Helium One shares jump on Tanzania and US developments

UK Investor Magazine
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Helium One shares jump on Tanzania and US developments

Shares in Helium One Global Ltd (AIM: HE1) soared this morning following two announcements related to their USA and Tanzanian operations.

The company, which also holds a 50% working interest in the Galactica-Pegasus helium project in Colorado and operates the southern Rukwa Helium Project in Tanzania, saw its shares jump over 20% on Monday after releasing developments for both assets.

The first announcement confirmed successful drilling operations at the Jackson-31 well in Colorado, part of the Galactica Project operated with partner Blue Star Helium. The well was drilled to a total depth of 1,210 feet (368.8m) with free gas confirmed by wireline logs.

Perhaps most encouraging for investors was the news that the well flowed naturally during drilling operations, demonstrating strong reservoir communication. Technical data revealed the well encountered 57 feet (17m) of high-quality, gas-saturated Upper Lyons Sandstone Formation with impressive porosity ratings between 22-26%.

Samples have been dispatched to laboratories for analysis of helium and CO2 concentrations, whilst preparations continue for surface pressure readings and flow testing.

In a separate development, Helium One announced receipt of an offer letter from the Mining Commission in Tanzania for the grant of a Mining Licence covering their southern Rukwa Helium Project. Much of Helium One’s newsflow has been focused on Colorado of late, so news of progress in Africa will be welcomed by investors.

The potential licence would span approximately 480 square kilometres, encompassing the entire southern Rukwa project area across the Momba and Sumbawanga Districts. The offer follows special approval from Tanzania’s Ministry of Minerals, which has permitted the Mining Commission to grant a larger-than-standard licence area that will enable full development of the project’s potential.

With the drilling rig now being mobilised to the Jackson-4 well location in Colorado and the company reviewing the specific terms of the Tanzanian mining licence offer, investors will be watching closely for further updates that could sustain the current positive momentum in the share price.

The AI trade, Trump tariffs, and UK equity catalysts with Rathbones CIO Edward Smith

UK Investor Magazine
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The AI trade, Trump tariffs, and UK equity catalysts with Rathbones CIO Edward Smith

The UK Investor Magazine was delighted to welcome Rathbones Investment Management’s Co-Chief Investment Officer, Edward Smith, to the podcast.

This episode focuses on Rathbones’ 2025 Outlook and explores the AI trade, DeepSeek’s emergence, Trump tariffs, UK equity valuations, European growth, and China.

Explore Rathbones’ 2025 Outlook here.

Amidst concerns over Trump’s tariffs, Edward identifies potential opportunities for investors prepared to look beyond the gloom. We examine the US AI rally and explore whether DeepSeek’s emergence threatens to derail the entire global equity market. 

Edward offers a fascinating insight into the key metrics his team uses to assess the value of AI stocks and technology shares and what recent analysis suggests. 

When discussing US equity concentration, we consider whether the Magnificent Seven’s market dominance will persist and highlight sectors that could broaden the US equity rally. 

We compare and contrast the sluggish growth in Europe with the UK’s economic landscape, outlining key differences and assessing relative investment attractiveness between the two markets.

The conversation examines China’s evolving role in global growth, questioning whether it still serves as the primary growth engine it once was. Edward identifies alternative geographies he believes are positioned to fill any potential gap left by China.

To conclude, Edward offers insights into which markets present the best relative value in 2025 and where they anticipate the strongest growth potential.

AIM weekly movers: Staffline sells training business

Andrew Hore
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AIM weekly movers: Staffline sells training business

Staffing firm Staffline (LON: STAF) is selling its workplace training business PeoplePlus for up to £6.9m – £12m minus £5.1m deduction for advanced payments. The change in government has led to uncertainty concerning training and delays in client decisions. PeoplePlus was expected to make a 2025 pre-tax profit of £300,000, down from £1.3m in 2024. Panmure Liberum expects an £11.1m non-cash write down on the business. A share buyback has been launched. This could acquire up to £7.5m worth of shares. The share price recovered 41.7% to 32.8p.

