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The Oak Bloke
Everything we have picked from this writer, newest first.
business models Who gives a CRPR?
James Cropper sells premium paper packaging and advanced materials, using Colourform and Cupcycling to target plastic replacement and…
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consumer GRG-gy soggy underwater shorter
Greggs’ 2.1% company-managed like-for-like growth and second-half cost pressures prompt an exit after a 36.8% gain, despite strong cash…
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balance sheets This is one UTG-ly mutha
Unite Group’s 865p NAV reflects higher property yields, while planned disposals aim to reduce leverage after the Empiric acquisition.
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earnings BATM down the hatches
BATM’s $24.4m diagnostics disposals masked weak continuing operations: its networking and cybersecurity segments posted a £5.1m FY25…
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buybacks Oak Bloke Bon Couers Quand Couers 25th July
Oil above $100 and $66 crack spreads leave producers lagging crude. Future’s £8.2 million buybacks and forecast £70 million second-half…
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advertising BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Shake the room
Audioboom’s Showcase dynamic-ad business lifted gross margin from 24% to 41% as bookings reached $81 million in 1H26; Spotify and Apple…
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commodities OB 24,25,26 update 19th July
The 2026 picks portfolio is up 25.6%, with ENI and ITH gains offsetting declines in AltynGold, Silvercorp and other precious-metals miners.
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dividends Clear the DEC?
Diversified Energy (DEC) has paid $21.84 per share in dividends since June 2017 and trades at $13.35 amid a bullish U.S.
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business models RWA back into profit
Robert Walters’ £23.13m monthly net fee income exceeded £23m overheads in 2Q26, returning the recruiter to profit.
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energy Oak Bloke Bonkers Conkers 12th July
UK FTSE small caps have outperformed AIM, with banks, lenders and chemicals driving returns as oil trades near $70 a barrel.
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commodities Scalping and JLP-ing
Jubilee Metals, valued at £72.7m at 2.2p, could reach copper breakeven through dewatering and higher Molefe output while retaining…
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asset management MERC-y, I beg MERC-y
Mercia Asset Management’s FY26 direct investments lost £14.3m in net assets as it injected £11.6m into loss-making holdings, while £357m…
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balance sheets Calling time on ECOB
Eco Buildings is exited after GFRG margins fell to 25%, marble losses persisted, and auditor, CLN, receivables and dilution risks mounted.
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balance sheets Born(kers) on the 4th of July
Pinewood rose 16% as ties to Lithia and Constellation support its contract pipeline; Craneware’s 1H26 cash generation fell 80%, challenging…
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balance sheets Catch a TGA by the tail
Thungela’s £271m cash pile equals 55% of its £533m market cap as fixed-price Australian coal contracts and South African mine disruptions…
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business models The RGL of the hero from Sherwood Forest
Regional REIT’s new 20-year Nottingham lease adds £1.075m of rent, eliminates £700,000 of annual void costs, and brings a tenant-funded £5m…
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stock ideas Oak Bloke Bonkers Conkers Clonkers 28th June 2026
CHRY trades at a 47% NAV discount despite Starling’s £150m Tier 2 raise and planned secondary sale; PRTC and TMT offer comparable…
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balance sheets SEIT again Sam, play it again Sam
SEIT’s NAV fell from 90.6p to 77.8p as Onyx and Oliva write-downs hit, while the portfolio’s operating profitability grew and several…
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commodities Calling time - or being called
IDHC’s CEO launched a $0.50-per-share takeover after buying 21.87% for $63 million, prompting the portfolio to exit amid delisting risk.
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advertising LBG: Put your 'Lad Rags On
LBG’s Direct branded content, now two-thirds of revenue, grew in 1H26 as Indirect advertising fell; adjusted EBITDA dropped 34% amid higher…
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