Three key news stories unfolding as the UK stock market opens. Check out our companies reporting diary for upcoming results from FTSE 350 and selected international stocks.
1. Contract extension with major pharma for Aptamer
Slim pickings for news as we move into the quiet fortnight for the London market, but pharma-tech company Aptamer LON:APTA issued an update this morning, advising that it had renewed a contract with a top 5 global pharma partner. As management noted, the milestone not only validates the performance of the Optimer platform but also highlights its potential for broader applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. The structure also allows Aptamer to retain the IP ownership.
- AIM Market Roundup: HSS Hire, Aptamer, EQTEC
- Aptamer launches biomarker discovery service to expand revenue base
2. MicroSalt sees FDA delays drag on sales outlook, optimism for FY26
There’s a H1 trading update from MicroSalt [LON:SALT], the low sodium salt substitute company. The company is now projecting next year’s sales to total $6.7m, but there has been a delay in the pace of FDA approvals which will slow FY25 sales by approximately 20%. Whilst this will be matched by a reduced cash burn in the near term, will that be sufficient to placate investors?
3. £225m disposal at HICL to fund capital returns plan
Infrastructure investors HICL [LON:HICL] issued an interim update this morning accompanying news of a £225m disposal of seven UK PPP assets. The money raised here will be used to fund the previously announced £150m share buyback, pay down a revolving credit facility and meet other existing investment commitments. It brings asset disposals from the last 24 months to £725m.
