The Financial Times: Unilever (ULVR) in talks to sell food division to spice and sauce maker McCormick. Consumer goods giant considers offloading unit worth tens of billions of dollars as it pivots to beauty and personal care.
Comment: This is the kind of boost that the market sorely needs at the moment. Indeed, it is a pity that ULVR is not on the receiving end of a full bid, something that the London market really needs in the present environment.
Tooru plc (TOO), the plant-based and free-from food group, provided a positive business and operational update, building momentum across its brand portfolio, strengthening distribution, and continued execution against its growth strategy. The Board is highly encouraged by the strong start to 2026, marked by the successful resolution of prior supply constraints and the return of Pulsin to normal production and distribution. Early indications show a meaningful improvement in order flow, with retail partners increasing restocking activity across key territories. The Group continues to build commercial momentum through targeted brand investment and strategic partnerships. OAF’s presence at the Allergy & Free From Show is expected to generate new trade opportunities, while reinforcing its position in one of the fastest-growing segments of the UK food market. International expansion remains a core pillar of Tooru’s growth strategy.
Comment: TOO has been on the front foot with the take up of its products among the big High Street names. That said, the sizzle for the company and the share price is the prospect of international expansion, something which could really move the dial.
Astrid Intelligence PLC (AQSE: ASTR), the decentralised AI infrastructure operating company, provide an update on its operational participation in Subnet 71, a Bittensor-based AI network focused on lead generation services. ASTR said “Leadpoet has demonstrated strong early progress within the Bittensor ecosystem and is building a practical application of AI in the lead generation space. Our participation reflects Astrid’s broader approach of engaging directly with subnets that are delivering real-world utility. We look forward to supporting the continued development of Subnet 71 as part of our expanding operational footprint.”
Comment: Leadpoet sounds like a great name for a blues band. But on a separate note, we do wonder how many people in the country actually understand what ASTR does, even though it would appear that whatever it is seems to be going increasingly well, with “income” ramping up to significant levels.
B HODL Plc (AQSE: HODL), the first British company founded for Bitcoin accumulation and revenue generation from the Bitcoin in its treasury, announced the purchase of Bitcoin as part of its ongoing treasury strategy. The Company remains focused on the disciplined acquisition of Bitcoin to build a long-term strategic reserve that also powers B HODL’s Lightning Network operations. Number of Bitcoin acquired: 1 BTC. Average purchase price: £53,363 per Bitcoin (US $71,289 per Bitcoin). Following this purchase, the Company’s Bitcoin treasury position is: Total Bitcoin held: 163.487 BTC. Aggregate average purchase price: £82,319 per Bitcoin (US $109,973 per Bitcoin).
Comment: BTC’s negative store of value has been a standout as compared to gold, or even buying stamps, has in the past few months not been a winner. However, after being down 50% from the peak means that there are some now who would view the current environment. We look forward to BTC getting back up to HODL’s $109k average.
BWA Group Plc [AQSE: BWAP], which has mineral exploration licences in both Cameroon and Canada, announced its unaudited financial results for the Interim Period of six months to 31 December 2025, following the announcement of its Audited Accounts for the year to 30 June made on 17 November 2025. BWA said “In the first half of its financial year, to 31 December 2025, the Company continued to invest in its mineral sands exploration permits in Cameroon and, notably, signed an Option and Earn-In Agreement with Aurum Discovery Holdings Limited and Global Acquisitions SARL to acquire a 70% equity interest in the Aracari Gold Project in Cameroon. Following the announcement of contract signature on 15 September 2025, ground truthing reconnaissance work was undertaken in November 2025. This produced 193 samples that were sent for assay in December. The results were announced on 21 January 2026, showing multiple high-grade findings in the zone next to Oriole Resources’ significant MRE of 870,000 oz. Gold is present across the 62km of the licenced areas. Further work will be undertaken in the current half year to determine the extent of deposits and to identify priority areas for drilling.”
Comment: BWA remains one of the best mining exploration plays you have not heard of – yet. That said, the micro market cap and the high grade prospects for Aracari suggest that people will be kicking the tyres on a company which has a ground floor entry point on offer currently. Hopefully inclusion in the RNS Hotlist today will help spread the word.
Cloudbreak Discovery Plc (CDL), a London Stock Exchange Main Market listed company, provided an update on its planned gold exploration programs across the Company’s Crofton and Darlot West projects in Western Australia. At the Darlot Gold Mine, the bulk of mineralisation is hosted within faulting of the south-eastern limb of the folded Mt Pickering Dolerite1. Distinct similarities have been interpreted between the geological setting of Cloudbreak’s Darlot West Project and the area hosting the Darlot Gold Mine, specifically the presence of folded, magnetic mafic stratigraphy (analogous to the Mt Pickering Dolerite).
Comment: CDL has certainly made all the right noises since the market turned for mining stocks, and it revamped itself last year. However, there is a lot to do to get the share price back up to the dizzy heights we saw in the autumn, perhaps partly due to how many peers there are to choose from, and the current oil and gas boom diverting investors away from gold plays.
The Smarter Web Company PLC (SWC) announces that Albert Soleiman, Chief Financial Officer, has agreed with the Board that he will resign as a director of the Company with immediate effect and will step down from his role as CFO following an orderly handover period.
Comment: The implication of this update is that CFO at SWC is probably on par with cleaning the toilets at Glastonbury (or the Augean Stables) in terms of job satisfaction. It will be interesting to see who steps up to the plate on a company whose shares went from below 10p to 600p, and then back down again.
Richmond Hill Resources PLC (RHR) announced that it has engaged a third-party drilling contractor with respect to the Martello Gold Project. The program is expected to be drill over 1,300 metres and last approximately two weeks. Rig mobilisation is expected to occur by end of March 2026. A further announcement will be made upon the commencement of drilling.
Comment: After a very good start for the share price in 2026, we have seen a sharp retracement. However, it would appear that the company is very much making all the right noises and 2.0 for the 2026 rally should be on its way, as we progress drilling.
Arrow Exploration Corp. (AXL), the high-growth operator with a portfolio of assets across key Colombian hydrocarbon basins, gave an operations update and announce the results of its 2025 year-end reserves evaluation by Boury Global Energy Consultants Ltd. AXL “Looking out to the remainder of 2026, Arrow’s prospect inventory is multifaceted and demonstrates the hydrocarbon density of the Tapir block in the fertile Llanos Basin. Over the rest of the year, we look forward to a successful drilling campaign that is balanced between development and low risk exploratory wells.”
Comment: One has it on good authority that at $105 a barrel AXL’s netbacks are around $70. The only thing missing here is a 50p share price, rather than a 21p one. But of course therein lies the opportunity, for a company which has an enviable exploration strike rate.
Disclaimer & Declaration of Interest:
The information, investment views, and recommendations in this Zaks Traders Cafe interview are provided for general information purposes only. Nothing in this interview should be construed as a promotion or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product relating to any companies under discussion or referred to or to engage in or refrain from doing so or engage in any other transaction. Any opinions or comments are made to the best of the knowledge and belief of the commentator but no responsibility is accepted for actions based on such opinions or comments. The commentators may or may not hold investments in the companies under discussion.
