Prudential shares undervalued with significant capital returns on the horizon

UK Investor Magazine
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Prudential shares undervalued with significant capital returns on the horizon

Prudential shares present an ‘exciting buying opportunity’ according to equity analysts at Morningstar, with shares trading 16.5% below Morningstar’s Fair Value Estimate despite a major pivot in capital allocation that promises to unlock significant shareholder value.

The insurance giant’s recent strategic decisions — a $2 billion share buyback program and the partial divestment of its stake in ICICI Prudential Asset Management through an IPO — position the company to return substantial capital to investors.

Combined, these initiatives could deliver approximately $4.1 billion to shareholders, representing 15% of Prudential’s current market capitalisation, according to Morningstar.

Analysts project Prudential’s operating free surplus generation will surge from $2.6 billion currently to $4.4 billion by 2027, providing a strong foundation for sustained capital returns.

The improvements in the outlook for cash flow are expected to enable the company to restore its dividend to pre-2019 levels of around $0.46 per share, potentially doubling the current dividend yield.

“After a period of investor uncertainty, Prudential is now making clear and decisive moves to return capital,” said Henry Heathfield, equity analyst at Morningstar.

“The combination of accelerated buybacks and the partial divestment of its Indian asset management arm signals a strong commitment to shareholder value. We believe the market has not fully priced in the impact of these changes, which are poised to restore faith in the business and drive the share price upward as the yield improves.” 

Prudential recently announced a 13% increase in new business profits in its Q3 results, driven by strong performance in mainland China and Hong Kong.

M&C Saatchi rebuffs Brave Bison’s takeover interest in performance division

UK Investor Magazine
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M&C Saatchi rebuffs Brave Bison’s takeover interest in performance division

Brave Bison has confirmed it made an unsolicited £50 million offer to acquire M&C Saatchi Performance, only to see the approach rebuffed by M&C Saatchi.

Brave Bison, the next-generation marketing group, submitted a non-binding proposal for the companies, trade and assets comprising MCSP, which it planned to merge with its existing performance marketing operations. The combination would have created one of the largest independent performance marketing companies outside the US.

M&C Saatchi, however, has dismissed the approach as fundamentally undervaluing the division. The company said the offer “does not reflect the future prospects” for MCSP, which it described as a core element of its growth strategy.

M&C said no discussions are ongoing, while Brave Bison’s announcement, released at the same time as M&C’s rejection, detailed how it plans to fund the acquisition.

This may not be the last we hear of Brave Bison’s interest in the division.

MCSP, headquartered in Singapore with approximately 410 staff across APAC, MENA, the US and UK, generated net revenue of £26.8 million in 2024 – an 8% year-on-year increase. The division, established in 2006 and now led by CEO Kabeer Chaudhary, works with major clients including Grab, Amazon, Canva and Meta.

Brave Bison had projected the acquisition would contribute a minimum of £8 million in adjusted EBITDA, boosting its own adjusted EBITDA by over 80% to £17 million.

Capita strengthens Samsung UK partnership with AI-powered contract extension

UK Investor Magazine
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Capita strengthens Samsung UK partnership with AI-powered contract extension

Capita has secured a significant contract extension with Samsung Electronics UK, building on a successful 14-year partnership that began in 2011.

The expanded agreement will see Capita continue delivering comprehensive customer experience services for Samsung’s consumer electronics range, from mobile phones to televisions.

The new contract focuses on cutting-edge technology integration, with Capita planning to migrate Samsung’s telephony system to AWS Connect-powered Capita Contact, streamlining customer interactions.

In addition, the deal will include a proof-of-concept deployment of Agent Suite, Capita’s flagship GenAI-powered platform, to be tested in the Business Service Centre.

Capita’s services will span multiple communication channels, including voice support, email assistance, and social media community management. The company has been providing technical support for Samsung’s mobile customers alongside broader customer solutions since the partnership began.

In 2016, Capita expanded its offering by establishing a dedicated Business Service Centre. This facility provides technical support, customer service, and managed services to Samsung’s business partners.

“These new contracts further strengthen our 14-year partnership with Samsung, and we will be prioritising innovation and quality to ensure seamless, efficient, and valuable experiences for Samsung and their customers,” said Corinne Ripoche, CEO of Capita Experience.

“I am especially excited that we will be driving these experiences via the increased application of technology and AI.  
 
“Our focus on transformation for clients by bringing technology, people and processes together is at the heart of Capita’s strategy, and I am looking forward to seeing this in action with Samsung.” 

