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Entain PLC (LSE:ENT) reported a solid start to 2026, with first-quarter net gaming revenue increasing 3% on a constant currency basis, in line with expectations, as the global betting and gaming group reaffirmed its full-year outlook.

The company recorded strong activity levels, with total volumes up 8% year on year, supported by a 10% increase in online volumes. This was partly offset by a 1.5 percentage point decline in sports margins. Online net gaming revenue grew 5%, driven by a 9% rise in gaming, while sports revenue slipped 1% as a result of a 1.3 percentage point margin impact.

Performance in the UK and Ireland stood out, with net gaming revenue climbing 13% and exceeding expectations. Australia also returned to growth, delivering a 12% increase in net gaming revenue.

Shares moved 6.2% higher following the update, reflecting investor confidence as the company held its full-year guidance unchanged.

“We entered 2026 with strong momentum which has continued in Q1, with strong volume growth across our diversified portfolio,” said Stella David, CEO of Entain. “This further demonstrates our ongoing strategic execution and strengthening operations, and also highlights the growth embedded in our globally scaled business.”

Entain reiterated its forecast for fiscal 2026 online net gaming revenue growth of 5% to 7% on a constant currency basis, with the midpoint of 6% broadly matching analyst consensus. The company also said it remains comfortable with market expectations for group underlying EBITDA of £1,131 million for the year, excluding BetMGM-related fees, based on estimates from 11 analysts as of April 10.

BetMGM, the group’s US joint venture, reported first-quarter net revenue of $696 million, up 6%, with adjusted EBITDA of $25 million. However, it revised its full-year 2026 revenue outlook to between $2.9 billion and $3.1 billion, with adjusted EBITDA now expected toward the lower end of its previously guided $300 million to $350 million range.

Entain also reaffirmed its longer-term target of generating at least £500 million in annual adjusted cash flow by 2028.

TheraCryf plc (LSE:TCF), a UK biotechnology company focused on treatments for addiction and neuropsychiatric conditions, is progressing a pipeline led by a novel orexin-1 receptor antagonist targeting binge eating, alcohol dependence, and substance use disorders. The group is also developing a dopamine transporter modulator for fatigue linked to brain disorders, alongside a legacy oncology programme, all within a capital-light model that prioritises partnerships following early clinical validation.

The company has now filed a new process patent covering key elements of the manufacturing method for its lead candidate, Ox-1. If granted, the patent could provide up to 20 years of additional protection, extending exclusivity beyond the existing composition of matter patent. This development strengthens the intellectual property position around Ox-1, increasing barriers to generic competition and enhancing the programme’s long-term commercial potential as it approaches clinical readiness later in 2026.

More about TheraCryf plc

TheraCryf plc is a UK-based biotechnology company developing therapies for addiction and other central nervous system disorders with significant unmet need. Its lead programme focuses on a best-in-class orexin-1 receptor antagonist designed to treat conditions such as binge eating and substance use disorders. The company also advances a dopamine transporter modulator for fatigue associated with conditions including multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy, and narcolepsy, as well as a legacy glioblastoma project. Operating under a virtual development model, TheraCryf aims to progress assets to early clinical or proof-of-concept stages before partnering with larger pharmaceutical companies.

Audioboom (LSE:BOOM) reported a record first quarter for 2026, with revenue increasing 30% year on year to $22.5 million. Gross profit rose 41% to $4.8 million, pushing gross margin up to 21.3%. Adjusted EBITDA more than doubled to $1.4 million, as relatively stable operating costs allowed the company to translate higher volumes and improved creator agreements into a 6.2% EBITDA margin and a stronger cash position.

The company’s Showcase advertising marketplace was a key driver, with revenue climbing 63% alongside a 79% increase in average monthly downloads and video views, which reached 170 million. This growth followed the Adelicious acquisition and a number of new content partnerships. Although revenue per thousand impressions declined due to a higher proportion of lower-yield video and UK inventory, management views this as a longer-term monetisation opportunity. Recent video-focused partnerships with major platforms such as Spotify and Apple, along with renewed agreements with leading podcast creators, are expected to support future revenue growth.

The company’s outlook is supported by positive momentum and recent corporate developments, although challenges remain around cash flow generation and a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio. Strategic progress and strong trading performance point to further growth potential, with the current upward share price trend reinforcing a constructive outlook.

