in China and turnkey life sciences agreements in India. Trading in the United States remained broadly stable year on year. Interest in markerless motion capture technology continues to increase globally, with planned product enhancements aimed at expanding applications — particularly in life sciences — while supporting stronger conversion rates and higher recurring software income.

    In Smart Manufacturing, Oxford Metrics recorded several metrology contract wins with a major UK engineering group, repeat orders from an international food and beverage client, and new vision inspection projects covering medical vials, surgical blades, laboratory-grown diamonds and advanced semiconductor applications. As part of a structural reorganisation, Sempre and Industrial Vision Systems will merge into Industrial Vision and Metrology Systems Limited from 1 March 2026, a move intended to streamline execution, improve order-to-revenue conversion, and enhance operational efficiency as the division evolves toward a scalable, product-focused model.

    The board confirmed it is continuing to evaluate acquisition opportunities aligned with its long-term strategy while maintaining disciplined capital allocation. Management expects further progress in FY26 driven by a strong order pipeline, new Motion Capture product introductions and efficiency benefits from the Smart Manufacturing restructuring, with a refreshed three-year strategy and capital allocation framework scheduled for presentation later this year.

    Oxford Metrics’ overall investment profile is supported by strong technical momentum and a stable balance sheet, although profitability pressures remain. An attractive dividend yield offers some offset to a negative P/E ratio, while limited earnings call data and corporate developments constrain deeper assessment.

    More about Oxford Metrics

    Oxford Metrics is a UK-based smart sensing and measurement technology company serving customers in more than 70 countries across life sciences, entertainment, engineering and smart manufacturing sectors. Through its Vicon motion capture business and its Smart Manufacturing operations — including Industrial Vision Systems and Sempre — the group delivers motion measurement, machine vision and metrology solutions to blue-chip clients in industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and automotive.

  • Morgan Sindall Delivers Record 2025 Earnings and Upgrades Growth Ambitions

    Morgan Sindall Delivers Record 2025 Earnings and Upgrades Growth Ambitions

    Morgan Sindall Group (LSE:MGNS) reported record financial results for 2025, with revenue increasing 10% to £5.0 billion and adjusted profit before tax rising 35% to £232.6 million. Improved margins and a strong net cash position of £531 million supported performance during the year. The company raised its full-year dividend by 20% and entered 2026 with a record £19.1 billion pipeline of secured and preferred bidder projects, leading management to upgrade its medium-term growth targets for the Infrastructure and Mixed Use Partnerships divisions despite ongoing challenges in the housing market.

    Growth was delivered across all major business units, with particularly strong contributions from the Fit Out and Construction divisions. Partnership Housing recorded steady progress, while Property Services returned to profitability following remediation work. Mixed Use Partnerships absorbed planned investment spending ahead of project commencements scheduled for 2026. The group also retained leading ESG ratings, reinforcing its reputation as a financially resilient and sustainability-focused contractor, while highlighting confidence in long-term demand across its core markets.

    Morgan Sindall’s investment profile is supported by strong operational performance and positive corporate developments. Technical indicators point to a sustained upward share price trend, although overbought signals suggest some near-term caution may be warranted. Valuation metrics appear balanced, presenting a relatively neutral risk-reward profile.

    More about Morgan Sindall

    Morgan Sindall Group is a UK-based construction and regeneration company operating through five decentralised divisions: Partnership Housing, Mixed Use Partnerships, Fit Out, Construction and Infrastructure. The group delivers projects across public, regulated and private sectors, with a strategic emphasis on organic growth, strong order visibility and sustainability-driven operations.

  • Strategic Minerals Intersects High-Grade Tin and Tungsten at Redmoor Western Zone

    Strategic Minerals Intersects High-Grade Tin and Tungsten at Redmoor Western Zone

    Strategic Minerals (LSE:SML) announced new assay results from drillhole CRD041 at its Redmoor tungsten-tin-copper project in Cornwall, confirming the continuation of the high-grade Sheeted Vein System within the largely underexplored western, tin-rich section of the deposit. The drilling also identified additional tin-dominant mineralised zones beyond the established SVS structures, along with new mineralisation outside the current resource model, supporting the company’s geological interpretation and indicating potential for future resource expansion.