Beowulf Mining (LON: BEM) reported 2024 results after the closure of the market on Friday. The 37.5% rise in the share price to 22p, happened before the release. Management says that the company will require working capital in the very near term and work is underway with advisers.

Retail software provider itim Group (LON: ITIM) says that 2024 revenues were 5% better than expected at £17.9m thanks to contract wins in the second half. This enabled itim to move back into profit. Zeus forecasts a 2024 pre-tax profit of £200,000 and upgraded its 2025 figure to £500,000. The share price increased 34.1% to 55p.

EnergyPathways (LON: EPP) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with a clean energy fund, which would be a cornerstone investor in an equity funding at higher than the current share price. This will provide cash for the development of the MESH energy storage project. A FTSE 100 constituent is interested in long-term storage capacity. The final concept engineering report has been submitted and a decision on the application for a gas storage licence is expected soon. The MESH project could be operational by the end of 2027. The share price rose 22.3% to 6.85p, having been as high as 8.25p during the week.

FALLERS

Online building materials retailer CMO Group (LON: CMO) has reviewed its strategic options and decided that it should leave AIM because it cannot source the finance it requires. This should save £700,000/year. JP Jenkins will provide a matched bargains market. CMO joined AIM at the height of the Covid-related boom in DIY and its results have declined since then. The market is currently declining, although there are signs of improvement in February. CMO raised £45m at 132p/share when it joined AIM in July 2021. The share price slumped 69.9% to 1.25p.

Great Western Mining Corporation (LON: GWMO) plans to consolidate 200 existing shares into one new share and then reduce the par value, which is currently higher than the share price, from €0.02 to €0.0001. This will enable the Nevada-focused miner to issue shares for additional funding. The share price dipped 30% to 0.0105p.

Antibody profiling company Oncimmune (LON: ONC) shares continue their decline as it says that it is in talks to raise cash ahead of the current money running out in April. Alvarez & Marsal has been appointed to target potential partners and investors. The share price fell 29.4% to 1.75p.

Wine maker Gusbourne (LON: GUS) is holding the general meeting to gain approval for its departure from AIM on 7 March. The share price continued its decline and is 28.1% lower at 11.5p.

At the AGM, Active Energy Group (LON: AEG) shareholders approved the reduction in the par value of shares from 0.35p to 0.035p. The share price slid 27.7% to 0.235p.

Aquis weekly movers: Profit rebounds at Field Systems Designs

Andrew Hore
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Aquis weekly movers: Profit rebounds at Field Systems Designs

Audit and assurance services provider Adsure Services (LON: ADS) has signed a contract with K10 Vision to implement its audit working paper software. This will enhance the efficiency of subsidiary TIAA and integration is already underway. The share price increased 17% to 27.5p.

SulNOx Group (LON: SNOX) has signed an exclusive agency agreement for Greece and Cyprus with Technava SA. The focus will be the maritime market for the company’s fuel additives. The share price improved 15.8% to 110p.

EDX Medical Group (LON: EDX) founder and executive director Professor Sir Chris Evans acquired 60,000 shares at 12.97p each and 30,000 shares at an average share price of 13.49p each. The share price moved ahead by 6% to 13.25p.

In the six months to November 2024, Field Systems Designs (LON: FSD) improved revenues from £8.8m to £13.1m and pre-tax profit recovered from £84,000 to £853,000. There is cash of £4.4m. The mechanical and electrical engineering services company has benefit from increasing activity under the AMP7 programme for the water sector. The AMP8 programme will begin in April 2025. There are secured orders worth more than £22m, but the start of AMP8 is likely to see a slowdown in spending before it ramps up again. The share price rose 5.88% to 45p.

FALLERS

KR1 (LON: KR1) reported an end-January 2025 NAV of 77.5p/share, down from 77.8p/share the previous month, and has generated income of £721,233 during the months. The share price fell 13.8% to 40.5p.

Coinsilium (LON: COIN) subsidiary Forza Gibraltar is taking part in the Bitcoin Horizons: Global Adoption and Asset Strategy on 18 March. The share price dipped 6.35% to 2.95p.