More about Audioboom

Audioboom Group plc is a global podcasting platform whose content is downloaded and viewed around 170 million times each month by approximately 50 million unique users. The company operates an advertising and monetisation platform that supports a premium network of podcasts, including major titles such as official Formula 1 shows and popular true crime and comedy series. With operations spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Audioboom distributes content عبر major platforms including Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and Amazon Music, and is ranked among the largest podcast publishers in the United States.

Dunelm (LSE:DNLM) posted third-quarter sales of £472 million, representing a 2.1% increase year on year. Digital channels continued to expand, accounting for 43% of total revenue and helping lift year-to-date sales by 3.1% to £1,398 million. Gross margin improved by 30 basis points as the company benefited from favourable foreign exchange movements while responding to increased demand for discounted products, reflecting more value-focused consumer behaviour.

The retailer noted that trading conditions weakened toward the end of the quarter amid rising global uncertainty. As a result, management now expects full-year profit before tax to come in at the lower end of market expectations. Despite this, Dunelm is continuing to invest in growth, including the full rollout of its mobile app, which has surpassed 300,000 downloads, and an expanded pipeline of new UK store openings. These initiatives support its longer-term omnichannel strategy, even as short-term earnings face pressure.

The company’s outlook is supported by steady underlying financial performance and broadly in-line earnings expectations, alongside relatively low capital expenditure and an attractive valuation, with a low price-to-earnings ratio and strong dividend yield. However, this is balanced by weaker technical indicators, including the share price trading below key moving averages and a negative MACD, as well as some financial risks linked to leverage and slowing free cash flow growth.

More about Dunelm Group

Dunelm Group is the UK’s leading homewares retailer, offering a wide range of products across categories such as textiles, furniture, kitchenware, lighting, outdoor, and DIY. Founded in 1979 in Leicester, the company now operates more than 200 stores across the UK and Ireland, supported by a strong online platform that includes home delivery and Click & Collect services. Dunelm’s focus on own-brand products, value, and quality, combined with its omnichannel model, underpins its position in the UK homewares market.

Blencowe Resources (LSE:BRES) has announced additional encouraging assay results from 36 shallow drill holes at the Beehive graphite deposit, located within its Orom-Cross project in Uganda. The latest results confirm substantial near-surface mineralisation, including multiple intercepts exceeding 30 metres in thickness and grades frequently above 5% total graphitic carbon, extending the discovery further to the north and west.

The findings strengthen the case for Beehive as a potentially bulk-mineable, high-grade graphite deposit and support progress toward a maiden JORC-compliant Mineral Resource, targeted for the second quarter of 2026. Alongside the previously defined Iyan resource, Beehive is expected to significantly increase the overall scale of Orom-Cross, enhancing its importance as a potential supplier of graphite to non-Chinese markets. This progress also supports Blencowe’s ongoing strategic discussions and funding efforts.

Despite positive exploration momentum, the company’s outlook remains constrained by its financial position, including a lack of revenue, continued losses, and negative operating and free cash flow, which deteriorated further in 2025. Market indicators also point to a weaker technical picture, with the share price trading below key short-term averages and momentum remaining subdued. Valuation remains difficult to assess due to negative earnings and the absence of a meaningful price-to-earnings ratio.

More about Blencowe Resources Plc

Blencowe Resources Plc is a London-listed exploration and development company focused on graphite assets, primarily through its Orom-Cross project in Uganda. The project is targeting large-scale, near-surface graphite resources intended to supply western markets seeking reliable, non-Chinese sources of critical materials used in batteries and industrial applications.

Alumasc (LSE:ALU) reported a 2% year-on-year increase in third-quarter revenue for the financial year ending 30 June 2026, with trading momentum improving as the period progressed. The company noted an 8% higher monthly run rate compared with the first half, while its order book stood 28% above March 2025 levels, supported by continued market share gains despite some delays within its Water Management division.

However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have slowed project timelines and customer decision-making, prompting the board to revise its underlying profit before tax forecast down to approximately £11 million. In response, management is continuing to implement efficiency and performance improvement measures, particularly within the Water Management segment, aiming to enhance profitability once market conditions stabilise.

The company’s outlook remains supported by solid operational performance and an attractive valuation, complemented by a strong dividend profile and stable financial footing. Nevertheless, technical indicators point to a more cautious near-term view, with bearish momentum suggesting potential pressure on the share price despite underlying strengths.

More about Alumasc

Alumasc Group is a UK-based provider of sustainable building products and systems, operating across three core divisions: Water Management, Building Envelope, and Housebuilding Products. A significant proportion of its revenue is driven by regulatory requirements and architect or engineer specifications, positioning the company within high-performance, compliance-led construction markets.