Majestic Corporation secures lease for new 50,000 sq ft Wrexham facility

UK Investor Magazine
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Majestic Corporation secures lease for new 50,000 sq ft Wrexham facility

Majestic Corporation has announced a significant expansion of its recycling operations with the launch of a new 50,000 square foot facility in Wrexham, Wales.

The sustainable circular-economy solutions provider, which specialises in recycling and non-ferrous metals, has secured a lease on a new industrial space to meet growing demand for e-waste recycling across the UK and Europe.

Telecycle Europe Limited, Majestic’s wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into a five-year lease agreement for a unit at a business park in Wrexham, at an annual rent of £130,000. The facility will complement Majestic’s existing 4,000 square foot site in Deeside, Wales.

The new location positions the company to handle increased processing of e-waste, battery materials, IT infrastructure, and solar renewables.

The lease agreement involves a related party transaction, as the property is owned by Wrexham Holdings Limited. This company is wholly owned by Peter Lai, who serves as both Chairman and CEO of Majestic.

 “This facility marks a major step forward in our mission to enable a truly circular economy,” said Peter Lai, Chairman, CEO and Founder of Majestic Corporation.

“By increasing our capacity to handle complex waste streams, we’re not only meeting rising demand but also ensuring more of this critical processing happens locally, here in the UK. Ultimately, this means we’re delivering more to our customers and with greater efficiency.”

Today’s news follows Majestic’s listing on the US OTC Market in October as the group hones in on investor demand in the US and Asia.

Majestic Corporation’s shares are around 60% higher year to date in 2025.

Director deals: Chief executive provides signal for Checkit shares

Andrew Hore
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Director deals: Chief executive provides signal for Checkit shares

Optimisation software provider Checkit (LON: CKT) chief executive Kit Kyte bought 309,116 shares at 12.94p each and 140,317 shares at 14.235p each. That takes his stake to 1.115 million shares. During May, he bought 497,925 shares at 14.158p each.
The share price has slumped 28.7% to 14.25p following the failed bid for Crimson Tide (LON: TIDE).
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The business focus is cloud-based Software-as-a-Service operational management services. This covers workflow, systems management and automated monitoring services. Building management, food services and healthcare are important sectors.
The ma...

AIM weekly movers: Anglesey Mining requires funding

Andrew Hore
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AIM weekly movers: Anglesey Mining requires funding

Genedrive (LON: GDR) and its local distribution partner have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ministry of health to introduce the Genedrive MT-RNR1 ID Kit. This is a pilot that could extend to a national deal. David Nugent, who increased his stake from 15.1% to 16%, has offered a loan of up to £1m on terms to be agreed. The share price rebounded 122% to 1.044p.

Conygar Investment Company (LON: CIC) is selling its 203-acre brownfield land at Rhosgoch in Anglesey to Rhosgoch Property, a subsidiary of Stena Lin. The net proceeds will be £18.3m, compared with a valuation of £2.5m. NAV was £63.8m (107.5p/share) at the end of March 2025, but since then there has been a £750,000 loss on the sale of a Virgin Active gym. Premier Miton trimmed its stake from 13.9% to 12.8%, while First Equity has cut its interest from 13.2% to 12.8%. The share price jumped 27.5% to 32.5p.

Caledonian Holdings (LON: CHP) has entered an agreement with Mousdale Investment and Nevis Investments which will each swap 250,000 AlbaCo shaes for 6.25 million Caledonian Holdings shares at 0.004p each. This will take Caledonian Holdings’ sake in new smaller company focused bank AlbaCo to 5.47%. The share price improved 27.3% to 0.0035p.

Idox (LON: IDOX) is recommending a 71.5p/share cash bid from Long Path Opportunities Fund. This values the public sector software and services company at £339.5m. Long Path has been a long-term shareholder, and it owns 12% of Idox. The belief is that as a private company Idox will be able to take a longer-term view and invest in new technology with the backing of Long Path. The share price rose 27% to 70.6p.

FALLERS

Shareholders did not agree to the proposed fundraising by Anglesey Mining (LON: AYM) and management is preserving cash as it seeks alternative forms of financing. Without that the company will go into administration. Alumni Capital had agreed to offer equity funding of up to £2m. The share price slumped 97.2% to 0.25p.

