Volvere warns of margin squeeze at Shire Foods

(Sharecast News) - Volvere reported higher annual profit and net assets for 2025, although it warned that margins at its main trading business, Shire Foods, were expected to come under pressure this year.

The AIM-listed growth and turnaround investment company said revenue from continuing operations rose to £52.7m for the year ended 31 December, from £49.04m in 2024.

Profit before tax from continuing operations increased to £6.75m from £6.34m, while group profit after tax rose to £5.11m from £4.84m.

Consolidated net assets per share, excluding non-controlling interests, increased to £19.80 at year-end from £17.20 a year earlier, and from £18.25 at the end of June.

Group net assets rose to £47.2m from £41.9m, while cash and available-for-sale investments increased to £33.22m from £27.84m.

Volvere said overall trading at Shire Foods was good year-on-year, although volumes with a large customer reduced during the year as product ranges were rationalised.

It said Shire's margin was expected to be affected in 2026 by higher input costs compared with 2025, as well as the impact of lower volumes, particularly against a strong first half last year.

The group said it bought back £0.43m of shares during the period and remained committed to further buybacks where appropriate.

It also said it continued to seek investment opportunities in food and other sectors.

At 1226 BST, shares in Volvere were down 4.09% at 2,532p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

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