Ashmore Group (LSE:ASHM) said assets under management fell 3% to an estimated $50.7 billion in the quarter ended 31 March 2026, reflecting a combination of negative investment performance and net outflows. Within its portfolio, fixed income strategies—particularly blended and external debt—saw declines, while local currency strategies and equities attracted net inflows despite challenging market conditions.

The company noted that emerging markets were impacted by heightened volatility in the expanding conflict in the Middle East, which led some investors to hold back on new allocations. Nonetheless, Ashmore reported continued outperformance against benchmarks across both its equity and fixed income strategies. It also announced a new strategic partnership with Japan Post Insurance, aimed at broadening investor access to a wider range of emerging market asset classes.

Looking ahead, the firm’s outlook is supported by strong profitability and a notably low-leverage balance sheet, alongside favourable valuation metrics including a dividend yield of 6.81% and a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.343. Positive share price momentum also provides support. However, these strengths are partially offset by declining revenue, weaker cash conversion, and uncertainties around the timing of performance fees and ongoing fee pressure.

More about Ashmore Group PLC

Ashmore Group plc is a specialist asset manager focused on emerging markets, offering investment strategies across fixed income, equities, and alternative assets. The firm manages portfolios spanning external debt, local currency debt, corporate credit, and blended strategies, serving institutional and global investors seeking exposure to growth opportunities in developing economies.

Avingtrans’ Advanced Engineering Systems division (LSE:AVG) has recorded strong momentum in global nuclear markets, securing more than £10 million in nuclear-related orders since the beginning of the year. Among the contracts is a £3 million deal to supply a reactor water cleanup pump for Iberdrola’s Cofrentes nuclear plant in Spain, alongside long-lead prototype pump components for emerging small-scale nuclear technologies.

The company highlighted its involvement across the full nuclear lifecycle—from legacy asset support and life extension to new build, fusion, and decommissioning—as a key advantage in capturing growth driven by energy security and decarbonisation priorities. Increasing electricity demand from energy-intensive data centres is also expected to accelerate interest in small modular reactors (SMRs), an area where Avingtrans is already working on prototype development with a leading SMR partner.

Avingtrans’ portfolio of businesses, including Booth Industries, Hayward Tyler, Energy Steel, HT Fluid Handling, Metalcraft, and Ormandy Rycroft, positions it across both nuclear infrastructure and data centre cooling solutions. This broad exposure supports a growing project pipeline and underpins management’s confidence in meeting current market expectations.

The company’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance and recent contract wins, although valuation metrics suggest the shares may be somewhat stretched. Technical indicators point to a more neutral trend, and limited disclosure from earnings calls constrains deeper insight into management’s forward guidance.

More about Avingtrans

Avingtrans plc is a UK-based engineering group supplying equipment, systems, and services to energy, medical, and industrial markets worldwide. Its operations span performance-critical pumps and motors, nuclear components, pressure vessels, specialist access systems, HVAC equipment, and advanced imaging technologies, serving both infrastructure and high-tech applications across global markets.

Animalcare Group (LSE:ANCR) has agreed to a recommended takeover by CCP PAW 2 Limited, an indirect subsidiary of Charterhouse Capital Partners, through a UK scheme of arrangement. The offer values the business at about £235.2 million, with shareholders set to receive 336 pence in cash per share—representing a premium of up to 36% compared with recent market prices.

In addition to the cash option, eligible investors may choose to roll over a significant portion of their holdings into unlisted Topco Units via an aggregator structure, receiving Aggregator Interests instead of full cash consideration. While Animalcare’s board has unanimously backed the cash offer as fair and reasonable, it has not expressed a recommendation regarding the alternative structure. Charterhouse believes that taking the company private will allow for increased investment in research and development, operational improvements, and acquisition-led expansion within the animal health sector.

From an outlook perspective, Animalcare benefits from a stable financial position and the positive implications of the proposed transaction. However, valuation remains a consideration due to a negative price-to-earnings ratio. Technical indicators suggest moderate upside potential, while the company’s strategic direction and board confidence provide additional support.

More about Animalcare

Animalcare Group is an international animal health pharmaceuticals business with a diversified portfolio of veterinary products and limited reliance on any single product line. The company operates across Europe and Australasia, focusing on growth in the expanding animal health market through a combination of in-house R&D and targeted acquisitions, including deals such as Randlab.