25th Mar 2026 13:00
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of earnings and trading updates by London-listed companies, issued on Wednesday and not separately reported by Alliance News:
----------
Headlam Group PLC - Birmingham, England-based floor coverings distributor - Pretax loss stretched to GBP69.6 million in 2025 from GBP38.1 million in 2024. Revenue declined 5.1% to GBP498.7 million from GBP525.7 million. "The independent retailers and contractors we serve are resilient. The market will recover and when it does, we will be well placed to support them - initially smaller, but stronger, more focused, and more profitable," Interim Executive Chair Stephen Bird says. Headlam says a new strategy will mean a "material planned reduction in revenue over 2026 and 2027". "Once fully implemented, and, assuming a stable market, this is expected to result in a smaller base revenue on continuing operations but with a significant enhancement to quality of earnings through enhanced gross margin and lower operating costs," it adds. It has confidence that a return to profit can occur in 2027, as previously guided.
----------
Franchise Brands PLC - Macclesfield, England-based owner of franchise brands - Pretax profit in 2025 rises 38% to GBP12.7 million from GBP9.2 million in 2024. Revenue improves 2.1% to GBP142.2 million from GBP139.2 million. It says it was a "a resilient performance reflecting the essential nature of the majority of the group's services". Franchise Brands ups its final dividend to 1.35p per share from 1.3p, giving a total payout of 2.5p, up from 2.4p.
----------
James Latham PLC - Hemel Hempstead, England-based distributor of timber, panels and decorative surfaces - Says revenue for the year to March 31 currently in line with market expectations. It says volumes are to be on a year prior, "despite a challenging trading environment". "Conflict in the Middle East which is starting to cause increasing freight rates and shipment times. We anticipate that our profit before tax will be in line with market expectations," the firm says. It plans to release annual earnings on July 2.
----------
Nexus Infrastructure PLC - Braintree, England-based provider of civil engineering and infrastructure services to the UK housebuilding sector - Nexus says market conditions are "mixed in the near term" but fundamentals are favourable at its end markets. Nexus confirms that Non-Executive Director Clare Lacey will assume the role of interim chair from Wednesday.
----------
Avation PLC - Singapore-based aircraft leasing company - Reports commencement of a new lease and delivery of an ATR 72-600 aircraft to new client, Croatia's ETF Airways. "We are pleased to have completed the transition of this aircraft onto a new long-term, eight-year lease with ETF Airways, enhancing Avation's contracted revenue and airline customer diversification. In these turbulent times, we believe that modern, low-fuel-burn aircraft such as the ATR 72-600 are essential for regional air travel. Regional operations are often driven by essential services - including medical, governmental, and community transport - rather than discretionary leisure travel, which tends to be more sensitive to fluctuations in jet fuel prices," Avation Executive Chair Jeff Chatfield says.
----------
Cloudbreak Discovery PLC - gold and base metals project developer in Australia - Pretax loss in six months to December 31 narrows to GBP523,218 from GBP1.0 million a year prior. It reports no revenue, unchanged on-year. "During the period, we remained firmly focused on executing our strategy of building a high-quality portfolio of natural resource projects and royalties. While the company continues to operate at an early stage, the progress made over the past six months marks a clear transition toward a more robust and opportunity-driven business," it says.
----------
Braemar PLC - London-based provider of investment, chartering and risk management advice to shipping and energy markets - Braemar expects to report declines in revenue and profit for the year to February 28. Underlying operating profit of GBP13.2 million is expected, down 21% from GBP16.7 million, with revenue set to fall 4.9% to GBP135.0 million from GBP141.9 million. It notes profit consensus stands at GBP13.2 million and revenue consensus is GBP132.0 million. "The current conflict in the Middle East is creating uncertainty, with increased rates but lower volumes in certain markets. Nonetheless, the board remains confident in the group's prospects and delivering on its FY30 objectives, with sustained focus on its stated strategic priorities: operational excellence, diversification and consolidation," Braemar adds.
----------
Literacy Capital PLC - makes long-term investments in private UK businesses and donates to literacy and education charities - Net asset value per share at December 31 year end falls 1.7% to 484.3 pence per share from 492.8p 12 months prior. "At the beginning of 2025, we stated that we were optimistic that we would be able to progress the sale of several portfolio companies, generating significant cash for [Literacy Capital]. While M&A activity remained low and completed deals scarce, reflecting the ongoing political and economic uncertainty in the UK and globally, it was pleasing to announce the signing of three transactions between July 2025 and January 2026. These transactions were agreed at a combined 39% premium to their prior carrying values, demonstrating our ability to deliver value for shareholders during our period of ownership and execute successful sales, despite the market backdrop," says Richard Pindar, CEO of the firm's investment manager. "In relation to the share price performance during 2025, we recognise that there are several ingredients needed to improve this in 2026 and to narrow the discount to diluted NAV. More positive announcements and stronger NAV performance, which we continuously strive to achieve, clearly will play an important role. Alongside this, there are several other marketing initiatives underway to improve demand for [Literacy Capital's] shares and strengthen the share price, and we expect these actions to gather momentum through 2026."
----------
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd - invests between GBP2 million and GBP30 million in small and medium sized companies - Net asset value per share at January 31 financial year end rises 10% to 360 pence from 328p 12 months earlier. "Although the operating environment during the period has remained challenging, the board and investment advisor have continued to progress the development of the portfolio and the prudent management of liquidity," EPE Special says.
----------
CQS Natural Resources Growth & Income PLC - London-based investor, provides exposure to mining and resource-focused equities - Net asset value per share at December 31 half-year end rises 65% to 349.69 pence from 212.56p at June 30. Net asset value total return over the six month stretch is 69%, beating the MSCI World Metals & Mining Index and MSCI World Energy Index which return 47% and 11%. Dividends for the period are up sharply at 13.02p from 2.52p. "This half-year period has delivered record levels of share price growth and an enhanced dividend yield for shareholders. The strength of the natural resources sector continues to be driven by geopolitical tailwinds underpinned by the quest for energy and critical mineral security, and your company is in prime position to create further shareholder value and growth," Chair Christopher Casey says.
----------
Pharos Energy PLC - energy company with assets in Vietnam and Egypt - Pretax profit in 2025 slumps 89% in 2025 to USD6.5 million from USD60.7 million. Revenue falls 16% to USD114.6 million from USD136.0 million. Profit in the prior year had been boosted by a USD28.3 million impairment reversal. Pharos declares a final dividend of 0.9317 pence per share, up 10% from 0.847p a year prior. Its full-year dividend is 10% higher at 1.331p. "We are in a strong position as we move into 2026 with a number of value catalysts," it says.
----------
By Eric Cunha, Alliance News news editor
Comments and questions to [email protected]
Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
Latham TimberPharos EnergyFranchise BrandsCQS Natural Resources Growth & IncomeEpe Special OppHeadlamNexus Infrastr.Braemar ShippingLiteracy CapCloudbreak