Cancer treatments developer ValiRx (LON: VAL) is raising £750,000 at 0.25p/share and a WRAP offer could raise up to £300,000 more. The offer closes on 3 November. All subscribers get one warrant exercisable at 0.5p each with every new share. The cash will fund R&D, including the preclinical development of potential breast cancer treatment Cytolytix. The share price dipped 56.5% to 0.25p.

Great Western Mining Corporation (LON: GWMO) says soil sampling at the Huntoon copper project in Nevada shows elevated levels of tungsten, copper and zinc. The soil geochemical anomaly has been extended to more than 2.8km. The consistency of anomalies suggests a larger than anticipated mineralised system. Further analysis will help to design a new drilling campaign. The share price declined 28.2% to 1.4p.

Versarien (LON: VRS) has signed heads of terms with a UK quoted company for the sale of Total Carbide and the other remaining assets for £100,000 in cash and £100,000 in shares. The buyer will also take responsibility for £5.7m of loans plus interest. Versarien can operate with the support of creditors until the end of November. If the transaction goes ahead Versarien will become a shell. The share price fell 27% to 0.01p.

Aquis weekly movers: K1 moving to Main Market

Andrew Hore
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Aquis weekly movers: K1 moving to Main Market

Valereum (LON: VLRM) says COINGT, the infrastructure tokenisation project representing the Interoceanic Corridor of Guatemala, will be listed on tokenisation venue VLRM Markets. The token represents a project to create a logistics and trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific. The share price jumped 72.2% to 7.75p.

Digital assets investor KR1 (LON: KR1) is planning a move to the Main Market. A prospectus has been published, and the switch is expected on 25 November. There are also plans to raise money from a placing programme of up to 125 million shares if it is agreed by shareholders at a general meeting on 20 November. This will broaden the shareholder base. KR1 chairman Rhys Davies has been paid a bonus of 580,000 shares. NAV was 50.9p/share at the end of September 2025. The share price increased 9.52% to 34.5p.

SulNox Group (LON: SNOX) generated record second quarter revenues of £679,300, which is 30% above the first quarter. Fuel emission reduction additive volumes were 39% higher. So far this year, revenues are 173% ahead at £1.2m. Cash was £1.36m at the end of September 2025. The share price gained 5.97% to 35.5p.

Adnams (LON: ADB) interim chair bought 1,650 B shares at 1805p each, while finance director Andrew Driscoll bought 500 A shares at £10 each. The B share price rose 5.56% to £19.

WeCap (LON: WCAP) holds 806,022 shares in WeShop, which intends to join Nasdaq, as well as a 23.5% stake in a company that owns 2.08 million WeShop shares. The other investment is waterway cleaning technology developer Bio2pure. The 10% stake is valued at nil. WeCap had net assets of £6.77m at the end of April 2025. The shares edged up a further 3.85% to 2.7p.

FALLERS

Healthcare IT developer DXS International (LON: DXSP) improved full year revenues from £3.31m to £3.47m and the loss was reduced from £4.95m to £175,000. Slow NHS decision making is holding back progress. Even excluding the previous year’s asset impairment of £4.38m the loss is lower. Turnover is expected to be flat this year and there will be another loss. The share price slipped 34.3% to 1.15p.

Lift Global Ventures (LON: LFT) says it is extending the loan to investee company Trans-Africa Energy to 31 January 2026. The share price fell 27.8% to 0.325p.

Igraine (LON: KING) has received £3.91m of fundraising money and is still waiting for the other £3.24m. The share price dipped 15.4% to 0.275p.

UTXO Management GP has belatedly stated that it has reduced its interest in The Smarter Web Company (LON: SWC) from 26.6% to 12.99%. The share price decreased 10.8% to 53.5p.

Spicing up the curry kit market with Bang Curry

UK Investor Magazine
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Spicing up the curry kit market with Bang Curry

The UK Investor Magazine was thrilled to welcome Bang Curry founders Shelly and Mark to delve into the company’s latest developments.

London-based Bang Curry has served over 25,000 customers with its authentic Bangladeshi curry kits since being founded by Shelly, who discovered her passion for traditional Bangladeshi cuisine in the culturally diverse surroundings of Brick Lane.

The company offers easy-to-use curry kits that bring authentic Bangladeshi flavours to home cooks across the UK.

AIM movers: Versarien nears sale of assets and Caledonian Holdings buys more shares in new bank AlbaCo

Andrew Hore
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AIM movers: Versarien nears sale of assets and Caledonian Holdings buys more shares in new bank AlbaCo

Investors ae taking the chance to buy shares in cyber security services provider Smarttech247 Group (LON: S247) before it goes private. Shareholders overwhelmingly backed the resolution to leave AIM on 4 November. Even so, the share price rebounded by two-fifths to 5.25p.

