In the latest edition of the Sharesify Podcast, Ian and James discuss why markets remain difficult for investors to navigate due to the ‘tape bombs’ emanating from the White House. While the FTSE 100 has resurfaced above the 10,000 level, the FTSE 250 has been slower to recover. On the earnings front, James addresses the Middle East challenges facing protein powders-to-supplements firm Applied Nutrition (APN) and highlights this week’s fresh £300 million buyback from DIY retailer Kingfisher (KGF). The FTSE 100 retailer’s B&Q and Screwfix chains are on solid foundations but the French market remains a drag. Ian shines the spotlight on…

Shares in Franchise Brands (FRAN:AIM) rallied after the multi-brand franchisor delivered resilient FY25 results. The company also launched a £10 million buyback to reflect debt reduction progress and management’s confidence in the group’s prospects. Franchise Brands said it is ‘actively reviewing the strategic fit’ of businesses that do not support the ‘considerable’ potential of its key franchise networks. Any disposal proceeds would be used to accelerate balance sheet deleveraging. Led by CEO Peter Molloy, Franchise Brands also stressed it has ‘no current intention’ to transfer its listing to the Main Market. This addressed a key concern among AIM-focused investors. Essential…

Despite a mixed geopolitical backdrop, investment trust JPMorgan Claverhouse (JCH) outperformed its FTSE All-Share benchmark in FY25. The portfolio benefitted from good stock-picking as well as overweight allocations to the aerospace and defence, banking and insurance sectors. Furthermore, the total dividend for the year was increased by 2.3% to 36.2p. This marked the 53rd successive year of rising payouts from JPMorgan Claverhouse. The trust is one of the Association of Investment Companies’ revered ‘Dividend Heroes’. These are trusts that have consistently increased their dividends for 20 or more years in a row. To learn more about the fund, its process…

Shares in Itaconix (ITX:AIM) jumped after the specialty polymers innovator delivered record annual revenues. Sales rocketed 61% higher to top $10 million for the first time in FY25. Guided by CEO John R. Shaw, the group’s FY25 adjusted EBITDA loss improved from $1.8 million to $600,000. And Itaconix remains confident of delivering positive adjusted EBITDA for the first time in FY26. Analysts are forecasting earnings of $300,000 on $13.3 million of revenue. Encouragingly, Itaconix entered 2026 with ‘strong order momentum’ as well as a growing pipeline of projects. Sustainable growth Itaconix is a sustainable ingredients and additives company, making polymers…

Shares in CVS (CVSG:AIM) rose after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) finally concluded its veterinary services market investigation. The competition watchdog launched its probe to address weak competition and soaring prices in the UK’s £6.7 billion-plus vets sector. There was relief among CVS investors, and shareholders in Pets at Home (PETS), as the CMA’s final decision did not introduce new remedies beyond those announced in its provisional decision. Certainty at last CVS is the AIM-listed veterinary services provider operating in the UK and Australia. The company ‘welcomes the certainty that this morning’s announcement brings after more than two and…

Spire Healthcare (SPI) tumbled 20% to 154p after buyout firms Bridgepoint (BPT) and Triton Partners terminated bid talks with the private hospitals operator. Investors hoping for a £1 billion-plus takeover of the FTSE 250 firm had chased the shares higher last week. In a statement posted on 20 March, Spire said the board ‘remains in discussions with other parties in relation to a potential sale of the company’. However, Spire warned there can be ‘no certainty that any offer will be made for the company nor as to the terms of any offer, if made. The board and management are also…

Shares in Applied Nutrition (APN) plunged 11% to 196.4p after the company warned of ‘some reduction’ in Middle East volumes due to the Iran conflict. The alert overshadowed forecast-beating results from the company, whose shareholders include brand ambassador Coleen Rooney. The sports nutrition, health and wellness brand also reiterated its FY26 performance will be H1-weighted. This reflects higher retailer stock levels ahead of the peak January period and accelerated demand for H1 product launches. ‘Cognisant’ of current challenges Founded by CEO Thomas Ryder, Applied Nutrition’s products are targeted at elite athletes, gym goers and health-conscious consumers. The protein powders-to-supplements producer…

Shares in The Works (WRKS) rallied 20% to 44p after the cut-price books-to-toys retailer shuttered its online business and raised FY27 guidance. The Birmingham-based company operates a profitable estate of 500-plus UK stores. The Works blamed repeated failures by third-party fulfilment partners for making its loss-making online channel unviable. The company sells affordable, screen-free activities for the whole family. Products span arts and crafts, toys and games as well as books. The Works’ online channel will revert to a browse-only website with immediate effect. However, the website will serve as a shop window to The Works’ brand and stores, enabling…

Shares in Unilever (ULVR) rose 1.3% to £46.34 after the consumer goods powerhouse confirmed it is in talks to sell its foods business. The Dove soap-to-Domestos owner has received an offer for foods from spices-to-sauces maker McCormick (MKC). While the foods business includes iconic brands like Hellmann’s, Marmite and Knorr, it is now considered non-core. A multi-billion-dollar sale would complete Unilever’s pivot to higher-growth beauty and personal care categories. Sharpening the focus Over the past decade, the Anglo-Dutch conglomerate has been pulling back from the slower growing foods industry. Unilever has offloaded its spreads, tea and ice cream divisions. Since…

Shares in ECO Animal Health (EAH:AIM) rallied after the veterinary products specialist said FY26 earnings will be ‘materially ahead’ of expectations. The ‘beat’ reflects the ‘continued strong momentum’ and improved margins seen in H2. ECO is a fast-growing global animal health company headquartered in London. The David Hallas-led outfit develops and markets veterinary pharmaceuticals globally. Lead product Aivlosin is an antibiotic that treats enteric and respiratory diseases in pigs and poultry. Healthy momentum ECO expects FY26 results to beat consensus revenue and adjusted EBITDA expectations of £83.5 million and £7.6 million. H2 revenue growth proved ‘particularly strong’ in North America…