Gold and silver price rise boosts AIM
Gold and silver prices reached new highs during January. There has been a retreat in both prices since then but they remain at historically high levels. the latest edition of AIM Journal covers this and some of the AIM companies that are gaining from this.
Gold had risen by 64.6% during 2025 and the rise continued into 2026. The peak closing price was $5,439.84/ ounce on 29 January 2026.
Caledonia Mining Corporation has more than doubled cash generation in the past year. The uncertainty concerning the tax regime in Zimbabwe has also been removed.
The gold price rise is making new projects even more commercially viable. This includes Thor Explorations' Douta project in Senegal.
CURRENT EDITION
THIS MONTH'S TOPICS INCLUDE:
Gold and silver boost AIM miners
Why FTSE AIM UK 50 index is underperforming
GlobalData Main move confirmed
Data analysis and consultancy provider GlobalData has confirmed that it will move to the Main Market on 5 March. Forward bookings are growing.
In 2025, revenues improved 13% tp £322m and like-for-like growth was 1% higher. The EBITDA guidance is £110m, which is slightly below the forecast of Panmure Liberum. The margin was 34% and the company is targeting a figure of 40%.
Share buybacks cost £110m and acquisitions a further £40m, leaving net debt of £110m at the end of 2025.
Panmure Liberum has trimmed its 2026 forecast revenues by 2.5% to £346.2m. The pre-tax profit figure has been cut from £121.9 to £117.4m.
Strategic progress by Nichols
Soft drinks maker Nichols traded in line with expectations in 2025. Nichols is growing internationally as well as in the UK.
The 2025 underlying pre-tax profit is currently expected to be £33.1m. Revenues were 1% ahead at £175m. This in part reflects a change in model in Africa to the sale of concentrate. Like-for-like growth in Africa was 10%. Out of home division revenues were flat due to the exit from the low margin Starslush business.
There was cash of £55.8m at the end of 2025. The company confirmed its progressive dividend policy and the distribution of excess cash to shareholders. Matt Rothwell is joining the board as finance director in April .