Caledonian Holdings (LON: CHP) has entered an agreement with Mousdale Investment and Nevis Investments which will each swap 250,000 AlbaCo shaes for 6.25 million Caledonian Holdings shares at 0.004p each. This will take Caledonian Holdings’ sake in new smaller company focused bank AlbaCo to 5.47%. The share price increased 27.3% to 0.0035p.

Crimson Tide (LON: TIDE) said at its AGM that it is reducing its cost base and focusing on renewals and reducing churn. Cash was £1.33m on 29 October 2025. The interim results will be announced in mid-December. T4 Growth Capital has a 12.5% stake and Simon Bragg increased his stake from 3.19% to 4.33%. The share price gained 18.2% to 65p.

Plastic products manufacturer and distributor Coral Products (LON: CRU) reported a return to profit on slightly lower revenues of £29.8m in the year to April 2025. However, this is due to other separately disclosed items, which include a non-cash gain on an acquisition, which compares with additional costs in the previous year. Without the gain there would have been a loss. There is no final dividend. Net debt is £7m. The first five months of the new financial year have started strongly under the new management team. There is £50m of manufacturing capacity to grow into. The share price recovered 12.1% to 9.25p.

David Nugent, who owns 16% of Genedrive (LON: GDR), has offered a loan of up to £1m on terms to be agreed. The share price rose 11.8% to 0.95p.

FALLERS

Versarien (LON: VRS) has signed heads of terms with a UK quoted company for the sale of Total Carbide and the other remaining assets for £100,000 in cash and £100,000 in shares. The buyer will also take responsibility for £5.7m of loans plus interest. Versarien can operate with the support of creditors until the end of November. If the transaction goes ahead Versarien will become a shell. The share price declined 15.8% to 0.0117p.

European Metals Holdings (LON: EMH) used A$1.47m in operating activities and A$1.22m in investing activities in the quarter to September 2025. There was cash of A$1.09m at the end of September 2025. The share price fell 9.09% to 12.5p.

Shareholders did not agree to the proposed fundraising by Anglesey Mining (LON: AYM) and management is preserving cash as it seeks alternative forms of financing. Without that the company will go into administration. Alumni Capital had agreed to offer equity funding of up to £2m. The share price slid 8.33% to 0.275p.

FTSE 100 slips after poor US session

UK Investor Magazine
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FTSE 100 slips after poor US session

The FTSE 100 fell on Friday, tracking US stocks lower as disappointment over interest rates and mixed tech earnings knocked sentiment.

London’s leading index was down 0.5% at the time of writing, but had found support just above the 9,700 mark.

“Weakness on Wall Street haunted European markets on the morning of Halloween and saw the FTSE 100 retreat from its latest record high,” says AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.

“The main culprit was uncertainty about the future policy of the Federal Reserve after its chair Jerome Powell suggested a cut in December, to follow this week’s, was not a foregone conclusion.”

It’s been a busy week for ‘Mag 7’ earnings this week, and the reports came thick and fast last night with Amazon and Microsoft releasing Q3 earnings after Meta disappointed the night before.

“The negative response to Meta’s bloated AI spending also contributed to last night’s selling, although US futures paint a brighter picture off the back of a surge in Amazon’s shares, as its own earnings came in ahead of forecasts after the bell,” Mould said.

While it’s been a mixed earnings season for Mag 7 stocks, Amazon shares were soaring in the premarket on Friday after the group reported strong growth in its AWS services driven by AI.

With little else on the horizon as a potential catalyst, US tech shares are likely to dictate global equity trade again today. S&P 500 futures were pointing to a 0.6% gain on the open.

“There are few tricks or treats expected to drive markets today with corporate reporting largely taking a mid-earnings season breather, and scheduled US inflation data delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown,” explained Derren Nathan, head of equity research, Hargreaves Lansdown.

Autotrader was the FTSE 100’s top faller after announcing its COO was departing to take up the role of CEO at Moonpig. AutoTrader shares were down 3.8% at the time of writing.

WPP was only a fraction behind Autotrader, with losses of 3.7%, as investors continued to dump the stock amid falling revenues and a poor outlook. WPP shares are now trading at their lowest levels since 1998.

Smith & Nephew was the FTSE 100’s top riser following a broker upgrade.

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