Having raised £7.4m from a placing at 180p/share healthcare procedures provider One Health Group (LON: OHGR) has raised a further £200,000 through a retail offer, where shares worth up to £500,000 were on offer. Existing shareholders have the chance to take up shares in a one-for-38 open offer of up to £500,000 ahead of the move to AIM. which is expected to happen on 20 March. The share price slipped 2.56% to 190p.

FTSE 100 reverses early losses as IAG soars

UK Investor Magazine
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FTSE 100 reverses early losses as IAG soars

The FTSE 100 had a choppy end to the week, with concerns about tariffs and AI-related US stocks offsetting some very respectable earnings updates from London-listed large caps in early trade.

London’s leading index fell sharply on the open, but dip buyers quickly bid the market up as the session progressed, and the index was trading 0.3% higher at the time of writing.

“The countdown to Trump’s tariffs coming into force is now in the final few days and investors have got the jitters,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

“Trump likes to make threats and stand his ground, hoping the other side blinks first and doesn’t put up a fight. The tariff recipient countries will be working hard over the weekend to finalise their game plan – do they retaliate or not?

“This uncertainty has unnerved markets and we saw a big sell-off on Wall Street last night, including what turned out to be a miserable day for Nvidia. The chip giant ended the day more than 8% lower as its results failed to reassure investors that it can fight off growing competition and deal with customers either going it alone or seeking solutions to reduce their overall AI costs.”

Nvidia’s results beat expectations, but the forward-looking nature of markets and the rich valuations of Nvidia and other tech shares mean the slightest threat to the AI rally is met with broad selling of US tech that spills over into global stocks.

That said, S&P 500 futures had stabilised on Friday, providing a base for the FTSE 100 to rally as positive corporate stories took control.

IAG was one of the standout performers after the airline said full-year revenue grew 9% and free cash flow expanded dramatically despite making significant investments in the business.

IAG shares were 5% higher at the time of writing.

“British Airways owner IAG smashed market expectations in the final quarter, delivering beats on both the top and bottom lines,” said Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown.

“The group’s market-leading networks, strong brands, and fierce operational focus continue to drive performance skyward. Despite increased capacity, planes are flying with more passengers on board on average. That shows demand for the group’s routes remains strong despite the current pressure on consumers’ incomes.

“With its London base, IAG has a high share of premium passengers relative to other airlines, given London is the global leader in arriving and departing premium passengers. These customers are more willing to pay extra for a better seat, which is helping to boost margins.”

Housebuilders were higher after Nationwide said house prices rose 3.9% in the year to February. Persimmon rose 3.4% while Berkeley Group gained 1.8%.

An upbeat outlook from Rightmove in its full-year results helped its own stock 3% but also lifted sentiment for the sector.

US PCE data and its assessment of inflationary pressures due for release on Friday could upset markets as we head into the weekend.

Morgan Advanced Materials slumps on semiconductor overstocking and uncertain markets

Andrew Hore
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Morgan Advanced Materials slumps on semiconductor overstocking and uncertain markets

Morgan Advanced Materials (LON: MGAM) is the biggest faller in the FTSE 250 index despite reporting an improved full year profit. However, demand is uncertain particularly in semiconductors where clients are overstocked. The share price slumped 17.6% to 211p.

Morgan Advanced Materials produces a wide range of carbon and ceramic materials for sectors including electronics, healthcare, transport, energy and industrial.  

In 2024, revenues were flat at £1.1bn, although there was growth in constant currency terms, but cost savings helped margins improve and pre-tax profit rise from £102.9m to £107.7m. The dividend was edged up from 12p/share to 12.2p/share.

There was a decline in revenues in the thermal products division, but profit contribution was maintained. The performance carbon and technical ceramics both improved revenues and profit.

Capital investment in semiconductor capacity is being scaled back because of slower growth in battery electric vehicles. The investment has been reduced from £100m to £60m. This capacity will generate revenues of £40m, which is 50% of the previous intention.