    Management stated that the objectives of the 2025 drilling programme have been successfully achieved, including verification of historical drilling data, confirmation of structural and grade continuity, and testing of areas within the existing JORC Exploration Target. Against a backdrop of strengthening global pricing trends for both tungsten and tin, the company believes forthcoming resource and economic updates — supported through the Shared Prosperity Fund programme — could further enhance Redmoor’s standing as one of Europe’s highest-grade undeveloped tungsten projects.

    The company’s outlook benefits from improved financial performance recorded in 2024 and supportive technical momentum in the share price. However, valuation metrics remain stretched, with a high P/E ratio and no dividend yield data, while overbought technical indicators suggest elevated near-term risk.

    More about Strategic Minerals

    Strategic Minerals plc is an international exploration and production company listed on AIM and USOTC. Its flagship Redmoor project in southeast Cornwall focuses on tungsten, tin and copper resources, developed through its wholly owned subsidiary Cornwall Resources Limited. The group aims to advance high-grade polymetallic assets in Europe amid evolving global demand for critical and industrial metals.

  • Diageo Lowers Dividend and Outlook Amid Weaker U.S. and China Demand

    Diageo Lowers Dividend and Outlook Amid Weaker U.S. and China Demand

    Diageo (LSE:DGE) reported first-half fiscal 2026 net sales of $10.5 billion, representing a 4% decline year on year, as organic net sales dropped 2.8% due to softer consumer demand in North America and continued weakness in Chinese white spirits. Growth across Europe, Latin America and Africa provided some offset, but operating profit still fell 1.2%, reflecting an unfavourable product mix and tariff pressures. Free cash flow decreased to $1.5 billion, prompting management to revise full-year expectations to a 2–3% fall in organic net sales and flat to low single-digit growth in organic operating profit.

    The company is placing greater emphasis on balance sheet resilience and financial flexibility, introducing a rebased dividend policy targeting a 30–50% payout ratio alongside a minimum annual dividend floor of 50 cents per share. An interim dividend of 20 cents was declared. Diageo also anticipates roughly $2.3 billion in proceeds from the agreed disposal of its holdings in East African Breweries and its Kenyan spirits operations. Meanwhile, the Accelerate cost-efficiency programme continues under new CEO Sir Dave Lewis, who is steering strategy toward improved competitiveness, broader portfolio strength and more customer-focused execution.

    Diageo’s outlook reflects supportive corporate developments and an attractive dividend yield, though pressures on profit margins, reduced cash flow stability and bearish technical indicators continue to weigh on overall sentiment.

    More about Diageo

    Diageo is a global beverage alcohol company known for its portfolio of premium spirits, beer and ready-to-drink brands. The group operates across key categories including whisky, vodka, rum and regional white spirits, supported by a diversified geographic presence spanning North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia-Pacific markets.

  • First Tin Strengthens Financial Position and Expands Resource Base as Key Projects Progress

    First Tin Strengthens Financial Position and Expands Resource Base as Key Projects Progress

    First Tin (LSE:1SN) reported interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2025, highlighting a stronger financial position following a £6.3 million equity raise. Cash balances increased to £9.03 million, while net assets rose to £50.27 million, and the company’s comprehensive loss narrowed to near breakeven. Management said the additional funding will support final permitting, engineering work and an enhanced Definitive Feasibility Study at its flagship Taronga project in Australia as the company advances toward the construction phase.

    At Taronga, submission of the Environmental Impact Statement and a smooth public consultation period marked an important regulatory milestone. Ongoing infill and extension drilling is contributing to an updated Mineral Resource Estimate expected to extend the project’s mine life and strengthen project economics, with potential by-product credits emerging from silver and copper mineralisation. In Germany, a significant resource upgrade at the Gottesberg deposit has lifted total contained tin resources across the group to 367,600 tonnes, positioning First Tin as the largest holder of undeveloped tin resources within the OECD and enhancing its strategic relevance amid tightening global supply and rising tin prices.

    The company is also advancing permitting activities at the Tellerhäuser project through a fast-tracked Life of Mine Plan while continuing technical optimisation of processing methods and mine design across its portfolio. Management noted that expanding resources in stable jurisdictions, improving project economics and favourable demand trends for critical metals are strengthening First Tin’s attractiveness to potential financiers and industrial customers seeking secure and responsible tin supply.

    The company’s overall assessment remains constrained by weak financial performance, including the absence of revenue generation, ongoing losses and continued cash outflows. These factors are partly balanced by a debt-free balance sheet and a solid equity base. Technical indicators remain supportive but may appear stretched, while valuation remains difficult to assess given continuing losses and the lack of dividend visibility.

