Burberry (BRBY), the British luxury brand group announced a first quarter trading update. BRBY said “I am pleased with our progress in the first quarter and the momentum we are building with Burberry Forward . For the first time in three years , we saw growth across our Women swear, Men swear, Accessories and Children swear divisions , anchored by the outperformance of Outerwear. Our strategy is working . We are attracting a broad range of luxury customers across product categories, channels and geographies , reinforcing my confidence in the opportunities ahead.”
Comment: One can almost feel the effort BRBY has to make to deliver growth both as a high end company relying on rich(ish) customers, and negotiating the differentials between the different geographies it operates in. The fizz associated with the company noting a swing to annual profit in May does however seem to have faded along with the share price.
Total Graphite (TGR), the specialist graphite company developing an integrated mine-to-materials supply chain for the global energy transition, updated on operations in Madagascar and Mozambique following the Board’s graphite Strategic Portfolio Optimisation Programme of the Group’s operations and development priorities initiated in June 2026.
The Board’s review of the Optimisation Programme’s findings to date has reinforced its belief that the Group possesses a portfolio of valuable graphite assets capable of supporting a significantly larger integrated graphite business. Accordingly, the Company is prioritising the completion the optimisation of its producing Vatomina operation’s optimisation work, while simultaneously advancing the development of its large-scale Mozambique projects and its downstream processing plans.
Comment: It has clearly taken a lot of work and effort, but Total Graphite has delivered the turnaround required to remove the ghosts of the Tirupati days. All that is really left to do now is underline this to the market, and get the share price / market cap up to a market cap that reflects this.
Fulcrum Metals plc (FMET), a technology-led company focused on the recovery of precious and critical metals from mine tailings in Canada using innovative cyanide-free processing technology, will hold its Annual General Meeting at midday today. FMET said, “The Company is now significantly better funded than it was twelve months ago. During the period, we secured a £6 million funding package with Yorkville Advisors, providing the financial flexibility required to advance our development strategy and in particular key objectives associated with the implementation of a pilot plant.
More recently, we announced a non-binding royalty term sheet with Chancery Royalty, which, subject to successful pilot plant results and definitive documentation, has the potential to provide up to US$20 million of non-dilutive project financing for Teck-Hughes. Interest from a specialist royalty provider represents an important third-party validation of both the project and its commercial potential. We have also continued to demonstrate our ability to unlock value from our broader asset portfolio.
The recently announced updated Mineral Resource Estimate at the Tully Gold Project triggered a contractual milestone contained within our transaction with Loyalist Exploration, entitling Fulcrum to receive an additional 15 million Loyalist shares or cash equivalent. This demonstrates the value of retaining royalties and milestone payments while allowing partners to advance non-core assets.”
Comment: We have a justifiably upbeat update from FMET, especially so given the progress operationally and in terms of funding for the company over the past 12 months, plus the transformation in the market regarding the mining sector and precious metals. All that is left to do is spread the word as far as the wonders of tailings and the cyanide free processing the company uses.
Kodal Minerals (KOD), the West African lithium producer, mineral exploration and development company, provided an update on mining, processing, export and development activities at the Bougouni Lithium Project for the three months ended 30 June 2026. Kodal maintains its involvement and interest in Bougouni via its 49 per cent. shareholding in Kodal Mining UK Limited in partnership with Hainan Mining Co. Ltd, which as the 51 per cent. shareholder has ultimate control. KMUK holds a 65 per cent. shareholding of the subsidiary mining company Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni SA (“LMLB”), which owns the Project in partnership with the Mali Government, and KMUK provides the management oversight and operational control of mining activities at Bougouni.
Comment: The market has been and still is adopting a treat ‘em mean, keep ‘em keen attitude to KOD, almost as if it is not even a company in production. This may or may not be justified currently, but near 0.30p it is difficult to see any further downside from current levels.
