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BAE Systems PLC (LSE:BA.) and other UK and European defence shares surged higher again on Monday after the Ukraine defence summit hosted by Kier Starmer over the weekend.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the UK and France will lead a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine and help end the war with Russia.

He also announced a deal that would allow Ukraine to use £1.6 billion of export finance to buy more than 5,000 air defence missiles, to be made by French defence and aerospace giant Thales Group in Belfast.

BAE shares jumped 18% to a new all-time high of 1,650p, with other defence and aerospace stocks also on the up.

https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/1067210/bae-systems-and-cohort-lead-charge-for-defence-stocks-after-starmer-s-ukraine-summit-1067210.html

... at 674.2924

Absolutely, JBCo... a real Turkish delight.

Rolls Royce is expected to confirm how big its first dividend in five years will be when it posts results on Thursday. Having paced gains on London's top-flight index throughout 2023 and 2024, the engineer is seen reporting £2.3bn in profit and cash flow of £2.6bn. Yet its chief executive officer is also seen stressing that much is still left to do. - Financial Mail on Sunday

Power Metal Resources (POW.L POWMF 2M50.F) announced the acquisition by mineral claim staking of the Fortin River Uranium Project and preliminary results from a recent geophysical survey flown over the project. Fortin River is located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Preliminary geophysical data indicates the potential presence of a 1.7 kilometres wide meteor impact crater; such impact craters are targets for unconformity-related uranium mineralisation elsewhere in Northern Saskatchewan, with over 62 million pounds of uranium mined from a major uranium deposit located within the nearby Carswell Crater. The inferred impact crater was previously unidentified, with no modern and very limited historical exploration carried out in the area. Upon receipt of the finalised data and report, geophysical inversions and further analysis will be carried out to determine the location of fault structures, which may be amicable for uranium mineralisation.

From Simply Wall St:

Dividend of UK£0.21 is 11% higher than last year.

Ex-date: 17th April 2025

Payment date: 2nd June 2025

Dividend yield will be 2.6%, which is higher than the industry average of 2.1%.

Sustainability & Growth

Dividend is covered by both earnings (51% earnings payout ratio) and cash flows (36% cash payout ratio).

The dividend has increased by an average of 5.1% per year over the past 10 years and has been stable with no material reductions to payments, indicating a long track record of dividend growth and stability.

EPS is expected to grow by 29% over the next 3 years, which should provide support to the dividend and adequate earnings cover.

https://simplywall.st/stocks/gb/capital-goods/lse-ba./bae-systems-shares/dividend?utm_source=braze&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Critical+Updates:+Daily+Batch&utm_content=Variant+1

From The Armchair Trader:

Greatland Gold LON:GGP has delivered some excellent results from its maiden underground drilling campaign at the West Dome Underground target at Telfer.

The Maiden West Dome Underground diamond drilling program completed in December 2024 quarter with all results now returned and interpreted. Sixteen of the 19 holes drilled in this program intercepted >50 gram-metres Au (gm), with the average down hole intercept from these 16 holes of 23.2m @ 2.95g/t Au and 1.07% Cu (4.23g/t AuEq).

Among the highlights was 14.3m @ 9.06 g/t Au and 8.57% Cu (19.34 g/t AuEq) from 290.4m. Mineralisation was identified over 700m of strike and remains open along strike and down dip.

The West Dome Underground drilling has delivered high grades and equally importantly, excellent widths.

They confirm that key geological units hosting the Main Dome Underground mineralisation are present in the West Dome Underground.

Mineralisation remains open along strike and down dip; the company said it intends to increase its confidence of the initial body as well as continue to test extensions in further work.

Greatland Gold Managing Director, Shaun Day, was excited by the results:

“The exceptional drilling results from the maiden underground drilling campaign validate the exciting opportunity we identified at the West Dome Underground during our acquisition due diligence,” he said. “The Main Dome Underground began production in mid 2006 and continues operating today, almost 20 years later, having produced more than 3 million ounces of gold to date. This underground drilling campaign is the first since driving across to gain access beneath the West Dome.”

Drilling confirmed high grade mineralisation in the West Dome Underground, which is associated with the same geological units seen at the active Main Dome Underground, which has produced more than 3.1Moz gold and 210kt copper to date.

Greatland Gold said existing infrastructure supports the economics of a potential West Dome Underground Project and would accelerate its development, and also confirmed there is a second phase drilling program planning underway.

A primary focus at Telfer is mine life extension, and these results confirm the West Dome Underground Project as a very high priority target for Greatland Gold. Day said he is planning a second phase drilling program, including geotechnical and hydrogeological testing to support planned mine studies.

“If we continue to have exploration success, the ability to leverage the existing underground infrastructure at Telfer, including the haulage shaft, provides the opportunity to rapidly advance development of the West Dome Underground,” he explained.

https://www.thearmchairtrader.com/uk-shares/greatland-gold-telfer-west-dome/

Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, said: "The results we're reporting today reflect the outstanding efforts of our employees and continue our track record of strong top-line and earnings growth, free cash flow and orders.

