Specialist lenders Funding Circle Holdings PLC (LSE:FCH) and Secure Trust Bank PLC (LSE:STB) were initiated with 'buy' ratings at Berenberg, while S&U PLC (LSE:SUS) was given a 'hold' recommendation, with the analysts noting growth prospects for the three companies.
SME lender Funding Circle was given a price target of 120p a share, while Secure Trust could reach 1,820p, the analysts including Alexander Bowers wrote in a note to clients on Monday. That suggests the stocks could rise by 79% and 50% respectively.
Motor finance provider S&U was given a target price of 2,660p, indicating upside of almost 10%. The analysts noted the company’s low gearing and increased earnings and dividends each year over a decade.
“The UK lending market provides opportunities for specialist finance firms to grow in profitable niches,’’ the analysts wrote. “Specialist markets are typically underserved by mainstream lenders, which focus on the residential mortgage market and larger businesses.”
Chariot Ltd (AIM:CHAR, OTC:OIGLF) has entered into a partnership to advance the development of a 430 megawatt solar and wind power project for its mining operations in Zambia.
The Africa-focused transitional energy company said its Chariot Transitional Power division, along with Total Eren, a leading France-based renewable energy independent power producer, has gone into partnership with First Quantum Minerals (TSX:FQM), a global mining and metals company.
Atlantic Lithium Limited (AIM:ALL) said it intends for its chief operating officer, Len Kolff, to be appointed chief executive officer on an interim basis, as well as joining the board.
Kolff has over 25 years of experience in the mining industry across all areas of the sector, including design, implementation, resource evaluation and project studies among others.
Mosman Oil and Gas Ltd (AIM:MSMN) has announced the completion of the on-site portion of the environmental survey for the EP-145 area in the Amadeus Basin in Australia’s Northern Territory.
The survey was completed on schedule and initial results have been received, the company said, noting that it awaits receipt of the final report and submission to the Northern Territory government.
Atome Energy PLC has ordered its first 1MW electrolyser for its Paraguay transport business to start green hydrogen production in the first quarter of next year.
Further such orders from UK hydrogen and tech company, CPH2, may follow after the two British companies signed a non-binding collaboration deal, Atome said on Monday.
Greatland Gold PLC (AIM:GGP, OTC:GRLGF) had £14.2mln cash at the end of the six months to December 2021.
The company spent £1.8mln on exploration and evaluation at its Havieron and Juri gold projects in Australia during the period, and £1.1mln on administration costs.
Roquefort Therapeutics PLC (LSE:ROQ) said it has filed its first composition of matter provisional patent application for a new class of RNA therapeutic drugs targeting midkine.
Midkine is a heparin-binding growth factor, which, when over-expressed, is linked with a whole host of nasty ailments including cancer, inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Venus Minerals Ltd, a company 50%-owned by Ariana Resources PLC (AIM:AAU), has completed definitive and binding agreements with Hellenic Copper Mines Ltd and contractor the Iacovou Group in Cyprus to create a 50:50 joint venture for the development of the Apliki copper mine in Cyprus.
Venus will appoint the chief executive of Hellenic Apliki Mines as operator.
Anglo Asian Mining PLC (AIM:AAZ, OTC:AGXKF) reported a lower resource estimate for its Zafar polymetallic deposit in western Azerbaijan, but said it was still on track to begin production in 2023.
Angled drill holes completed since the maiden resource estimate was published last August identified voids which resulted in a smaller resource, the AIM-traded company said.
Plexus Holdings PLC (AIM:POS) chief executive Ben van Bilderbeek has told investors he is increasingly confident that the company has reached a tipping point that positions it to rebuild significant value to shareholders over the next 18 months.
“New oil and gas exploration and production drilling activities are increasing, oil is back at record prices and meeting ESG requirements is no longer optional, with regulation and investor sentiment becoming ever more rigorous,” he said in the specialist engineer’s interim results statement.