Annual savings of £27m will be achieved by 2026. These the majority of these cost savings initiatives will come through in 2025 and this should enable margins to rise from 11.7% to 12.5% in 2025. That will offset a likely decline in revenues this year.

Morgan Advanced Materials is continuing its share buyback programme. It has already bought back £10m worth of shares and another £10m will be spent. The company has permission to spend up to £40m in total.

AIM movers: Yellow Cake changes incentive plan and Benchmark revenues fall

Andrew Hore
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AIM movers: Yellow Cake changes incentive plan and Benchmark revenues fall

Zoo Digital (LON: ZOO) shares are recovering after last week’s trading statement and finance director Phillip Blundell bought 20,000 shares at 12.15p each. The share price recovered 19.4% to 14.625p.

Retail software provider itim Group (LON: ITIM) shares continue to rise following yesterday’s trading statement saying that 2024 revenues were 5% better than expected at £17.9m thanks to contract wins in the second half. This led to a return to profit. Zeus forecasts a 2024 pre-tax profit of £200,000 and upgraded its 2025 figure to £500,000. The share price rose a further 12.4% to 54.5p.

FALLERS

Growth in the revenues of diagnostics developer Oxford BioDynamics (LON: OBD) remains modest and the loss increased. Revenues moved up from £510,000 to £636,000, while the loss was nearly £12m. Since the balance sheet date £7.35m has been raised at 0.5p/share and Ian Ross appointed executive chairman. The company is seeking partners and collaborators to accelerate the take up of its EpiSwitch products. The share price slipped 10.4% to 0.515p.

First quarter figures from aquaculture company Benchmark Holdings (LON: BMK) show a 30% reduction in continuing revenues to £17.7m. This excludes the genetics business that it is being sold, and regulatory clearance should be received by the end of March. There was a quarterly loss as overheads are being spread over a smaller business. There will be a reduction in costs following disposal of the genetics business. Net debt was £62m at the end of 2024. Trading is improving in both the advanced nutrition and health divisions. The share price fell 7.59% to 24.95p.

Broker Fiske (LON: FKE) published interim results showing higher revenues and profit despite rising operating costs relating to compliance work. Both commissions and investment management fees improved. Revenues increased 12% to £3.89m, while pre-tax profit rose from £429,000 to £879,000. Assets under administration rose by 0.5% to £882m. There was £5.9m in the bank at the end of 2024, plus a stake in Euroclear that generated £472,000 in dividends in the period. Fiske has increased its dividend by 10% to 0.275p/share. Net assets were £10.5m at the end of 2024. The share price dipped 7.14% to 65p.

Uranium investor Yellow Cake (LON: YCA) has consulted with shareholders about why two AGM resolutions received less than 80% of votes in their favour. Shareholder voted against the directors’ remuneration report because of concerns about the vesting of shares under the Long-Term Incentive Plan not being subject to any conditions. The scheme has been amended following consultation. Performance shares will be issued and performance conditions that align management with increases in the uranium price are being introduced. A proxy advisory firm initially recommended voting against the reappointment of Sofia Bianchi as a director because of her number of directorships outside of the company. However, a clarification of these appointments led to a reversal of that recommendation four days before the AGM – too late for some to change their vote. The share price declined 3.62% to 446.8p.

EnergyPathways (LON: EPP) non-executive director Stephen West intends to step down from the board, but he remains a consultant. He contributed to the reversal that led to EnergyPathways joining AIM. The share price lost some of the gains following the announcement about MESH earlier in the week and is down 2.8% to 6.95p.

Foxtons Group shares – progress will be lethargic until strength becomes visible

Mark Watson-Mitchell
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Foxtons Group shares – progress will be lethargic until strength becomes visible

Known for its iconic styling of its offices scattered across London and nearby counties, as well as the green and yellow liveried fleet of cars, the £188m-capitalised Foxtons Group (LON:FOXT) must be feeling nervous of its public perception.
Reaction To Bad Rumours
There has been a sudden explosion of comment about the pervading culture within its estate agency workforce – with claims of bullying, sexual harassment and racism being reported by past and present staff members.
That is not good news for the group, with even the Tempus column calling its shares out as an Avoid situation.
It is als...