"We're supporting our customers around the world, while shaping our portfolio towards higher growth and strategically important markets. Across our business, we're also investing in our people, facilities and technologies to drive efficiencies, boost capacity and increase our agility to deliver in a rapidly evolving environment.

"Based on the exceptional visibility of our record order backlog and sustainability of our value-compounding business model, we remain confident in the positive momentum of our business into the future."

UK Defence Journal, February 18, 2025:

BAE Systems has been awarded a five-year, $251 million contract to support the U.S. Navy’s AEGIS Combat System, according to a press release.

The contract will provide the AEGIS Technical Representative (AEGIS TECHREP) organisation with essential systems engineering, test and evaluation, logistics, system acquisitions, and cybersecurity services.

Awarded in November 2024, the contract will see BAE Systems deliver critical technical expertise to configure complex combat systems not only for the U.S. Navy but also for the Missile Defense Agency and the Foreign Military Sales programme.

The services are aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of AEGIS-equipped surface ships across the fleet, say BAE.

Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems’ Integrated Defense Solutions business, Lisa Hand, stated, “For more than 40 years, BAE Systems personnel have collaborated closely with Sailors and civilians to enhance and modernise the fleet of AEGIS-equipped surface ships. Our team possesses extensive expertise in AEGIS and Ship Self-Defense Combat Systems, combined with the agility, innovation, and technical skills necessary to provide the U.S. Navy with the safe and effective combat capabilities required to achieve its mission goals.”

In addition to traditional services, BAE Systems has contributed to accelerating the Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems’ digital transformation strategy.

The company has developed and deployed advanced digital analytic tools that provide near real-time assessments of mission impacts caused by software deficiencies. These insights will enable a sharper focus on investment decisions to advance the Navy’s critical combat capabilities.

The contract will support multiple U.S. Navy sites, including locations in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey; Bath, Maine; and Pascagoula, Mississippi.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-systems-wins-251m-aegis-contract/

The Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is exploring launching private criminal proceedings against NatWest Group over the debanking scandal which resulted in the lender's former chief losing her job.

Sky News has learnt that Mr Farage has instructed Chris Daw KC of Lincoln House Chambers to examine whether there are grounds for bringing a criminal case against the high street banking giant.

The move appears to be deliberately timed to coincide with the publication of NatWest's annual results on Friday morning, which will come just weeks before the government is expected to sell its last-remaining shares in the company, nearly 17 years after its £45.5bn taxpayer bailout.

Mr Farage confirmed to Sky News on Thursday evening that Grosvenor Law, which is acting for him in separate civil proceedings against the bank, had instructed Mr Daw KC to explore a private criminal prosecution, adding: "This is unfinished business."

Dan Morrison, a partner at Grosvenor Law, said in a separate statement: "Mr Farage is concerned about possible criminal issues arising out of the bank's conduct.

"We do not wish to provide further details.

"We have therefore decided to instruct leading criminal counsel."

The debanking furore which claimed the scalp of Dame Alison Rose, NatWest's former chief executive, in the summer of 2023 centred on whether the bank's Coutts subsidiary decided to close Mr Farage's accounts for commercial or political reasons.

https://news.sky.com/story/farage-explores-criminal-claim-over-natwest-debanking-13308718

From IG: Thursday 13 February 2025 11:02

​​​What to expect from NatWest's results:

​Analysts forecast NatWest Group will report a pre-tax profit of £6.1 billion for 2024, slightly below the £6.2 billion recorded in the previous year. The modest decline reflects the impact of easing interest rates on banking sector margins.

​The bank's performance has remained resilient thanks to its structural hedges against interest rate volatility, helping to protect income as rates peaked.

​NatWest's share price has doubled over the past year, with an 10% gain already in 2025, outperforming many peers as investor sentiment towards UK banking stocks improves.

​Market watchers will closely monitor management's guidance on interest rate expectations for 2025, which will shape projections for net interest income - a key revenue driver for retail banks.

Government stake sale implications

​The UK government's plan to divest its remaining stake in NatWest by June 2025 marks a significant milestone in the bank's post-financial crisis journey.

​This planned exit could impact trading volumes and price action in NatWest shares over the coming months as the market absorbs additional supply.

​Investors will look for details on how the stake sale might affect capital distribution plans, including dividends and share buybacks.

​The transition to full private ownership could allow NatWest greater strategic flexibility in its operations and capital allocation decisions.

Net interest income outlook

​With interest rates expected to decline throughout 2025, NatWest's net interest margin (NIM) will be under scrutiny from analysts and investors.

​The bank's structural hedging program has helped protect income from rate volatility, but lower rates will likely pressure margins over time.

​Management commentary on deposit trends and competition in 2025 will be important, as these factors influence funding costs and lending spreads.