    More about First Tin Plc

    First Tin PLC is a tin development company focused on advancing low-capex projects in Australia and Germany, with the goal of becoming a reliable and ethical supplier of traceable tin sourced from low political-risk, conflict-free jurisdictions. Its portfolio includes the Taronga project in New South Wales alongside German assets such as Gottesberg and Tellerhäuser, targeting growing structural demand for tin driven by electrification and decarbonisation trends.

  • AFC Energy Advances Hydrogen Commercialisation Following £27.5m Capital Raise

    AFC Energy Advances Hydrogen Commercialisation Following £27.5m Capital Raise

    AFC Energy (LSE:AFC) released its FY25 results outlining a strategic shift toward commercial rollout of its fuel cell generators and ammonia cracking technology, supported by an oversubscribed £27.5 million fundraising. The company increased investment in research and development during the year, while reporting a wider post-tax loss of £22.2 million. AFC Energy closed the period with £25.3 million in cash and investments and has since obtained regulatory approval to begin early hydrogen sales from its Dunsfold pilot facility.

    Operational progress included several deployments of 30kW generators through the Speedy Hydrogen Solutions joint venture and the introduction of the Hy-5 ammonia cracker. These initiatives are designed to deliver low-carbon hydrogen at a targeted cost of £10 per kilogram, positioning the company to compete among the UK’s lowest-cost suppliers. After the reporting period, AFC Energy launched its LC30 generator, signed new joint development agreements with both an S&P 500 partner and Komatsu, and entered a manufacturing partnership with Volex. Management indicated that 2026 is expected to mark the transition from pipeline development to firm commercial orders and more consistent revenue expansion.

    The company is now focused on securing pre-orders for the LC30 and Hy-5 platforms, building out a Fuel-as-a-Service offering, and expanding distribution channels across North America, Europe and through its Saudi Arabian partner Tamgo. A simplified organisational structure, continued patent development and an emphasis on commercial execution are intended to reinforce AFC Energy’s position within the developing low-carbon hydrogen and off-grid energy markets.

    AFC Energy’s investment outlook remains influenced by ongoing profitability and cash flow pressures. Technical indicators suggest improving market momentum, although valuation metrics — including a negative P/E ratio and absence of dividend yield — continue to weigh on overall sentiment.

    More about AFC Energy

    AFC Energy is a UK-listed developer of ammonia-based low-carbon hydrogen production and hydrogen-to-power technologies designed to replace diesel generation in off-grid environments. Its modular ammonia crackers and fuel cell systems aim to enable decentralised, scalable hydrogen supply for industrial and hard-to-abate sectors without dependence on government subsidies.

  • Hiscox Reports Record 2025 Performance and Expands Shareholder Returns

    Hiscox Reports Record 2025 Performance and Expands Shareholder Returns

    Hiscox (LSE:HSX) announced a third straight year of record financial performance in 2025, with insurance contract written premiums increasing 5.9% to $4.98 billion and profit before tax climbing to $732.7 million. The insurer achieved its strongest combined ratio in ten years at 87.8%, alongside record underwriting and investment income. Robust capital generation enabled a 20% rise in the final dividend and the launch of a new $300 million share repurchase programme, lifting total announced capital returns over the past three years to more than $1.1 billion.

    Retail operations delivered solid momentum, with premiums rising 6.3% at constant currency as Hiscox broadened its reach into adjacent specialist markets. The company expanded into Italy through a bolt-on broker acquisition and accelerated product rollouts, particularly targeting emerging professional sectors and technology-related risks. Management highlighted that its ongoing multi-year transformation programme contributed a $29 million profit uplift in 2025 and remains on course to generate $200 million in annual benefits from 2028, supporting faster retail expansion and strengthening Hiscox’s position as a focused specialty insurer.

    The company’s stock assessment reflects attractive valuation metrics and supportive corporate developments, notably the newly announced share buyback. While operating performance remains steady, cash flow pressures persist. Technical signals currently indicate a bearish trend, though valuation levels may imply potential upside if fundamentals continue to improve.

    More about Hiscox

    Hiscox Ltd is a Bermuda-based global specialty insurer listed on the London Stock Exchange. The group specialises in complex and niche risks, combining catastrophe-exposed underwriting with more stable local specialty insurance activities across its retail, London Market and reinsurance divisions. Hiscox serves both commercial and personal clients across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and other international markets.