Average UK house prices rise 3.9% – Nationwide

UK Investor Magazine
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Average UK house prices rise 3.9% – Nationwide

According to the latest data from Nationwide, the price of an average UK home increased by 3.9% in the year to February 2025.

Average UK house prices hit £270,493 in February.

The rise was driven by an increase in transactions despite higher interest rates and mortgage rates acting as a headwind for the market overall.

“Housing market activity has also remained resilient in recent months, despite ongoing affordability challenges. Indeed, the second half of 2024 saw a noticeable pick up in total housing transactions, which were up 14% compared with the same period in 2023,” said Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist.

“Despite a rise in house prices, we believe that growth is likely to face pressure and remain steady, as higher borrowing costs start to affect buyers, despite the market’s continued resilience,” said Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners.

“Investors and developers in the residential sector remain motivated by the supply demand imbalance and under the new government, we think there will be more projects that get off the ground. We are seeing a greater variety of housing options, such as co-living schemes, coming to market which fulfil the growing requirements of younger professional buyers. If prices flatten and interest rates start to fall, we will see more first-time buyers able to step onto the property ladder.”

Rightmove releases steady full year results, sees further growth in the year ahead

UK Investor Magazine
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Rightmove releases steady full year results, sees further growth in the year ahead

Rightmove has announced its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2024, showing the company has navigated the evolving UK property market and kept its top spot as the UK’s largest property portal.

The company reported a 7% increase in revenue to £389.9 million, up from £364.3 million in 2023. While operating profit decreased slightly by 1% to £256.3 million, underlying operating profit rose by 4% to £273.9 million, maintaining a robust 70% underlying operating margin.

Financial performance was a key driver in a steady increase in the dividend.

Rightmove has recommended a final dividend of 6.1p per ordinary share, up 7% from the previous year’s 5.7p. This brings the total dividend for 2024 to 9.8p, representing a 5% increase from 2023. The company returned £181.7 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks during the year.

“These are solid results from Rightmove, underlining the resilience of its business model. Despite the uncertain housing market, 2024 results were in line with expectations and the outlook is confident, with growth set to strengthen in 2025,” said Charlie Huggins, Fund Manager at Wealth Club.

“The rebuffed takeover approach from REA as well as CoStar’s acquisition of OnTheMarket means the pressure is on Rightmove to deliver. It needs to step up innovation, rather than relying on big price increases for growth.”

The portal continues to dominate consumer engagement in the UK property sector, with users spending over 16.4 billion minutes on the platform during 2024, a 6% increase from the previous year’s 15.4 billion minutes. Rightmove maintained its position as the fourth-busiest UK-based digital platform, behind only the BBC, digital publisher Reach, and the government website Gov.uk.

According to the company, more than 80% of all time spent on UK property portals occurred on Rightmove, with over 80% of its traffic coming from direct and organic sources. The company has also increased its social media presence, with engagement across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok rising by 39% year-on-year.

Technology innovation and AI usage accelerated in 2024, with over 5,000 releases by 24 AI-enabled product teams, up from 3,700 releases by 16 product teams in 2023. The company increased its headcount by 14% to just under 900 employees, with 60% of new recruits filling technology roles.

In terms of the outlook, Rightmove expects revenue growth of 8-10% for 2025, building on its 2024 progress and benefiting from the full-year impact of Optimiser Edge uptake, further product-led growth across its core business, and continued progress within its Strategic Growth Areas. The company anticipates around 1% growth in membership and average revenue per advertiser (ARPA) growth of £95-£105 across estate agency and new homes developers.

The company expects to maintain its underlying operating margin of 70% as it continues to invest in innovation and accelerating its growth areas. Rightmove’s management expressed confidence in the company’s outlook for 2025 and beyond, citing the strength of its business model, clear strategy, and focus on innovation.

Solid results from Rightmove, but nothing to be overly excited about.

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