Itaconix plc (ITX), a leading innovator in high-performance plant-based specialty polymers used in everyday consumer products such as homecare detergents, announced a strong trading update for the six months ending 30 June 2026. Itaconix delivered a record first half with unaudited revenues at $8.3 million representing +72% growth vs H1 2025 ($4.8 million), and +46% growth vs H2 2025 ($5.7 million), with growth achieved across all major product segments. Gross profit margin for H1 2026 is expected to be in line with FY 2025 at 36%, following robust management of raw materials and supply chains.
Comment: There has been a lot of charting coverage here over recent months, as well as regular mentions in the RNS Hotlist. Today’s update reminds us that this coverage has been on the right track, and perhaps could be more so if the company was more upfront regarding the wonderful world of speciality polymers. The charting target of 145p looks to be on its way in coming days.
Arkle Resources PLC (ARK), the energy metals explorer focused on uranium, announced that the initial c. 1,500 m RC drilling programme at its Erongo Uranium Project in Namibia, announced on 25 June 2026, is proceeding as planned. Carnotite, a secondary uranium mineral, has been visually logged in RC drill chips in three holes across two fence lines. The drill programme is taking place entirely within one of the Company’s Exclusive Prospecting Licences, EPL8995. Based on programme efficiencies, the Company has decided to add additional drilling and expand this phase, accelerating some of the planned Q3 2026 drill holes.
Comment: Explorer / developers remain in vogue on the London market, although it has to be said that uranium in Namibia sounds more compelling than most. This may explain why the shares were up 60% last year, and are already up 87% this year. Judging by the tone of today’s update, the momentum here will continue to build.
Metir plc (MET), the global provider of fast-response, mobile and point-of-use water and environmental monitoring technologies, announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with Portsmouth Aviation Limited, in respect of its trading division Paqua, a large private UK-based specialist original equipment manufacturer and provider of advanced water purification systems. MET said, “Developing this collaboration broadens the potential application of Modern Water’s technologies by combining our proven biological monitoring capabilities with Paqua’s advanced water treatment expertise giving a unique offering. Together, we believe we can offer customers a fully integrated solution that supports water quality from treatment through to continuous biological monitoring.”
Comment: MET continues to finesse its position in a strong, and growing space, an idea that is backed by the way that the shares have continued to attempt a recovery from April lows. That said, it is now all about breaking the main 0.9p price resistance which has held sway since October.
Thalia Therapeutics plc (THAT), a biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based therapeutics and delivery technologies in oncology and cardiovascular disease, will hold its Annual General Meeting today at 11.00 a.m. at the offices of Arch Law Limited, Huckletree Bishopsgate, 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ. “The past few months have marked a significant period in Thalia’s evolution. Following our strategic repositioning as an RNA therapeutics company, the proposed acquisition of Sanmirna Therapeutics and the associated £2.75 million oversubscribed fundraise represent a transformational step, accelerating our transition into a clinical-stage biotechnology company and significantly strengthening our differentiated RNA therapeutics pipeline. Subject to shareholder approval today, the acquisition will add miRisten, a Phase 1 clinical-stage microRNA therapeutic for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, alongside our proprietary Nuvec® delivery technology and our dual-targeting cardiovascular siRNA programme.”
Comment: There is a lot going on at THAL, for just a sub £4m company, much of it one would presume the market regards as too technical to understand. Getting some profile for the company, and injecting some liquidity into the stock should be the goals here for the rest of the year.
Wise Group plc (WISE), the global technology company building the best way to move and manage the world’s money, today announced its Q1 FY27 results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. WISE said “This quarter almost 12 million people and businesses used Wise to move $69.3 billion across the world. These customers paid an average fee of just 50bps – the lowest it has ever been on Wise. In 77% of the transactions, their money arrived instantly on the other side of the world. More customers are trusting Wise for their everyday money – their holdings grew 31% to $41.2 billion. We recently expanded our product offering in Latin America, so that customers in Chile can now send money cheap and fast across borders and top up their multi-currency accounts with local, instant pay-ins.”
Comment: Who needs Revolut when you have WISE? That question asked, WISE appears in terms of its perception as a less glitzy version of Revolut, which is a shame given the way that it really does seem to be proving itself as an international technology group, even though this really means it is just an online bank.
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.