​Analysts will assess NatWest's ability to offset potential NIM compression through growth in lending volumes and fee income.

Cost management and efficiency

​Operating costs remain a key focus area as NatWest navigates the changing interest rate environment in 2025.

​The bank's ongoing digital transformation initiatives aim to improve efficiency and reduce the cost-to-income ratio.

​Investors will watch for updates on branch network optimisation and technology investments that could impact future profitability.

​Any guidance on cost targets for 2025 and beyond will be closely monitored by the market.

https://www.ig.com/en/news-and-trade-ideas/_natwest-earnings-preview--interest-rates-and-government-stake-s-250213

Greatland Gold PLC (AIM:GGP, OTC:GRLGF) growth plans find gold prices “very supportive”, notes Berenberg, which has scanned the sector for opportunities.

Analysts at the European bank have run the rule over several London-listed gold stocks, as part of a ‘sensitivity analysis’ in the sector as gold and silver prices have soared - due to continued geopolitical volatility, concerns about global growth rates, and worries over the impact of international trade tariffs.

Gold’s so-called safe haven value against the sharp recent sell-off in the tech sector was another reason cited as being a factor in gold prices running up above $2,900 per ounce (and silver going to $32 an ounce).

Berenberg analyst Richard Hatch highlighted that Greatland shares have “done very well” in the year to date, rising some 38%.

And, he added that marking-to-market sees Berenberg’s estimates lift by some 23%.

Besides the gold price uplift, Greatland is currently navigating its transformation following its deal for the Telfer and Havieron mines, in Australia, which saw what was a small-cap explorer become a fully-fledged and growing gold producer.

Against a backdrop of record-breaking gold prices, Greatland’s transformation is opportunely timed.

Nevertheless, noting the recent share price strength and citing the “technical execution” risks at Havieron mine start-up project, Berenberg currently gives Greatland a ‘hold’ rating and a price target of 9p (current price: c.8.5p).

https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/1066143/greatland-gold-shares-very-well-supported-by-record-breaking-gold-prices-says-broker-1066143.html

I see... thanks.

2,913.79

+26.19

(+0.91%)

Real-time Data

Thanks, MH01.

Good morning... I'll be grateful for the link to the presentation on Monday morning; thanks in advance!

Thank you most kindly, pawgee; much appreciated.

This is NOT a deramp... just another point of view from Simply Wall St, which I'm not at all sure I go along with, especially their Fair Value of 3.2 .

Anyway, just for interest:

New major risk - Share price stability:

The company's share price has been highly volatile over the past 3 months.

It is more volatile than 90% of British stocks, typically moving 11% a week.

This is considered a major risk.

Share price volatility increases the risk of potential losses in the short-term as the stock tends to have larger drops in price more frequently than other stocks.

It may also indicate the stock is highly sensitive to market conditions or economic conditions rather than being sensitive to its own business performance, which may also be inconsistent.

Currently, the following risks have been identified for the company:

Major Risks:

Share price has been highly volatile over the past 3 months (11% average weekly change).

Shareholders have been substantially diluted in the past year (157% increase in shares outstanding).

Revenue is less than US$1m.

UK construction sector shrinks amid economic uncertainty

Newsflash: Britain’s construction sector shrank unexpectedly last month, new data shows, raising concerns over the health of the UK economy.

Data provider S&P Global reports that business activity declined across UK construction in January for the first time since February 2024.

Output fell across housebuilding – despite the Labour government’s pledge to boost home construction – commercial property work and civil engineering.

Firms also reported a renewed fall in their order books, blamed on delayed decision-making by clients and general economic uncertainty.

This pulled the UK construction PMI down to 48.1 in January, down sharply from 53.3 in December, and below the 50-point mark showing stagnation.

This highlights the pressure on the Bank of England to cut interest rates at noon today to support the economy, and make borrowing cheaper.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/feb/06/nissan-honda-merger-bank-of-england-uk-interest-rates-astrazeneca-business-live

Planning rules will be ripped up to make it easier to build new nuclear reactors and create thousands of highly skilled jobs, the government has announced.

The reforms are the latest in a series of proposals designed to "get Britain building" to help grow the economy, after powers for environmental quangos to delay infrastructure projects were removed.

The UK was the first country in the world to develop a nuclear reactor but the last time a power station was built was in 1995.

Ministers have blamed this on "suffocating" red tape, leaving the UK lagging behind in the global race for cleaner more affordable energy.

Under moves announced today, mini-nuclear power stations known as small modular reactors (SMRs) will be included in the national planning guidance, allowing them to be built in the UK for the first time.

SMRs are considered to be cheaper, quicker to manufacture and safer than conventional nuclear power plants, so industry experts see them as having an important role in efforts to decarbonise.

https://news.sky.com/story/starmer-to-slash-red-tape-to-build-nuclear-reactors-13303699